Montclair, New Jersey - Your Local Guide

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A+
Overall Niche Grade
40,341
Population
$151K
Median Income
$906K
Median Home Value

Montclair NJ Report Card

A
Public Schools
A+
Good for Families
A
Nightlife
A-
Diversity
A
Health & Fitness
A
Outdoor Activities
B+
Commute
B
Jobs
B-
Crime & Safety
C+
Housing
C
Cost of Living
C+
Weather

Data sourced from Niche.com — Learn more about Montclair

Last updated:Monday, April 13, 2026 — New stories added today

Latest News

Monday, April 13, 2026
School board meeting
SCHOOLS

Montclair Voters to Decide on $12.5M Deficit Referendum in May

Township Council places $12.5M deficit referendum on May ballot. Residents will vote whether to authorize bonding to cover accumulated budget shortfalls, with direct implications for property taxes.

Staff Reporter • March 17, 2026
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LATEST STORIES

Jazz festival
ARTS & CULTURE

Montclair Jazz Festival Announces April 2026 Dates

March 16, 2026
Film festival
ARTS & CULTURE

Montclair Film Festival 2026 Full Lineup Released

March 14, 2026
Township meeting
GOVERNMENT

Montclair BOE Approves $154M School Budget

March 12, 2026
High school
SCHOOLS

Montclair Home Prices Up 8% Year-Over-Year

March 10, 2026

Top Rated Contractors

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Local Electrician Services
ELECTRICIANS

Local Electrician Services

★★★★
4.8
Professional Plumbing
PLUMBING

Professional Plumbing

★★★★
4.9
Expert Hair Salon
BEAUTY

Expert Hair Salon

★★★★
4.7
Family Medical Practice
HEALTHCARE

Family Medical Practice

★★★★
4.8

Have Your Say

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Best pizza in Montclair?

Applewood
Santis
Pie Zon
Raymond's

Local Guides

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SERVICES

Find Repair Contractors in Montclair NJ

Find experienced contractors in Montclair for repairs, replacements, and emergency services near you.

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COMMUNITY

Living in Montclair NJ — What to Know

Everything you need to know about moving to Montclair — schools, demographics, real estate, and nightlife.

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SERVICES

Emergency HVAC Services in Montclair NJ

Emergency heating and air conditioning repair services in Montclair for urgent HVAC system failures.

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HISTORY

The Rich History of Montclair Township

From Cranetown to one of New Jersey's most desirable communities — explore Montclair's fascinating past.

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Why Montclair, New Jersey Is Rated A+ by Niche.com

Montclair, New Jersey consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States. With an overall A+ grade from Niche.com, this Essex County township of 40,341 residents offers an exceptional quality of life that blends urban culture with suburban comfort. Whether you're considering moving to Montclair or already call it home, the data speaks for itself: a median household income of $151,075 (nearly double the national average), top-rated public schools, and a vibrant arts and dining scene that rivals communities many times its size.

A Community of Highly Educated Professionals

Montclair Township demographics reveal one of the most educated populations in New Jersey. An extraordinary 40% of residents hold a Master's degree or higher, compared to just 14% nationally. Another 34% hold Bachelor's degrees, bringing the total college-educated population to 74% — more than three times the national average. This concentration of educated professionals drives Montclair's thriving economy, supports excellent public schools, and contributes to the engaged civic culture the township is known for.

Real Estate in Montclair NJ

The Montclair New Jersey real estate market reflects the township's desirability. The median home value of $906,400 is nearly three times the national median of $332,700. Montclair offers a mix of housing types, from grand Victorian homes in Upper Montclair to modern condos near the train stations. About 57% of residents own their homes while 43% rent, with a median rent of $2,063 per month. The housing market remains competitive due to Montclair's excellent schools, NYC commute access, and walkable downtown districts.

Family-Friendly Living with A+ Ratings

Montclair earns an A+ grade for families and an A for public schools. The Montclair Public Schools district serves approximately 7,000 students across multiple elementary schools, two middle schools, and Montclair High School. The district's unique magnet school system promotes diversity and offers specialized programs in areas like gifted and talented education, STEM, and the arts. Families are drawn to Montclair for its safe neighborhoods, abundant parks, and programming for children of all ages.

Arts, Nightlife & Culture

Earning an A grade for nightlife, Montclair punches well above its weight in dining and entertainment. The township is home to the Wellmont Theater, the Montclair Film Festival, the Montclair Art Museum, and dozens of acclaimed restaurants along Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street. From craft cocktail bars to farm-to-table dining, Montclair's culinary scene draws visitors from across North Jersey and New York City.

Easy NYC Commute

With a B+ commute grade, Montclair offers multiple NJ Transit train stations (Montclair Heights, Upper Montclair, Watchung Avenue, Walnut Street, and Bay Street) providing direct service to Penn Station New York in approximately 45 minutes. DeCamp bus lines also offer express service to the Port Authority. This transit access, combined with easy access to Routes 3 and 46 and the Garden State Parkway, makes Montclair one of the most commuter-friendly towns in North Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Montclair NJ

What is Montclair NJ known for?

Montclair is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, excellent public schools (A rating), diverse and highly educated population, beautiful Victorian architecture, and easy commute to New York City. It receives an overall A+ grade from Niche.com.

What is the average household income in Montclair NJ?

The median household income in Montclair is $151,075, which is nearly double the national median of $80,734. About 40% of residents hold a Master's degree or higher.

How much do homes cost in Montclair New Jersey?

The median home value in Montclair is $906,400, compared to the national median of $332,700. The market features Victorian homes, colonials, condos, and newer construction across diverse neighborhoods.

Is Montclair NJ a good place to raise a family?

Yes — Montclair earns an A+ grade for families from Niche.com. The township features A-rated public schools, abundant parks, family-oriented events, and safe neighborhoods.

How long is the commute from Montclair to NYC?

The train commute from Montclair to Penn Station New York is approximately 45 minutes via NJ Transit. Montclair has five train stations and express bus service to the Port Authority.

What is the population of Montclair NJ?

Montclair Township has a population of approximately 40,341. The area has an urban-suburban mix feel, with 57% homeowners and 43% renters.

Is Montclair NJ diverse?

Yes — Montclair earns an A- grade for diversity from Niche.com. The township has long been celebrated for its racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity compared to surrounding communities.

What are the best restaurants and nightlife in Montclair?

Montclair earns an A for nightlife. Popular destinations include the Wellmont Theater, dozens of restaurants along Bloomfield Avenue, craft cocktail bars, and venues hosting live music, comedy, and film events.

MONTCLAIR, NJ
39°
Cloudy

🗓️ EVENTS

MAR
21

Farmers Market

at Lackawanna Plaza

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

MAR
22

Family Fun Day

at Anderson Park

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

MAR
23

Jazz Night at...

at The Wellmont Theater

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

QUICK LINKS

🏛️ TOWNSHIP

Population: 40,341
Founded: 1868
Area: 6.26 sq mi
ZIP Code: 07042-43
Niche Grade: A+
Median Income: $151,075

📊 DEMOGRAPHICS

Home Value$906,400
Median Rent$2,063
Master's+40%
Bachelor's34%
Homeowners57%

Contact Us

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