Montclair - where to drive to look for neighborhoods? (Bloomfield: apartments, work)

[The Michigan Man]

I'm a young single guy that has Montclair on my radar. I've never been there though and would like to check it out. Can anyone recommend some neighborhoods to drive through and approximately how to get there (within the city)?

I'm looking for an average 2 BR for about $1,600-2,000 a month (if possible)

[Alex07860]

Try the Upper montclair neighborhoods on Valley Road, Grove St & Watchung ave to start. Then you can drive around the area and expand from there.

[brookdaleresident]

Where are you coming from? I may be able to give you directions. Check out areas off Bloomfield Ave, Watchung Plaza, and as Alex mentioned, Upper Montclair (Valley Rd & Bellevue Ave). Bloomfield Ave is the center of town with the most shops, restaurants, nightlife, etc....feel free to DM me and I'll try to help you.

[The Michigan Man]

Originally Posted by brookdaleresident

Where are you coming from? I may be able to give you directions. Check out areas off Bloomfield Ave, Watchung Plaza, and as Alex mentioned, Upper Montclair (Valley Rd & Bellevue Ave). Bloomfield Ave is the center of town with the most shops, restaurants, nightlife, etc....feel free to DM me and I'll try to help you.

Somerset county, so Parkway north. Thanks guys!

[brookdaleresident]

You could exit at 148 (Bloomfield Ave) and it will take you straight into the center of Montclair (passing first through Bloomfield, then Glen Ridge). Valley Rd runs off Bloomfield Ave (make a right turn). Watchung Ave crosses Valley (turn right for Watchung Plaza area).

[The Michigan Man]

I didn't have much time but I was able to drive down Bloomfield ave. I was very impressed although the drivers were very aggressive. When I have more time, I will venture out more.

[The Michigan Man]

so where are the bad parts of town?

[brookdaleresident]

As you head east down Bloomfield Ave there's a small area (Mission St) that I would avoid. There may be some others, but for the most part, it's ok. No bad areas in the Watchung Plaza area or Upper Montclair as I previously mentioned. If you drive around, you'll be able to tell

[NJDevil]

ah, aggressive drivers, those were the days.....sniff....I'm in pussyville now. I would think traffic on Bloomfield Ave gets real bad during rush hour. Do ya'll remember the shooting at the Watchung P.O.? That was indeed a rare occurrence, and we all know the tendencies of postal workers.

Remember there is a BIG COLLEGE in Montclair (Valley Rd). It sits where 3 cities meet. Just be aware of that and any traffic hassles that could present.

[lammius]

For a "young guy" I'd recommend Montclair Center (the area around the Bloomfield Ave business district). Lots of restaurants, bars, shops, etc. It's the most lively section of town.

Watchung Plaza, there ain't much there. A dry cleaner, Chinese take-out.

Upper Montclair is nice. A couple of restaurants, some shops. The college is nearby so college kids venture out there, but the rowdiest evening you can have in Upper Montclair is watching a movie at the theater and getting Cold Stone ice cream.

Again, Montclair Center is where I'd recommend young single people go. There's more available for you in the housing stock there too. More apartments, rented portions of houses, etc. I shared a 2-BR with someone on Claremont Ave. Nice area. Upper Montclair has a few apartments. Watchung Plaza, I don't think there's anything but large houses around.

Where would you be working? If you need a train, make sure you live near one of the stations in town. There are train stations in each of the areas people have mentioned so far. There are buses to Manhattan as well, but I wouldn't recommend them unless (1) you work at Times Sq AND (2) you decide to live in Upper Upper Montclair. if you drive to work in an NJ location, you can get to GSP, 280, 3, 46 pretty easily.