There’s a reason people flock to Montclair. With rich community amenities and proximity to New York, Montclair, New Jersey—in the heart of Essex County—offers a vibrant blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. Known for its diverse community, rich culture, thriving arts scene, outstanding culinary offerings, and dynamic transportation options, Montclair attracts residents looking for a unique place to call home. Here, you can discover why Montclair is an ideal location for families, young professionals, and artists alike—and why it has been for many decades.
Overview of Montclair, NJ
Founded as a township in the 1860s as railroad lines stretched from New York into New Jersey, Montclair attracted a diverse population in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Between 1880 and 1930, the population ballooned from 5,000 to roughly 42,000 residents (today’s population is 41,000), and the community continued to evolve in the years after World War II—attracting many artists and city-bound professionals along the way.
Just east of the First Watchung Mountain, Montclair offers tremendous views of the New York Skyline 15 miles east, and true to its founding Montclair is still home to a bevy of transportation options—including six railroad stations that residents use to access New York. The township is now home to a large creative arts community, including artists, writers, and members of the national media.
Neighborhoods
There are 12 established neighborhoods in Montclair, all of which feature pre-World War II architecture, new builds, tree-lined streets and highly sought-after real estate. Church Street is a walkable neighborhood home to shops, restaurants, and other amenities; Frog Hollow is among the most historic neighborhoods in the township; Upper Montclair features retail stores, parks, and many historic houses, while other neighborhoods including Yantacaw, Watchung Plaza, the Walnut Grove District, and the Estate Section include a bevy of attractive real estate opportunities.
Park Space and Recreation
Montclair residents enjoy nearly 200 acres of park space, including 20 miles of nature trails, a bird sanctuary above Mountainside Park, as well as athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, and public pools. Additionally, each neighborhood in Montclair has its own park, providing green space, scenery and playgrounds for residents. For instance, Anderson Park and Edgemont Parks are both about 15 acres and contain areas for dog walking, frisbee playing, and picnicking. The 121-acre Brookdale Park, the third largest in Essex County, contains a segment of the Lenape Trail which connects 18 parks and 11 municipalities throughout the county.
Montclair is an ideal place for prospective residents who want to engage with the natural world as well as the flora and fauna that populate northern New Jersey. In addition to the hundreds of acres of park space right in town, Montclair skirts the Eagle Rock Reservation, a 400-acre tract of wooded land that includes many miles of trails for running, walking, and hiking with some of the best views of the New York City skyline. The community also offers dozens of recreational opportunities for children and adults alike to stay active, whether it’s in the form of sports like flag football, fencing, and volleyball, or adult and senior programs like softball, tennis, and basketball.
Public Transportation Options
Public transportation is a primary reason Montclair has remained such a popular place to live for more than a century. Since its founding, the township’s residents have had unbridled access to nearby communities and cities, including Newark, New York, and even Philadelphia. New Jersey Transit operates several train and bus lines in Montclair—a major asset for those who commute to and from New York City for work.
With six train stations in town, all of which lie along the Montclair Boonton rail line, residents of Montclair can reach New York in well under an hour regardless of the neighborhood in which they live. Moreover, residents can rely on the local bus system all throughout town, too, meaning car ownership is not a requirement for those who call Montclair home. With monthly fare packages beginning at $67 a month, residents have a bevy of options to get around town and enjoy a pain-free commute.
Schools in Montclair, New Jersey
Families have a variety of educational opportunities for their children, including a highly-rated public school system and several private institutions. Montclair Public Schools uses an award-winning magnet system, meaning kids won’t necessarily attend the school closest to where they live. Rather, they are integrated into programs that best support their learning styles and expose them to more diverse classrooms.
In addition to the 11 public schools, there are also eight private schools in town—including Montclair Kimberley Academy, Fusion Academy, and Immaculate Conception High School. Each of these schools offer a variety of clubs, team sports, and other community enrichment programs. The public school system alone offers more than 100 extracurricular opportunities.
The community is also home to Montclair State University, the second largest public university in New Jersey. With more than 22,000 students, it serves as a dynamic hub of research, industry, and culture.
The Montclair Housing Market
The real estate market in Montclair is booming. In fact, in early 2024, the township ranked as the fourth-hottest market in the entire country. With its proximity to New York and myriad community amenities, buying in Montclair marks a prudent investment for the future. While the market is in high-demand, inventory has actually grown over the past year—meaning there are a variety of homes available, from one bedroom apartments to single-family homes as well as many luxury options. For those looking to escape the city and invest in a thriving, diverse community, Montclair is a dynamic family-friendly option with quick access to urban amenities.
Local Restaurants and Shops
Montclair is home to an exceptional culinary scene. In fact, it’s one of the best foodie experiences you can have outside of New York City. Whether you’re looking for international cuisine, artisan bakeries, upscale dining, or something casual, the township boasts delightful offerings. Among the favorites is Faubourg on Bloomfield Avenue, a modern French establishment and the brainchild of two globally-renowned chefs. Or for those looking for a more laid back experience, check out Raymond’s on Church Street, a reimagined diner that has been serving Montclair for 35 years and counting.
For those looking to hit the shops, Montclair is divided into six business districts with a myriad of boutiques, galleries, and walkable areas. For instance, in Watchung Plaza you’ll find one of the best indie bookstores in the region, while the Walnut Grove District features several small galleries and Montclair Center houses the Montclair Art Museum, one of the community’s most celebrated institutions. The South End, too, features charming businesses as well as the MLK Peace Garden, which was unveiled in 2009.
Accessible Healthcare Facilities
Thanks to three nearby medical centers and a variety of other healthcare resources, residents of Montclair don’t have to leave their community to find quality care. The Mountainside Hospital dates back to the 1890s and has won numerous awards over the years for its work in cardiac care, diabetes, and other services.
Cultural and Arts Scene
From the world-class Montclair Art Museum to dynamic nonprofit Studio Montclair, creativity can be found all throughout the township. In fact, the Montclair master plan requires art to be incorporated in all new developments in some way—which is why so many galleries have been built into spaces throughout town. Music and film, too, are core values for the community. Each October, the Montclair Film Festival brings the community together around cinema, while the Montclair Jazz Festival is the township’s largest single-day event each year.
Access to Nature and Recreation
Montclair is an ideal place for prospective residents who want to engage with the natural world as well as the flora and fauna that populate northern New Jersey. In addition to the hundreds of acres of park space right in town, Montclair skirts the Eagle Rock Reservation, a 400-acre tract of wooded land that includes many miles of trails for running, walking, and hiking with some of the best views of the New York City skyline. The community offers dozens of opportunities for children and adults alike to stay active, whether it’s in the form of sports like flag football, fencing, and volleyball, or adult and senior programs like softball, tennis, and basketball.
So, Why Choose Montclair, NJ?
Living in Montclair offers an exceptional quality of life enriched by community spirit, cultural vibrancy, and phenomenal amenities. Whether you’re a nature lover or you’re looking to connect with the creative arts community, Montclair has something for all residents to engage in.
Moreover, with its diverse neighborhoods and strong educational system, it’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a place to live with close proximity to world-class arts, entertainment, dining, and urban amenities. If you are considering a move to Montclair or want more information, speak with a Local Expert Strategist today!
