Welcome to Montclair
A culture-rich community with architectural grace
Just west of Hoboken and Manhattan, lies Montclair, a vibrant, cultured community with multiple business districts connecting the many picturesque Montclair neighborhoods. Known for its beautiful architecture, Montclair is also home to multiple historic districts and equally beautiful real estate. Spacious homes are situated on large lots allowing for privacy and room to grow.
Montclair was first formed as a township in 1886 but was first inhabited by the Lenape Indians and later the colonial settlers 200 years prior. The nearby First Mountain was an important observation point during the Revolutionary War, and several other important historic sites about town. Today, Montclair is a mid-sized town of around 37,000 residents. A conveniently situated community for residents commuting to jobs in Manhattan, Montclair also boasts vibrant entertainment options, a lively arts and culture scene, parks, and plenty of NYC-worthy shopping options.
What to Love
- Homes situated on spacious lots allow for privacy and space to grow
- Beautiful architecture and a picturesque downtown districts
- Lively cultural scene and several locally hosted fairs and festivals
- Excellent public transportation options to get around New Jersey and into Manhattan
- Extensive Park System and a wide variety of wildlife refuges and reservations.
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Montclair
Transportation
Montclair residents commute to work in Manhattan when they aren’t working from home. There are 6 convenient NJ Transit Line train stations that bring you directly into Penn Station to make commutes into the city simple. Boxcar is a private bus service offering “business class” transportation into NYC with multiple stops in the city from midtown west to the Upper East Side. Effective September 2, NJ TRANSIT the former West Essex/West Hudson will now have their own bus routes to and from Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT)
Lifestyle, Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Days out of the office are enjoyed exploring the parks, eating out or shopping the many locally owned boutiques. A colorful cultural scene consists of art galleries,music, film, design and literary festivals, as well as the local historic center. Endless outdoor activities can be enjoyed in one of the several local parks and nature reserves, gardens, or at the local golf, swim and tennis clubs.
Montclair is home to several casual and upscale dining options, perfect for all occasions. The Corner is a cozy, cafe serving caribbean inspired breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Avocado toast, baked eggs, fresh berry pancakes, and loaded salmon toast are just a few menu items. Red Eye Cafe is popular for weekend brunches and weekday lunch, the affectionately named green eggs and ham is a winner among locals. Brunch at Watchung Plaza’s Bluestone is a must.
Le Salbeun Cafe is a go-to option with a healthy offering of vegan dishes served on their back patio, or in their European-inspired dining room. Cosmopolitan new-American creations are found nearby at Faubourg or Laboratorio. The latter with a seasonal menu inspired by ingredients of the surrounding region features mushroom risotto, creamy roasted chicken, and tres leches cake, arguably the best way to finish off any meal.
Montclair boasts too many boutiques to list but Ampersand, Rabbit Rabbit and Curated Home & Living are particular favorite among residents where elevated home basics to furniture and design services can be found. Le Willow is a charming boutique that offers apparel options for all occasions. Just around the corner, Monty is a one-stop-shop for women’s apparel encompassing all of life’s occasions. Gifts, decor, work-from-home basics are a few of the unique treasures to be found here. And Dot Reeder always carries tried & true NYC designers like Rachel Comey, No. 6, and Nili Lotan.
To work off these delicious treats, locals frequent the Montclair Beach Club, The Montclair Golf Club or Bradford Bath and Tennis Club. Montclair Golf Club offers an aquatic facility, tennis and pickleball courts, on-site dining, and several social activities throughout the year. At the Bradford Bath and Tennis Club has more of an emphasis on swim and racquetball sports with an adults-only pool.
Things To Do
Montclair boasts a lively cultural scene and frequently hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. The Montclair Jazz Festival, the Garden State’s favorite jazz celebration, has been a summertime favorite for over a decade. Held in the springtime, the Montclair Film Festival is another highly anticipated artistic celebration paying tribute to national and local talent with notable hollywood attendees. Outdoor sites like Presby Gardens and Mills and Eagle Rock Reserves are other favorite destinations to enjoy mother nature. Take advntage of seasonal farm produce at the local farmers’ market at Walnut Street Station and on weekend evenings there is live blues and BBQ at Ruthie’s.
Schools
Montclair’s top-rated public schools operate on a Magnet system and there are a wide range of after-school classes provided by the large variety of cultural organizations that make Montclair their home.
Private school options include:
- Montclair Kimberley Academy, prekindergarten-12th grade; a well-articulated curriculum is one of the best in the state, consists of three separate campuses, and teaches modern and accelerated courses for children of the 21st century
- Montclair Cooperative School, early ages-8th grade; first established in 1963, this multifaceted school encourages diverse learning styles, creativity, and readiness for upper educational levels
- Seton Hall Prep (Boys)
- Kent Place School, kindergarten-12th grade; this private all-girls school has been named as the best all-girls school in New Jersey, the third-best overall private school, and fourth-best private college preparatory school by Niche.com
- Newark Academy, grades 6-12; Newark Academy offers the International Baccalaureate program, several honors courses, advanced placement programs, and dozens of extracurricular options
