Montclair & Upper Montclair
First of all, it’s important to know that Montclair and Upper Montclair is one town with two zip codes – 07042 for Montclair and 07043 for Upper Montclair (the area north of Watchung Avenue). Unfortunately, in some data bases they are listed as two separate communities, but that is not the case. With a population of just under 40,000 the long, narrow town covers about 6 square miles or 4000 acres.
The Township of Montclair has been referred to in the press as the “Upper West Side (and Park Slope) of the suburbs”, “a cultural oasis” and my favorite “New Jersey’s Florence” - lots of art and lots of churches! It is one of the most interesting and exhilarating communities in the area. Montclair's downtown was named one of the "10 Best in NJ" in the April 2007 issue of New Jersey Monthly Magazine. Known for its ethnic diversity, excellent schools, charming older homes on tree-lined streets, unique retail shops, beautiful parks and lots of arts – jazz, theater, off-beat movies and one of the country’s finest small art museums, there’s always something to do or see.
As a 25 year Montclair resident, I can remember when there were just two or three mediocre restaurants in town. Montclair is now a “dining destination” with more than 100 choices from neighborhood pizzerias and charming coffee shops to some of New Jersey’s finest four star restaurants. Whether you’re looking for Vietnamese, French, gourmet vegetarian or sushi, I guarantee there’s one in town and it’s probably very good. With a limited number of liquor licenses available, the majority are BYOB. But never fear, there’s a local wine store nearby that will deliver to your table.
Check out some of these websites for more detailed local information on Montclair or contact me at gloriafalzer@remax.net to request an information packet by mail.
Township website: www.montclairnjusa.org (Government, fire, police, public works, recycling, etc.)
Business & Community Directory: www.gotomontclair.com
Weekly Newspaper: www.montclairtimes.com
Local News & Gossip: www.baristanet.com
Dining Guide: www.montclaireats.com
Business District: www.montclaircenter.com & www.montclairmedc.org
Library: www.montlib.com
Schools: Public - www.montclair.k12.nj.us; Montclair State University -www.montclair.edu; Independents - www.montclairkimberly.org; www.lacordaire.net
Montclair Arts: www.montclairarts.org; www.firstnightmontclair.org; www.montclairartmuseum.org;
Montclair Historical Society: www.montclairhistorical.org
Sports: New Jersey Jackals Baseball; Newark Bears Baseball; www.yogiberramuseum.org
Commuters: www.njtransit.com; www.decamp.com
PAWS Animal Shelter: www.pawsmontclair.org
League of Women Voters: www.montclairarea.nj.lwvnet.org
Montclair Information http://www.city-data.com/city/Montclair-New-Jersey.html
