SOMA Living April 2023

become their home in South Orange, they both knew that was “it”. Today, Lauren M. is a Business Strategist for Sotheby’s International Realty® and knows the benefits of living in SOMA well. Wesley (age 8) and Margaret (age 6) attend South Mountain Elementary. Among their favorite activities: visiting the bench in town dedicated to Virginia and William Hildebrand, their great-grandparents, and lifelong Maplewood residents, active Essex County philanthropists, and social justice leaders. Most days, you can find the Laurens out running or exploring SOMA. They are both active members of the SOMA Fox Running Club, and they donate and volunteer as members of the South Mountain Conservancy. The Laurens say their life in SOMA surpassed their wildest dreams, being part of this community and being close to their family, friends, and neighbors. “Friendship is like family to us. Our doors are always open to our friends and family,” Lauren A. said. “I have roots here, but I’ve also got perspective – I’ve lived abroad, I’ve spread my wings, but this has always been home.” So much so, that not only has Lauren A’s younger sister recently moved back with her husband and daughter from the Upper East Side, many of both of their childhood friends have also made SOMA their home. “We like to gently pitch this area to the people we love, but the truth is, it sells itself.”

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