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Montclair

REAL ESTATE

Montclair is one of northern New Jersey’s most distinctive and sought-after communities, known for its vibrant downtown, historic architecture, and easy commute to New York City. Located in New Jersey just west of Manhattan, Montclair real estate attracts buyers looking for character-filled homes, a strong arts culture, and a lively, walkable suburban lifestyle.

The Montclair housing market features a wide variety of architectural styles, including Victorian, Colonial, Tudor, and mid-century homes, along with updated townhouses and newer construction. Residents enjoy a thriving restaurant scene, independent shops, parks, and cultural venues such as the Montclair Art Museum and performances at the Wellmont Theater. The township is also home to the highly regarded Montclair Public Schools and Montclair State University, contributing to the area’s strong sense of community and intellectual energy.

For buyers and sellers searching for homes for sale in Montclair, NJ, the township offers a rare combination of architectural charm, cultural richness, and commuter convenience. With its unique neighborhoods and strong demand, Montclair remains one of the most competitive real estate markets in Essex County.

Montclair Township Demographics

Data provided by the US Census Bureau

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Montclair Commute

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Montclair at a Glance

Many years before the beginning of European settlement, the area we know today as Montclair was part of the homeland of the Lenape Native Americans, who hunted and trapped here and passed over the mountains on their way to gather shellfish at the shore. Such place names as Watchung (“high hills”) and Yantacaw (“place of the wood boundary”) bear witness to their heritage. The story of Montclair as a settled community, however, begins with the founding of Newark by English people from Connecticut in 1666. The lands of the Newark settlement extended westward to First Mountain. Azariah Crane, his wife Mary Treat Crane, and their son Nathaniel, built a home in 1694 near the present intersection of Orange Road and Myrtle Avenue. Other pioneers arrived soon after, and the frontier settlement of Cranetown came into being in what is now the southern part of Montclair. In 1679 Dutch settlers acquired land from the Lenape Indians west of the Passaic River and north of Newark, an arrangement later confirmed by the British government. Early in the 1700’s John Speer, a member of the Dutch community, built a home that stands today on Upper Mountain Avenue just north of the Montclair border. Other Dutch settlers established farms in what is now the northern half of Montclair. This community became known as Speertown. Later Valley Road was laid out, thus providing a link between the two settlements. During the Revolutionary War, First Mountain provided observation points for following the movements of the British to the east. A strong tradition holds that both George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette were in Cranetown briefly in October of 1780. The boulder at the corner of Claremont Avenue and Valley Road marking the site of “Washington’s Headquarters” is one of Montclair’s better-known landmarks. Speertown would remain a rural hamlet well into the 19th century; however, beginning about 1800, several developments led to the transformation of Cranetown into a small commercial center. One development was the opening of a general store by Israel Crane, who received trade from a wide area. In 1806, Crane led a group of businessmen in obtaining a charter from the State for building the NewarkPompton Turnpike. Constructed over the next several years, the turnpike came through Montclair as Bloomfield Avenue and vastly increased the flow of commerce. Israel Crane broke new ground as well in opening a wool mill on Toney’s Brook. Other small industries followed. Also important for the economic development of the area was the completion of the Morris Canal in 1831. Meanwhile, in 1812, the Bloomfield ward of Newark became a separate township, which included the future Montclair. The village of- Cranetown now became known as West Bloomfield and a post office was established under that name. The most decisive event for the emergence of Montclair was the coming of the railroads. In 1856, the Newark and Bloomfield Railroad Company inaugurated regular service to West Bloomfield. By changing trains at Newark and taking a ferry from Hoboken, people could travel from the future Lackawanna Plaza to New York in an hour and twenty minutes. Attracted to the country setting with its panoramic views, people in the cities began riding the train to West Bloomfield, some for Sunday excursions, others for vacations, and still others seeking to make their home here. By 1860 West Bloomfield was becoming a commuter town with its own marked identity and influential residents persuaded the post office to adopt the name Montclair. Dissatisfaction with existing service led to a move to bring a second railroad to town. When Bloomfield authorities declined to authorize a bond issue to underwrite another railroad, Montclair residents were successful in securing from the State legislature a charter for a separate township. Thus in 1868, the Township of Montclair was created. The plan for another railroad went forward and by 1873 the Greenwood Lake line was completed with five stations in Montclair. In time, as many as six-thousand people would commute daily from Montclair via the two railroad lines. Trains also ran on Sunday. The population of the community grew rapidly as New York businessmen and their families began building homes along the mountainside. The new residents sought to create in Montclair a model “country town” with convenient access to the city. Their vision was shared by a notable artist colony that began forming in the 1870’s. A central figure was the landscape painter, George Inness. Able and dedicated community leaders endowed the town with superior schools, an excellent public library, a distinguished art museum and many large and influential churches. By the opening of the 20th century, a richly diverse population characterized the community. A new influx of New Englanders was joined by African-Americans from the South and by Irish, Germans, Italians, Scandinavians and others newly arrived from Europe. Great mansions went up, but so did many modest homes. Between 1880 and 1930, Montclair’s population leaped from 5,147 to 42,017. Talented people continued to be attracted to the community and by the 1930’s more than 130 Montclair residents were listed in each issue of WHO’S WHO IN AMERICA. The period following World War II was marked by tremendous expansion of the metropolitan area. New suburbs popped up in the hinterland along with shopping malls and corporate offices. No longer a country town, Montclair faced the challenge of preserving its character as a gracious residential community while at the same time sustaining its aging commercial centers. Social changes of the 1960’s and 70’s brought further challenges. In 1977 the Board of Education established a system of magnet schools with the aim both of achieving racial balance and of enriching the curriculum. After many years under the commission form of government, the community adopted the manager-council plan. Revenue considerations led to the Town of Montclair returning to the status of Township. Today Montclair is a community of about 39,000 inhabitants. Never content to be merely a “bedroom community,” Montclair is nevertheless a family-centered town. Its heritage in education has been enhanced by its innovative public and private school educational programs and the expanded offerings at Montclair State University. Once again our hillside has become a haven for artists and writers. This is a seasoned community whose many old houses enhance its charm, yet at the dawn of a new century, Montclair remains alive to the spirit of the times. Montclair History, from Montclairnjusa.org
Montclair has a thriving downtown with amazing restaurants, bars, theaters and shops! There’s a reason it’s been referred to as the Brooklyn of New Jersey, and it’s consistently viewed as one of the best downtowns in all of New Jersey.

