New Jersey Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Township of Montclair, New Jersey

Population: 38,977

Located in Essex County

Montclair, New Jersey

Montclair is a quaint community on a large scale, just 12 miles west of Manhattan. Within its 6.2 square mile area, you will find approximately 40,000 residents, proud of its unique heritage, its tremendous creative energy and numerous cultural programs. Its charming shopping areas, many with the faintly European flavor of a Tudor era English village, feature restaurants serving everything from tacos to sushi to fois gras. At ten public parks, residents scan enjoy activities as varied as jogging, archery or watching summer opera under the starts. Three public swimming pools, and indoor ice-skating rink, as well as twenty-on public tennis courts are also available.

Most of Montclair's homes are Colonial, Tudor or Victorian in style and many are one-of-a-kind examples by the top architects of the era. There are numerous garden apartment condo conversions and several mid-rise complexes. A fair number of multi-family homes can be found, but virtually no new construction.

One of the most appealing aspects of Montclair is its unique "Magnet" school system. There are a total of eleven schools in the Montclair School System consisting of seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. In Montclair, children do not necessarily attend the school closest to their home. Each of the elementary and middle schools has specialized programs designed to closely support the individual learning style of each student. Children may attend any school their parents choose as long as space is available. Bus transportation is provided for some students.

Nearby Route 3 or the Garden State Parkway, provide access to the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln or Holland Tunnels and Newark Airport. DeCamp buses operate daily to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan with a commuting time of approximately 45 minutes. New Jersey Transit trains provide weekday service to mid-town Manhattan or to Hoboken with connecting PATH service. There is currently a waiting list for parking permits at all six stations, but additional parking is under construction. A town operated jitney service provides most residents south of Bloomfield Avenue with access to the Bay Street train station during rush hours.

Montclair has a full-time police and fire department and a volunteer rescue squad. In addition to the superb main public library, Montclair also has a nicely equipped branch library. Mountainside Hospital is located in Montclair/Glen Ridge.