Montclair Apartments and Rentals

One of the most picturesque areas in Essex County, Montclair is the model for a quintessential New Jersey town in every way. A close-knit community, this quiet neighborhood is located in the foothills of the Watchung Mountains with stunning views of the nearby New York City skyline. With nearly 30 percent of the population of the city under the age of 18 according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, Montclair apartments for rent are an attractive and popular option for New Jersey couples wanting to raise a family.

Although the area was inhabited by Lenape Indians for thousands of years, the town of Montclair was settled by Dutch immigrants in 1694 after the city of Newark expanded westward toward the mountains. During the Revolutionary War, the mountain served as an observation point for George Washington to track British soldiers.

Known as Speertown in its beginnings, the area remained rural well into the 19th century, with the exception of a wool mill and other small industries. The emergence of the railroads in New Jersey and the population boom of New York City in the late 1800s accounted for much of the city's growth. Modeled as a country town with convenient access to a metropolis, many wealthy families began building mansions along the mountain.

After World War II, the expansion of the metropolitan area was explosive. No longer a small town but a city in its own right, Montclair became its own town in the 1970s. A family-centered town, today Montclair has held on to its small town charm with a community that looks to the future.

Although many Montclair residents commute to nearby New York City for employment, there are several local businesses in the area. The leading industry in the area is education, health and social services. With nearly 80 percent of the residents here earning a bachelor's degree or higher according to the census, this is a highly educated community that prides itself on attracting hardworking and talented people. If you are commuting to New York City for work, Montclair apartments are your best bet for finding an affordable space away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.

Montclair State University is by far the most popular institution of higher learning in the area, attracting more than 18,000 students every fall. Named by Forbes as the best public university in New Jersey, this bustling campus offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in a wide range of subjects.

Montclair's extremely close proximity to the New York Metropolitan area and welcoming community atmosphere make it a very attractive city for New Jersey residents, and with that comes a cost of living index that is higher than the national average. According to city-data.com, the 2009 median gross rent was $1,242 per month. However, the 2009 median household income in the area was over $92,000 a year, making Montclair a very affordable place to live.

With the Watchung Mountains nearby it is no surprise that Montclair has more than 175 acres of parks, which is an impressive number for a small community. One of the oldest and most popular is Glenfield Park. Boasting a large community center, football field and nearby wading pools and bridges, this is a popular sports for adults and children alike.

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