Montclair-Recommendations (Watchung: apartment, renting, home)

[Franco]

Hi All,

I would like to know about Montclair's main neighborhoods/Areas and the possibility of renting a two bedroom apartment for approx. $1300-1500.

Thanks again,
Franco

[Franco]

I also would like to hear about schools in the area. Thanks

[Franco]

Hi Again. Thanks for your help. I decided to look for a apartment in Montclair. It is close to work (20min.) and the area seems nice(good schools, walkable downtown, train stations and things to do). I'm a little concern about location within Montclair. Can anyone help out a little with the neighborhoods? What parts to avoid or the pros and cons of different areas. I'm planning to spend around 1500 in rent.

thanks,
Franco

[jm2jm3jm4jm5]

Originally Posted by Franco

Hi Again. Thanks for your help. I decided to look for a apartment in Montclair. It is close to work (20min.) and the area seems nice(good schools, walkable downtown, train stations and things to do). I'm a little concern about location within Montclair. Can anyone help out a little with the neighborhoods? What parts to avoid or the pros and cons of different areas. I'm planning to spend around 1500 in rent.

thanks,
Franco

There aren't any parts of Montclair to avoid. Montclair is consistantly mentoined as one of the best places in the whole state to live in. It has a very walkable and lovely downtown, but the only problem is I don't think you are going to be able to get a two bedroom apartment for anywhere near $1300 to $1500.

[newjerseybt]

Originally Posted by jm2jm3jm4jm5

There aren't any parts of Montclair to avoid. Montclair is consistantly mentoined as one of the best places in the whole state to live in. It has a very walkable and lovely downtown, but the only problem is I don't think you are going to be able to get a two bedroom apartment for anywhere near $1300 to $1500.

I also agree with the pricing. Plenty of good neighborhoods, good schools and restaurants though! About 13 miles West of NYC which means the "Wall Street money" effect. Home to Montclair State Unidiversity and Yogi Berra. If I could have afforded it, I would have originally bought a home there and stayed, but I was taxed out of North Jersey. If you can afford the area, then thats great!

[Franco]

I found several listings (montclair) for less than $1500 in craigslist.org. Base on your comments I'm wondering if these listings are misleading.

[Jennyv]

Montclair is a wonderful community, but it can be somewhat mixed in terms of safety. The neighborhoods north of Watchung Ave. (Upper Montclair) are all very safe. Montclair proper (south of Watchung) is not as uniform; there are some fabulously wealthy neighborhoods and some low-income neighborhoods. The neighborhoods near Glenfield and Nishuane Schools (southeast part of town) can be sketchy, and I know people who have been mugged in that part of town. I agree that it may be hard to find an apartment that meets your specifications in one of the nicer neighborhoods. Just do some research and walk/drive around to get a sense of where you feel comfortable and where you may want to avoid (esp. after dark). I grew up there and my parents are still there, and in the parts of town that I walk, shop, dine, etc. in, I always feel very safe.