Academics

An award-winning magnet system with elementary and middle schools identified by the themes global studies, science & technology, creating connections, Montessori, university, STEM, environmental science, and gifted & talented
Academically challenging high school with a diverse curriculum, more than 25 AP classes, small learning communities (the Civics and Government Institute, Center for Social Justice and STEM); and visual art and performance options in the School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA)
Nearly ninety percent of graduates matriculate at post-secondary institutions of higher learning, including at Ivy League universities and dozens at highly competitive schools
Multiple world language offerings, including Spanish, French and Mandarin (K-12), as well as German, Italian, Latin (high school); Montclair High School language students typically earn top honors in competitions and on national exams
Sixty percent of the district’s instructional staff hold advanced degrees in teaching and/or their subject area
STEM education offered in all schools including the use of 3D printers

Extracurricular

MHS offers more than 100 clubs, including community service, salsa dancing, bridge, Ultimate Frisbee, robotics, and literary magazine
SVPA stages three productions per year, including Showcase, a student-run production, and the spring musical (e.g. “In the Heights,” 2014)
Euro Challenge, Fed Challenge, Model UN, and Model Congress teams typically achieve top finishes in national competitions
Mock Trial team consistently competes at regional, state, and national levels
Math League team ranked in the top 20 of New Jersey high schools; in 2015 the team had best season, finishing first in the State

Athletics

The district supports more than 30 varsity sports. In December 2017, the MHS Mounties football team won the North 1, Group 5 state championship, finishing the season undefeated. Earlier in the year, men’s and women’s crew became the first public school teams to win Garden State Scholastic Championship varsity titles
In 2015-16, athletes earned State-level titles in Field Hockey, Girls’ Soccer, Fencing, and Swimming; County Titles in Girls’ Soccer, Cross Country, Golf; and conference/division titles in Cross Country, Girls’ Soccer, Bowling (girls), and Ice Hockey. Additionally, several coaches were awarded coach of the year honors at the conference and county levels. Typically a dozen or more athletes are recruited annually to Division 1 and 3 colleges and universities

District

Glenfield, Hillside and Montclair High School named Model Schools for the Arts by the New Jersey Arts Education Partnership
Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE), the district’s local education fund, annually awards over $200 thousand to the Montclair Public Schools through: teacher-initiated classroom grants, social and emotional learning projects, professional development experiences, and district-wide initiatives. Recent innovative projects include non-traditional seating options and focus tools to improve student learning in the elementary schools, hands-on science equipment for all three middle schools, and a state-of-the-art Media Center at MHS
NJ Monthly ranks MHS in the top 100 of public high schools. Newsweekrecognition as one of the top 1,000 schools in the nation. US Department of Education distinction as one of six exemplary magnet school programs in the nation
Charles H. Bullock and Edgemont Schools recognized for achieving the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification

