Tandem Real Estate Group - South Orange New Jersey Real Estate

Montclair

Our Town

The New York Times said it best: Montclair, New Jersey, is “the least suburban of suburbs.” With three downtowns—each with its own NJ Transit stop—there’s always a buzzy new restaurant or event to check out. Bloomfield Avenue is the main thoroughfare, a bustling stretch of both well-known retailers (think: Anthropologie and Sweetgreen) and local haunts, while Grove and Valley Streets are quieter secondary town centers. Montclair’s residential neighborhoods have that quintessential small town charm, where every house is unique. In fact, the area’s architecture spans almost every era, from grand Gothic Revivals to sleek contemporary gems.

Quick Stats

  • Total Land Area: 16.3 Sq Miles
  • Approximate Population: 40,949 (2020 Census)
  • Distance to NYC: 12 miles

 

Where to Eat in Montclair, New Jersey

  • When it’s a special occasion: Faubourg. An open kitchen, spacious leather booths, a mezzanine cocktail lounge—this buzzy French brasserie has good vibes to spare. The coq au vin with späetzle is a must-order. 
  • When it’s Sunday brunch: Tucked away on Grove Street, The Corner serves up elevated takes on the classics (think: pancakes with poached apricots). The space is tiny, though, so expect a wait, especially on weekends.
  • When you’re missing the city: Pasta Ramen. This tiny spot checks all the boxes of a good downtown Manhattan restaurant: good tunes, moody lighting, and a conversation-starting concept: Japanese-Italian.
  • When you need a caffeine boost: Paper Plane Coffee Co. There’s nothing typical about this corner coffee shop, from the airplane seats to the drinks menu, which includes espresso concoctions like a hot toddy with spiced honey and a ginger soda with lime.
  • When the kids are in tow: Pineapple Express Barbecue. This historic train terminal–turned–beer hall is a youngster haven thanks to its casual counter service, but the championship-winning smoked meats and creative cocktails are adult-approved. 

Insider Tip: Being a bleed-blue Montclairian, I have to mention the de facto town social hub, Hot Bagels Abroad on Valley Road. Here you’ll not only get truly the most phenomenal bagel your tastebuds will ever come in contact with, but you’ll quickly come to find the staff feel like family. Regardless of what day of the week you find yourself there, you’ll no doubt catch someone you know, even local politicians or big-name celebrities. —Tom, 26-year Montclair resident

 

Where to Shop in Montclair, New Jersey

  • For a little something special: Acorn General Store. This shop’s small-but-mighty curation is unmatched, whether you’re on the hunt for good olive oil to bring to a dinner party or treating yourself to a glassware upgrade.
  • For one-of-a-kind furniture: Gypsy Farmhouse. Inside this rambling 200-year-old house is a treasure trove of wood pieces, from Amish-made dining tables to vintage cupboards. Sifting through the inventory is half the fun.
  • For a makeup routine refresh: Jones Road. The Montclair location of this cult-favorite clean beauty brand is its flagship store—famous founder Bobbi Brown is a local. The Miracle Balm has 60,000+ rave reviews for a reason.
  • For unique kids’ clothes: Francis Henri. You’re going to wish the ruffled rompers, gingham sets, and graphic tees at this store—all from hard-to-find European, U.K., and Australian brands—came in your size.
  • For lots of future outfit compliments: Monty. Pieces by cool-girl indie designers like Baserange (eco-friendly basics) and Henrik Vibskov (artful blouses, funky socks, and more) fill the racks at this chic boutique.

 

Where to Play in Montclair, New Jersey

  • For an artsy afternoon: Montclair Art Museum. This local institution—it opened way back in 1914—celebrates Native American and American art, with a collection spanning landscapes, photography, beadwork, and more. And for those that want to make art of their own, the museum has a robust roster of workshops and camps.
  • To catch a concert: Wellmont Theater. With just 2,500 seats, this 1920s-era venue offers an intimate, historic setting for everything from music performances to comedy shows and live podcast recordings.
  • For a hike with a view: Eagle Rock Reservation. Perched on a ridge line, this county park is known for its epic views of Manhattan. Beyond the various trails to explore—the longest is just over eight miles—there’s also an impressive September 11th Memorial.

 

Events You Won’t Want to Miss in Montclair, New Jersey

Helpful Links

Township Website
School District Website
Town Preschools

Emergency Services

Police: (973) 744-1234
Fire: (973) 744-5000

Transportation

Montclair has seven NJ Transit train stations.

Trains run on the Montclair-Boonton line.
NJ Transit and  DeCamp Bus lines offer bus service to NYC and New Jersey points.

Neighbor Quote