Upper Montclair 84 Exceptional
Upper Montclair Livability #27 ranked city in New Jersey#660 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Upper Montclair

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in Upper Montclair?

Upper Montclair, New Jersey is a moderately-sized city with a population of 11,439 residents. Upper Montclair has a population density of 4,806 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Upper Montclair is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Upper Montclair has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 70% of the population is classified as married and 57% have kids. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Upper Montclair offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 46 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Upper Montclair, New Jersey could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Upper Montclair and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, health & safety, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Jersey and national averages.

With a livability score of 83 out of 100, Upper Montclair is ranked #663 in the United States and #25 in New Jersey. Based on this score, Upper Montclair would be considered a very livable city! Upper Montclair has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Upper Montclair ranks well for amenities (B+), crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+).

If you're living in Upper Montclair, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Upper Montclair an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

The Upper Montclair unemployment rate of 2.73% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Upper Montclair can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Upper Montclair. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Upper Montclair are affordable. The median home price for Upper Montclair homes is $755,100, which is 138.7% higher than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Upper Montclair, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 18.6% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Upper Montclair

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Upper Montclair?

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Compare Upper Montclair, NJ Livability

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      Upper Montclair transportation information

      Statistic Upper Montclair New Jersey National
      Average one way commute46min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work44.2%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool2.4%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit31.1%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.8%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home19.7%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Upper Montclair, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).