School Feeder Pattern

Nishuane (K-2) to Hillside (3-5); Edgemont and Hillside to Glenfield; Bullock to Renaissance; Bradford, Northeast and Watchung to Buzz Aldrin; all three middle schools to the High School

Montclair Public Schools Magnet System

There are 11 schools in the Montclair Public School System: seven elementary schools, three middle schools and one comprehensive high school.

In Montclair, children do not necessarily attend the school closest to their homes. The Board of Education has developed specialized programs in each of the schools and believes children are best served by a program that most closely supports their individual learning styles. Although the basic curriculum is the same, each school offers special programs consistent with its own magnet theme.

It is important to understand that learning styles are not related to intelligence. Many able learners work most productively within a well-ordered schedule. Others do well with greater direction from the teachers. Educational research suggests children learn best when they have a peaked interest in their learning. A different specialized program has been established at each school. All schools follow the same basic curriculum, but each offers a different structure or special activities related to its own special theme.

All of our schools are outstanding. There is no one school, nor one organization, that is best for all children. Rather, it is a matter of what program is best for the child. The decision is made with input from the parents with the assistance of the Montclair Public Schools staff.

As a public school, we are required to incorporate the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics and the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards in all other content areas as established by the New Jersey Department of Education. In addition to the state required academic areas, students have access to computer technology at all 11 schools. At the middle and high school levels, students have the option of enrolling in a variety of elective courses in addition to those indicated above. Additionally, at the high school level, students can participate in small learning communities or traditional high school programs.

Nestled in Essex County, Montclair is located just 12 miles outside of Manhattan. This walkable suburb is home to Montclair State University, the Presby Iris Gardens, and the Montclair Art Museum, as well as 18 public parks and two nature preserves. From the Upper Montclair shopping area to the Church Street storefronts in Montclair Center, the town’s eclectic restaurants and kid-friendly activities make it a fun day trip for families in Northern New Jersey.

The Montclair Museum of Art has a fantastic variety of programs and activities for children. Photo courtesy of MAM

Montclair Art Museum

Currently exhibiting Inspired by Matisse: Selected Works From the Collection, Montclair Art Museum (better known as MAM) hosts a variety of family programs throughout the year. At monthly Park Bench events, kids can tour the museum, hear stories, work on art projects, and nosh on refreshments. There are also Sunday studio drop-ins, Thursday drop-ins for teens, and monthly Home School Days and Family Art Adventures. At MAM’s Family Learning Lab, located on the third floor, visitors are invited to experience and learn about exhibitions through hands-on art activities and creative-thinking projects. Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, noon – 5pm.

The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are a beautiful sight in spring. Photo courtesy of the Gardens

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

Each spring, flower lovers assemble in Montclair’s Presby Memorial Iris Gardens for a peek at the annual bloom. With more than 3,000 irises dotting the landscape, the grounds are an ideal place for a peaceful day among local artists and photographers. This Essex County park also offers family-friendly off-season events, including the pumpkin-themed Gardens Aglow and summer movie screenings. The gardens are open from dawn to dusk during bloom season, typically mid-May through the first week of June.

RELATED: 40 Fun Things To Do in Hoboken with Kids

Sports fans will be thrilled to view the amazing collection of baseball memorabilia at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center. Photo courtesy of the museum

Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center

Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center, located on the Montclair State University campus, has become a popular destination for sports fans and educators. Offering a mixture of baseball memorabilia and a look at Yogi’s extraordinary life values, this isn’t your typical sports museum. The YBMLC has created programs that foster literacy, integrity, social justice, sportsmanship, and dedication in all aspects of life. Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, noon – 5pm.

New Jersey Jackals

During baseball season, catch a minor league New Jersey Jackals game at Yogi Berra Stadium, located next door to the museum. The stadium is very family-friendly. Kids can high-five team mascot Jack the Jackal as he walks around, and after certain games, they can also run the bases and see a fireworks show. There’s a Kids Zone with a bounce house and pitching games, and a grassy field behind the outfield where antsy little ones can run around and try to catch home runs.

The Wellmont Theatre

Located in Montclair Center, just off Bloomfield Avenue, The Wellmont underwent renovations in 2008. This historic theater, originally opened in 1922, now hosts popular music and comedy shows. Though most acts are more appropriate for teens, there are occasional kid-friendly performances, too.

