Things to See & Do in Montclair:
So Much More Than a Suburb

Montclair isn’t just some quiet little town with a couple of coffee shops and a farmer’s market. It’s got art, attitude, and just enough bougie flair to make your city friends say, "Wait, should I move here?” Located a quick train ride away from the chaos of NYC, Montclair is where culture, cool, and curb appeal collide. It’s got live jazz festivals, award-winning eats, historic homes, and a vibe that says: “Yes, I compost—but I make it look chic.”

So if you're over sky-high rents and matchbox-sized apartments, we get it. Living in Montclair means finally upgrading your lifestyle without downgrading your standards. And lucky for you, The Jill Biggs Group Jersey City team knows this town better than your barista knows your coffee order.

Must-See Sights in Montclair (Yes, You’re Gonna Want Pics)

Montclair may look all quaint and tree-lined at first glance, but don’t be fooled—this town’s got layers. Like, museum-meets-mural-meets-mountain-view kind of layers. Whether you’re an art connoisseur, a nature lover, or just here for the Tiktok content, these are the must-see spots that prove living in Montclair isn’t just a flex—it’s a lifestyle.

Montclair Art Museum – Think less “dusty oil paintings,” more “hello, stunning modern exhibits and rooftop sculpture selfies.”

Eagle Rock Reservation – Come for the skyline views, stay for the captivating cliffside trails. (TIP: The stunning sunsets may prompt a spontaneous proposal—don’t say we didn’t warn you.)

Wellmont Theater – Major acts. Intimate setting. And the bragging rights of saying: “Yeah, I saw them before they blew up.”

Church Street – From cobblestoned charm to one-of-a-kind boutiques, this bustling slice of Downtown Montclair has it all. It’s the main street that gives major main character energy.

From Bougie Bites to Brunch Goals: Montclair’s Must-Try Spots

Montclair isn’t playing backup vocals to NYC’s food scene—it’s headlining its own show. From candlelit date-night gems to trendy brunch spots, this town is serving flavor street cred. Check out some of the best restaurants in Montclair:

Faubourg
544 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042
Faubourg is what you get when you marry Parisian chic with Jersey swagger. Because if you’re going to have a cheat day, cheat in style!

Samba
7 Park St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Enjoy authentic Brazilian fare served in a rustic setting. Be ready for a flavor fiesta that’ll transport your palate straight to Rio.

Zeugma Mediterranean Grill
44 S Park St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Zeugma isn’t just Mediterranean—it’s sexy, upscale, and dangerously craveable. One bite in and suddenly you’re Googling “How to say ‘I’m obsessed’ in Turkish.”

De Novo European Pub
275 Bellevue Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043
If a cozy pub and a European bistro had a ridiculously good-looking baby, it would be De Novo. Perfect for date night or just treating yourself because... Tuesday.

Raymond's
28 Church St, Montclair, NJ 07042
A beloved classic serving American comfort food with a twist. Their brunch is legendary—just be prepared to wait, because everyone else in town had the same idea.

Cue the Spotlight—Montclair’s Arts Game Is Strong

Look, we love a good prestige TV show as much as anyone else, but Montclair has something better. This town is bursting with real-deal artsy energy: live jazz in the streets, film fests that attract actual celebs (not just influencers with ring lights), and museums that are actually interesting. Here’s where it’s all happening:

Montclair Jazz Festival
Downtown Montclair
All summer long, this fest turns the town into one big, soulful block party. Live music, mouthwatering food truck fare, and enough attitude to make your Spotify playlists jealous.

Montclair Film Festival
Various Locations
Hollywood meets hometown charm. Catch Oscar contenders, indie gems, and maybe even a Patrick Wilson sighting if you manifest hard enough.

Montclair History Center
108–110 Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ 07042
Yes, it’s history—but make it juicy. Tour old homes, get the local tea, and pretend you live in a period drama for the afternoon.

Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center
8 Yogi Berra Dr, Little Falls, NJ 07424
Baseball fans, assemble. This isn’t just for sports buffs—it’s part nostalgia, part inspiration, and 100% Yogi.

Fresh Air, Killer Views, and Zero Treadmill Required

Craving a little grass that isn’t Astroturf? Montclair’s got you. With trails that’ll actually tempt you to lace up your sneakers, this town knows how to do “outdoorsy” without feeling like a REI catalog.

