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mountain_hunter72 jobs

Commute times in Montclair -how bad?

I'm retired and The median home value here is around $549,600, which is pretty steep. It's a a smaller city city with about 37,809 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What would you do? The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up.
14 upvotes

6 Replies

Richard M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Theodore Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a contractor who relocated here from Chicago about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.

Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities

Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options

Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.

Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Arianna Campbell
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Leonardo Thomas
facts
11 upvotes
Mateo Brooks
thanks for sharing
11 upvotes
Jose Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Pine Hills for 7 years. Moved from Denver for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
finance is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
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