Montclair Public Library

The library hosts various events for families, including family storytimes and pajama storytimes. Special events include occasional author visits, movies, and seasonal crafts.

Montclair Farmers’ Market

Set up next to the Walnut Street train station, the Montclair Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 8am to 2pm from roughly June to November. This social marketplace is home to dozens of food and drink artisans, including Shore Catch, Tassot Apiaries, and Ventimiglia Vineyard. Check out the locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh cheese, and pickle bar.

Montclair Fine Arts

Montclair is home to several fine-art galleries, and most are free and open to the public. While strolling around town, take a moment to visit BrassWorks on Grove, Gallery 51, Gallery Loupe, 73 See Gallery, and Studio Montclair’s Block Gallery. Call ahead for hours of operation.

Montclair Film Festival

Created to nurture and showcase the talents of filmmakers from around the world, the Montclair Film Festival has been a hit with the community since its inception in 2012. It continues to offer first-rate screenings and symposiums during its signature annual event each April/May. The organization also holds programs throughout the year, including screenings at its own 505 Cinema. For older kids, there are Slam My Story! live storytelling performances for high schoolers, an Emerging Filmmaker Competition for 6th to 12th graders, and a 505 Films + Friends Club for teens.

Montclair Historical Society

The Montclair Historical Society oversees the Crane House and Historic YWCA, Nathaniel Crane House, Clark House and Library, and Charles Schultz House. These historic buildings are open for public tours and other special events throughout the year. Kids will enjoy family programs that include crafts, scavenger hunts, and even lessons on how to cook over a hearth. Call ahead for times and tour information.

Montclair Parks & Recreation

Montclair has more than 175 acres of open space. With close to 20 public parks, the town offers something for everyone. Highlights include Brookdale’s large dog park, playground, and many sports facilities; Edgemont’s playground and weather-permitting ice skating pond; and hiking trails with scenic New York City views from Eagle Rock Reservation, which lies on the Montclair-Verona-West Orange border. Many of these public spaces host seasonal events, including a Fourth of July Parade, summer movies and concerts, and the popular Montclair Jazz Festival in August. For a complete listing of parks and services, visit the Essex County Parks System website.

Ice skating at Clary Anderson Arena and Floyd Hall Arena

When it’s too warm to skate at Edgemont Park, head indoors to either Clary Anderson Arena or Floyd Hall Arena. Both facilities have a snack bar, skate rentals, and lockers. Floyd Hall, on the campus of Montclair State University, is larger, with two rinks; Clary Anderson has one rink. Call to check the schedules for weekly public sessions.

RELATED: The Best Museums for Kids in Northern New Jersey

Take advantage of the programs and activities for kids at Van Vleck House and Gardens. Photo courtesy of the gardens

Van Vleck House and Gardens

This once-private villa is now open to the public year-round. It’s free to roam the almost six acres of landscaped gardens. Take an afternoon to explore the property’s natural beauty, and enjoy something new with every season. The estate also offers outdoor adventures and gardening programs for kids. In addition, there are guided family hikes, programs about butterflies and birds, an ongoing concert series, and other special events.

East Side Mags

The world of comics can be a little daunting, but you don’t have to be up on the latest anime to enjoy East Side Mags. Introduce your kids to comic books with their favorite super heroes such as Spider-Man, or silly heroes like Daffy Duck and Scooby-Doo. If you need some guidance, a helpful staff member can point you in the right direction. Pokemon and other trading cards are also available, as are comic-themed toys.

Just Kidding Around

This New Jersey outpost of the flagship Kidding Around store in New York City sells toys that are a step up from those at your run-of-the-mill chains. You’ll find wooden toys, musical instruments, marble runs, craft kits, board games, plush items, creative play sets, outdoor toys, books, and more. Fun backpacks, jewelry, umbrellas, and other accessories that kids love are also available. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful if you’re searching for the ideal gift.

Doin’ Dishes

Get creative with some pottery painting. Choose your piece from an array of more than 150 pre-crafted ceramic items—from jars and decorative objects to cups and dishes—then select a paint palette. Use various-sized brushes, sponges, stencils, and stamps to decorate your work. If you’re a day-tripper, be advised that it takes one week for the shop to glaze and fire your work before the final product is ready for pickup.