Brookdale Park
Watchung Ave & Grove St, Montclair
Big, bold, and full of surprises—running paths, tennis courts, and a rose garden that turns heads all summer. Your dog and your fitness tracker will love it.

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
474 Upper Mountain Ave, Montclair
A bloom-filled wonderland that attracts locals (and influencers) in droves. Show up in sandals, leave with a hundred photos and a nice tan.

Mills Reservation
Normal Ave, Montclair
Peaceful, shaded, and just wild enough to feel like you left the grid without actually losing cell service. It’s a go-to for clearing your head, stretching your legs, or hiding from your inbox.

Edgemont Memorial Park
Valley Rd & Edgemont Rd, Montclair
This is the “I live here now” kind of park. Locals walk laps, teens take TikToks, and somehow there's always someone feeding the ducks. It’s just one of the many perks of living in Montclair.

15 Wayside Pl, Montclair, NJ | Listed by The Jill Biggs Group

Don’t Sleep on This Superb Suburb

You want the charm of the suburbs, but don’t want to live somewhere that shuts down at 8PM? Montclair should be right up your alley. This Essex County gem is having a moment—and honestly? It’s about time. Here’s why Montclair real estate is in such high demand:

It’s Giving Growth — Home values have climbed steadily over the past few years, and homes are getting snatched up faster than a first-row Springsteen ticket. And developers? They’ve definitely RSVP’d yes. Between mixed-use projects, luxe condo buildings, and an influx of NYC buyers with big taste and even bigger budgets, Montclair is leveling up—without losing its soul.

NYC, But Make It Breezy — You’re close enough to commute, but far enough to leave the chaos behind. With multiple transit options, you can be in Manhattan in under an hour—and be back in Montclair in time for wine o’clock.

Culture, Charm, and Coffee Shops — From indie theaters to boutique shopping and brunches that actually live up to the hype, Montclair is a vibe. Parks, great schools, and a creative community round out the package.

Montclair Real Estate Moves Fast—So Move Smart

If you’re buying or selling in Montclair, you need more than just a real estate agent - you need a plugged-in, know-it-all, neighborhood-obsessed team that understands where the market’s been—and where it’s going. Here’s what you get with the Jill Biggs Group:

Insider intel you won’t find on Zillow—like which blocks are blowing up (in a good way) and where the real deals are hiding.

Off-market listings because oftentimes the best homes don’t make it to Zillow.

Hyperlocal strategy tailored to Montclair’s red-hot market, allowing you to get the best deals possible.

An all-in approach that puts your goals first—whether you're buying your dream home or cashing out smart. It’s your move. Let’s make it a good one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montclair known for?
It’s basically the artsy cousin of NYC—think historic homes, indie theaters, and a calendar packed with festivals, farmers markets, and community gatherings. It’s got culture, charm, and an upscale but approachable character.

Is Montclair a good area to live in?
Let’s just say the rising Montclair real estate market speaks for itself. Safe streets, top-notch schools, and a community vibe that’s hard to fake. It’s not just good—it’s “why didn’t I move here sooner” good.

What are the best restaurants in Montclair?
Montclair’s dining options run the gamut: high-end Italian, cozy brunch nooks, and everything in between—because why settle when you can have it all? Try to book a table at popular joints like Faubourg, Samba, Zeugma Mediterranean Grill, De Novo European Pub, and Raymond's.

How far is Montclair from NYC?
Under an hour by train. So yes, you can still hit happy hour in the city and be home in time for your dog’s evening walk.

Are there new developments in Montclair?
Absolutely. Take the Valley & Bloom complex: a luxe downtown playground that pairs swanky apartments with shops and restaurants you’ll actually want to Instagram. Or The Clair, where sleek, high-end finishes meet rooftop views that take your breath away in the best way possible.

Montclair Is Calling—Are You Ready to Answer?

Whether buying your first home or selling in this booming neighborhood, the Jill Biggs Group Jersey City is your ultimate real estate wingman. We handle the hustle so you don’t have to, from scoping out the best deals to sealing the deal. Ready to level up your lifestyle? Let’s get you home—Montclair style.

Keen on other top-notch New Jersey neighborhoods? We’ve got you covered, too!