Artsy towns in northern NJ (Montclair, Orange: neighborhoods, theater, live)

[Ninasimonejr]

We've been in Weehawken for 1.5 years but are thinking of moving if we can find someplace that has all of the following:

a. a great commute to midtown Manhattan
b. artistic liveliness - whether music (esp classical and opera), galleries, theater or funky neighborhoods
c. an active Catholic parish
d. safety

This is like NJ Nirvana. Does it exist?

[brook2ga]

Montclair

[zap02]

Definitely Montclair. I'd also say Maplewood/South Orange and Millburn.