Grab an ice cream with friends at Applegate Farm. Photo courtesy of Applegate Farm

Eats and Treats

Kid-friendly dining is easy to come by in Montclair. Bareburger (burgers), Tinga (Mexican), and Ah’ Pizz (pizza) cover the basics. Head to Raymond’s for accessible bistro fare in a lively environment, and while you’re there, grab a hot chocolate that’s topped off with a giant homemade marshmallow. For a quick and healthy snack, stop in to Playa Bowls, which makes smoothies and smoothie bowls topped with granola, fruit, and even Nutella.

If you want to skip right to dessert, head to Applegate Farm, which sells its ice cream from a bright-red roadside barn. Pick up some handcrafted chocolate or other candy at Chocolate Works, where you can also sign up for a chocolate-making workshop. And doughnuts aren’t just for breakfast at Montclair Bread Co.; check out the shop’s inventive recipes any time of day.

Originally published 2012; updated January 2018. From mommypoppins.com

Getting to Montclair (and then getting from Montclair to New York City, Hoboken, or the Airport, is easy and convenient. Montclair has an incredible 6 train stations, and trains take about 45 minutes to get to New York City/ Penn Station. There are other bus options, as well as quick access to major highways that are a short drive to Newark International Airport, one of the largest airports in the country, and to Hoboken, Jersey City & Manhattan!

By Bus
DeCamp #33 [New York to West Caldwell] stops at Bloomfield Avenue at Gates Avenue.

DeCamp #66 [New York to West Orange] stops at Park Street near Bloomfield Avenue.

DeCamp Bus
101 Greenwood Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: 800-631-1281
For schedules and routes visit: www.decamp.com

New Jersey Transit — New Jersey Transit Bus schedules

By Train

New Jersey Transit Montclair-Boonton Line — see schedule. Montclair has six train stations.

Bay Street Station
Walnut Street Station
Watchung Avenue
Upper Montclair
Mountain Avenue
Montclair Heights

By Car

From Rt. 280 East and West:
Exit 8B Prospect Ave./Cedar Grove (Rt. 557 north) toward Montclair.

Go straight to the intersection of Bloomfield Avenue – approximately 2 miles (Exxon Station will be on your left)

Turn right onto Bloomfield Ave.

Go approximately 2.5 miles on Bloomfield Avenue to Montclair Center.

Turn right onto North Fullerton Avenue then turn left onto Claremont Avenue and the Municipal Building will be immediately on your right at 205 Claremont Avenue.

From Rt. 3:

Proceed on Route 3 West to Grove Street exit.

Turn left on Grove Street toward Montclair.

Follow Grove Street for 2 miles and turn right on Watchung Avenue.

Follow for 1 mile and turn left on Park Street.

Follow Park Street to Claremont Avenue.

Turn left onto Claremont Avenue.

The Municipal Building will be on your left at 205 Claremont Avenue.

From the Garden State Parkway North:

Garden State Parkway Southbound to Exit 148 (Bloomfield), head west on Bloomfield Avenue.

Go approximately 2.5 miles to Montclair Center.

Turn right onto North Fullerton Avenue then turn left onto Claremont Avenue and the Municipal Building will be immediately on your right at 205 Claremont Avenue.

From the Garden State Parkway South:

Garden State Parkway Northbound To Exit 148 (Bloomfield Avenue- Bloomfield/Montclair).

Follow exit ramp to traffic light.

Proceed straight through traffic light. Be sure to stay in the left-most lane and follow “u-turn”

Proceed to first traffic light and make right turn onto Bloomfield Avenue.

Go approximately 2.5 miles on Bloomfield Avenue to Montclair Center.

Turn right onto North Fullerton Avenue then turn left onto Claremont Avenue and the Municipal Building will be immediately on your right at 205 Claremont Avenue.

Visitor Parking

Single Use Parking Permit
Overnight visitors/guests/friends/family of Montclair residents who display this permit may park in a municipal parking lot marked ”Permit Parking Only” or in front of the resident’s home until 8:00 a.m. the following morning. The single-use visitor parking permits may be purchased online and printed at home at a daily rate of $5.

The single-use parking permit may not be used on County roads.

PURCHASE SINGLE-USE PARKING PERMIT

Visitors to Montclair, please use the Interactive Parking Map for parking deck, lot and meter locations.

Park Mobile app logoParkmobile Pay-by-Phone parking: us.parkmobile.com
Look for the Parkmobile sign or sticker.
Once registered, use the Parkmobile app to enter in the zone number listed on the sign to start a parking session.
You can opt-in to receive a notification 15 minutes before your parking session is set to expire.

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