Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Montclair, NJ
Thinking of moving to Montclair, NJ? With a vibrant population of about 41,000, Montclair offers a lively urban-suburban feel, top-rated schools, and an outstanding 74% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Housing is premium, with median home prices at $825,000 and average rents around $2,150, reflecting its desirable location and amenities. The town is known for its low violent crime rates, walkable neighborhoods, and quick NYC commutes averaging 39 minutes, making it a favorite for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Montclair, NJ
Demographics - Montclair, NJ
Montclair is home to approximately 41,000 residents, featuring a diverse community with about 60% White, 24% Black, and 6% Asian populations. The median age is nearly 40, and with 18.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, the city reflects a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. Its population density supports an urban-suburban blend, attracting families and professionals alike.
Population:
41,000
Density:
6,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.5%
Black:
24.2%
Asian:
5.6%
Others:
9.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Montclair, NJ?
Montclair's cost of living is notably higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 148.7. Median home values are around $825,000 and average rents are $2,150, reflecting the city's sought-after real estate and amenities. Residents should also budget for above-average expenses in groceries, utilities, and transportation.
Median House Value:
$825,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,820
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
148.7
Grocery:
124.0
Housing:
179.2
Utilities:
113.5
Transportation:
127.6
Health Care:
113.2
Miscellaneous:
115.5
Crime
Is Montclair, NJ a safe place to live?
Montclair boasts a relatively low violent crime rate, with only 119 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families. Property crime is more common but still manageable, with a 1 in 98 chance. Overall, the city's crime rates support its reputation as a secure and welcoming community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
119
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,015
Crime Index:
1,134
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 840
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Montclair, NJ year-round?
Montclair experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 85°F and cold winters dipping to 25°F. The city enjoys about 56% sunny days each year and receives an average of 48.5 inches of rainfall, offering a balance of seasonal variety and outdoor opportunities.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
With a median household income of $144,000 and a poverty rate of just 7.1%, Montclair's neighborhoods are both affluent and highly educated—nearly 75% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Public transportation is popular, with over 23% of commuters choosing this option, and average commute times are around 39 minutes, making it ideal for those working in or near New York City.
Median Income:
$60,000
Household Income:
$144,000
Family Income:
$164,000
Per Capita Income:
$72,000
Income Male:
$85,000
Income Female:
$68,000
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
18.5%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
23.1%
Commute Time:
38.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
74.2%
Education
How are the schools in Montclair, NJ?
Montclair offers top-rated public and private schools, including Montclair High School and Montclair Kimberley Academy, with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education options are nearby, with Montclair State University just two miles away, serving over 21,000 students. The community's strong emphasis on education is reflected in its high rate of residents with college degrees.
Public Schools
Name:
Montclair High School
Street:
100 Chestnut St
Phone:
973-509-4100
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Renaissance at Rand Middle School
Street:
176 N Fullerton Ave
Phone:
973-509-5741
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Private Schools
Name:
Montclair Kimberley Academy
Street:
201 Valley Rd
Phone:
973-746-9800
Students:
1,000
Colleges
Name:
Montclair State University
City:
Montclair
State:
NJ
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
21,000
Name:
Bloomfield College
City:
Bloomfield
State:
NJ
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
1,600
Healthcare
Montclair residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with over 95% insured and 3.2 physicians available per 1,000 people. Major hospitals like Mountainside Medical Center provide comprehensive emergency and general care, ensuring quality medical services are always close by.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mountainside Medical Center
Address:
1 Bay Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone:
(973) 429-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Clara Maass Medical Center
Address:
1 Clara Maass Drive, Belleville, NJ 07109
Phone:
(973) 450-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Montclair, NJ?
The Montclair housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $825,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,150. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and property values are appreciating steadily with a 7.6% growth rate in the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect a stable and desirable real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$825,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and driver services through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, headquartered in Trenton. Services include licensing, registration, and renewals, with detailed information available on the official state website. The DMV provides comprehensive support for all automotive and identification needs.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.