Montclair A Town with Something for Everyone

BY ERIN McFEETERS

Perched on the East slope of the Watchung Mountain, just under 16 miles from Times Square, New York City, Montclair has the best of what New Jersey has to offer—historic communities, diversity, a walkable downtown, convenient access to public transportation, a rich arts scene, and so much more.

“Montclair is a kaleidoscope of nationalities and ethnicities that have contributed to the development of the multicultural community that we experience here in Montclair today,” said Montclair History Center Executive Director Angela Diggs. “When looking at Montclair over the last 150+ years we see the shifts and changes of people into this community.”

According to Diggs, the Montclair area was inhabited by Lenni Lenape until the English and Dutch settled in the 1700s. Migration waves continued in the 1800s, and brought many Irish and Swedish families. The establishment of trains for cross-country travel shaped the town even further as many looked to Montclair for more opportunities for their families to prosper.

The township’s diversity and culture are prevalent amongst its restaurants, which feature fare from Italian to Brazilian, and events such as the Montclair Film Festival, Montclair Jazz Festival, the African American Heritage Parade and Festival, and more.

While Montclair’s ties to art cultivate a unique community feel amongst its nearly 40,000 residents, according to Diggs, Montclair always has something to offer for everyone. Whether it’s seeing a new exhibit at the Montclair Art Museum, attending a Winter Wonderland Open House at the Montclair History Center, or buying tickets for an upcoming show at the

Wellmont Theater, there’s always something to do.

“People take pride in contributing to a community where everyone has a place to belong and bring something to the table,” said Diggs. “Montclair’s history speaks to an ever-changing community, and we are seeing that again today, but at the core of it is that Montclair has something special to offer whether to its longtime residents or the newcomers it’s a space to set down your roots.”

Walking distance from downtown, The Van Vleck House & Gardens was formerly the private estate of the Van Vleck Family and today houses the Montclair Foundation, which provides grants to local charities to support health, educational, cultural, and quality of life needs in the Montclair community.

The garden grounds are free to visit and filled with plants and flowers blooming throughout the year, making each visit a unique experience. Visit their Facebook page for a weekly update on what’s blooming. Throughout the year, they also provide nature and wellness classes to adults and children in the community, host educational events for families to enjoy, and even hold plant sale fundraisers well-known to the area.

According to Eileen Lundberg, Communications Manager at the Van Vleck House & Gardens, in addition to groups gathering at the garden’s community events, Montclair is home to countless smaller community groups for residents to connect and get involved.

“Neighbors really know their neighbors and look out for each other. Many streets have annual block parties or text groups to stay in touch. People with similar passions like writing, music, art, or sports tend to find each other and build communities,” said Lundberg. “Being involved in the Montclair school PTAs was a great way for me to meet other families when my kids were younger, even though I commuted to work in Manhattan. My neighbors and friends here have been so wonderful I really can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

For clients looking to move out of the city or looking for a more walkable community with restaurants and places to explore easily in reach, Montclair might just be the place.

“As most of the homes in Montclair were built in the earlier part of last century, there is even a very helpful Facebook group for ‘clueless homeowners’ looking for advice and resources,” said Lundberg. “Montclair Public Library is a true community resource and treasure trove for residents. Depending on a newcomer’s interests, there are plenty of wonderful organizations for volunteers to get involved and meet new people.”

“The Montclair real estate market is dynamic and impressive with extremely competitive market conditions, often resulting in multiple bid scenarios,” said Wright.

For clients searching in the townhouse-condo market segment, the median sales price is $317,000 year-to-date, with 20 new listings year-to-date.

According to New Jersey Realtors® August 2023 housing market data reports, single family homes in Montclair are on the market for just 20 days yearto-date. Like much of the state, inventory is down, with 219 single family home new listings year-to-date, and sales prices are up, with the single family median sales price clocking in at $1,385,000.

“Montclair has become one of the hottest suburbs outside NYC, striking the perfect balance of city and suburb. It’s famous for attracting creatives, athletes, celebrities, and titans of industry,” said Realtor®, Broker Associate, and Founder of The Wright Group at Christie’s Montclair Curtis J. Wright.

While single family home prices in Montclair are higher than the state median, demand remains prevalent, with homes receiving 123.8% of the list price.

With a quick commute to New York City, and new projects on the horizon in the next five years, Wright predicts Montclair will continue to grow in popularity amongst home searchers.

“We see Montclair continuing to blossom into one of the most desirable towns not only in the Garden State but the entire country. We’ve helped clients make cross-country moves and overseas buyers find homes they love,” said Wright. “Montclair is a welcoming community to live, work, dine, and play in such close proximity to New York City. There are lots of developments in the works that will continue to expand the town’s reach, and of course, Montclair State University also brings a vibrant energy with college students in town.”