Fleeing NYC But Still Want an Urbane Lifestyle? Consider These Cool Suburban Towns
Montclair, NJ
A mere twelve miles west of Manhattan, Montclair has become one of the most popular locales for former New Yorkers, particularly hipster Brooklynites. That’s surely because the town of 38,000 has everything New Yorkers crave — interesting food, accessible culture and commutable distances. “I think it’s the only town in New Jersey that’s a real mix of urban and suburbs,” local restaurateur and Food Network personality Meny Vaknin, of “Chopped” fame, told the NY Post. He recently opened grab-and-go café Luisa, his third Montclair-based eatery.
Part of Montclair’s charm and appeal is unquestionably its architecture. There are vintage Victorian homes along pretty, tree-lined streets and bonafide Colonial mansions in the priciest pockets of town. Gleaming newly constructed houses and condos are also available for those who prefer lower upkeep costs. There are even a few celebrity residents, including comedian Steven Colbert and cosmetics queen Bobbi Brown.
Multiple transit stops — both bus and train — ensure flexible options for easy access to get to the city. Well-regarded public schools and Montclair State University, as well as a cherished summer jazz and spring film festivals, give the place a laid-back artistic feel.
However, living in Montclair is popular — bidding wars not uncommon — and comes at a premium cost that sometimes rivals the cost of living in Brooklyn. A fully renovated four-bedroom, three-bathroom home spanning around 1,800 square feet is currently available at $849,999, while an un-renovated three-bedroom home and 1.5-bathroom home spanning just over 2,000 square feet is listed for $535,000.
https://www.dirt.com/more-dirt/real-estate-listings/towns-near-new-york-city-1203319631/