Alright, Household incomes average around $76,338 in Montclair. You can expect to pay around $1,759 for rent here. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What are your go-to spots? The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
29 upvotes
3 Replies
Autumn Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 51, moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Baltimore, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
15 upvotes
Sophia
couldn't agree more
9 upvotes
Olivia L.
Bought a house here in 2015 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.