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Jameson Torres moving

Is Upper Montclair worth moving to in 2026?

My family moved here when I was a kid. You can expect to pay around $2,290 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 12,279 people. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Does this match your experience? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
14 upvotes

3 Replies

Sophia Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Old Town for 4 years. Moved from San Diego for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

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

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are improving. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Camila Richardson
+1
4 upvotes
Evelyn Bennett
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
0 upvotes
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