Montclair NJ

Montclair is a town that inspires a lot of loyalty as the “urban suburb,” or, as New York Magazine called it, “a cultural oasis” in the suburbs. We’ve got a diverse population of more than 35,000 people, dozens of restaurants, movie theaters, and frequent cultural events. There is not just one shopping district but five. And yet, much of the town feels like a suburb with beautiful tree-lined streets and private homes.

The commute to the city is quick (from 35 to 45 minutes) from one of six train stations leading to Hoboken and Manhattan (as well as a private bus company and a town-run shuttle service). The midtown-direct train line made real estate prices here soar during the early to mid 2000s. The downturn has been felt less harshly here as well as homes here still go for a premium. The town was listed on Forbes February 2009 as one of the “Ten Best Suburbs To Sell A Home” in the nation.

Montclair’s urbanish feeling attracts many writers, creative people, and professionals who want to raise their families with close access to jobs in the city. The town also appeals to people, like me, who appreciate mature trees, parks, gardens and a varied stock of older homes ranging from $400,000 to $4,000,000-from ornate Victorians to clean-lined craftsman colonials.

The school system here is unique – a successful magnet system that was begun in 1977 as a voluntary desegregation program. With seven elementary schools and three middle schools, the Montclair system is designed to offer parents choices. Some schools emphasize arts, others sciences. No one school is better than another.

We’ve got many preschool options, and a Community Pre-K that offers a an especially wonderful program thanks to a unique combination of private and public funds. With Montclair State University in town, people here benefit with access to public programs and performances – all making it a great town to invest in.