montclair, NJ
Nestled at the foot of the First Watchung Mountain, Montclair is loved for its diverse population, grand old homes, proximity to New York City and its thriving arts community. Montclair State- second largest university in NJ- resides in Montclair as well as an art museum, live theaters, art galleries and a wide range of boutiques. Montclair's lively business districts are flush with restaurants, movie theaters, shops and nightlife that attract visitors from all over the region.
Montclair is a model for Sustainable Communities – designated a Clean Energy Leader by the N.J. Board of Public Utilities and a Climate Showcase Community by the U.S. EPA – with vigorous recycling and home composting programs, Environmental and Conservation Elements in its Master Plan, active bike and walk advocacy, a thriving Farmers Market in its 28th season, a Green Business recognition program, and a hub of public charging stations for pluggable electric vehicles.
The Township’s public schools are dedicated to educational excellence for every child. The district serves students in Kindergarten through twelfth grade and comprises seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. The district’s award-winning magnet system has elementary and middle schools identified by themes: global studies, science & technology, creating connections, Montessori, university, STEM, environmental science, and gifted & talented. Its academically challenging high school provides a diverse curriculum center for social justice and visual art and performance options.
Montclair also has excellent private schools for Pre-K through 12th grade, and for students with special education needs.
Montclair's six business and shopping districts offer unique experiences for visitors and residents alike:
Montclair Center, the township’s largest district, attracts visitors from all areas of the state, especially when national bands take the stage at the Wellmont Theatre. Live entertainment is a favorite activity for locals, who also enjoy the The Montclair Operetta Company and public stage on Bloomfield Avenue.
The Upper Montclair business district is lined with Tudor-style shops and restaurants. The local cinema shows the latest feature movies as well as independent and arts films.
Watchung Plaza features one of the region's best independent bookstores as well as neighborhood shops, restaurants, and a super-popular coffee house that roasts its own beans. The Watchung Avenue Train Station provides commuters easy access to and from NY Penn Station.
Frog Hollow is a great area to grab lunch at one of the restaurants, delis or pizzerias along Valley Road – and charge your electric vehicle while enjoying your meal. Or pick-up your take-out and head out to Edgemont Memorial Park, a beautiful setting with a landmark WWI monument.
The Walnut Street area is home to a popular jazz club, several galleries, artisan bakeries, and wonderful restaurants, including an authentic Irish pub, a European bistro and an eatery serving New American cuisine. The Walnut Street district extends to Grove Street where you’ll find more shops and restaurants. Enjoy the Montclair Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, from June through November, located in the Walnut Street train station parking lot.
Some call the South End Montclair’s best kept secret. The district is an area of charming small shops and restaurants and is home to the MLK Peace Garden.
Montclair is home to many parks and nature reserves. Parks in Montclair are both county and municipal. Additional open space includes the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens, and many school owned sports fields, Montclair State University's Sprague Field. In total Montclair has 18 parks, 18 public tennis courts, four skating rinks (two of which are indoor), and three public swimming pools: the Mountainside pool, the Nishuane pool, and the Essex pool.