$1,020,040Average Value$525Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
A residential New Jersey community with nature and a tight-knit community
The hilly, picturesque terrain of Mountainside feels worlds away from the hubbub of New York City, yet it’s only about 25 miles southwest. For a long time, the borough remained a hidden gem. Today, many former Manhattanites have relocated to share in Mountainside’s natural beauty, frequenting the two parks on either side of town. This influx has shifted the area’s architectural character, as some homebuyers have opted to build new houses in place of existing ones. Still, Mountainside has made a collective effort to maintain its charm. The emphasis on community-building is unmistakable: the Mountainside Newcomers Club connects residents and organizations; community events include plant sales and technology classes; and seniors enjoy robust programming, including meal delivery and car services. “It’s a tight-knit community. You bump into familiar faces often and see many of the same people every day,” says Scott Shuman, a realtor associate at Keller Williams Realty who’s sold in the area for nearly 15 years. Despite heightened demand, small-town living and access to nature remain central to Mountainside’s identity.
The tree studded residential streets of Mountainside feel like a breath of fresh air.
Many Mountainside locals take pride in their gardens, exemplified by this amazing magnolia tree.
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Massive parks provide unparalleled access to nature
Watchung Reservation acts as the northwestern border and lends a rural quality to the neighborhood. The 2,065-acre nature preserve includes hiking trails, plus kayaking or fishing at Lake Surprise. In the winter months, cross-country skiers take to the reservation’s slopes. There’s also a horse stable offering lessons and trail rides, and the 4,500-square-foot Trailside Nature & Science Center. Behind the center, families enjoy the woodland-themed Loop Playground. In the southeastern portion of Mountainside, Echo Lake Park is equally popular. Locals go from picnicking and fishing in the summer to ice skating and sledding in the winter. The lake is bordered by footpaths, gazebos and a dog run. Just outside the park, Mountainside Community Pool has slides, diving boards and swim lessons. Situated on a bluff above the park, Echo Lake Country Club features a design-forward clubhouse and championship golf course.
Two cuddly canines enjoy their play time at the dog park within Echo Lake Park, Mountainside.
Within Mountainside's Watchung Reservation is an abandoned village from the 18th century.
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Mid century homes and new developments line residential blocks
Mountainside’s meandering, canopied streets are lined with three- to five-bedroom houses on half-acre lots, many of them perched on hills; some near the ridges of Watchung Reservation have views of the New York City skyline. “There are many generational families in Mountainside, where homes get passed down from generation to generation,” Shuman says. Most were built in the mid-20th century and have ranch or split-level styles, though a handful of coveted, colonial-style properties are present. Prices range from $575,000 for a small house in need of updating to $1.3 million for a beautiful estate. “While there are really great buys at reasonable price points, there’s a lot of development and new construction popping up,” Shuman says. These new builds, typically done in contemporary colonial styles, list between $1.5 million and $2.6 million. Two townhouse developments sit near the eastern border with prices hovering around $1 million. Property taxes in Mountainside are relatively low, as the borough’s businesses alleviate some of the tax burden.
Most Mountainside homes were built in the mid-20th century and have ranch or split-level styles.
New builds in Mountainside, typically in the contemporary colonial style, list from $1.5m.
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Minimal shopping and dining, but nearby areas have plenty to offer
Though Mountainside is largely residential, there are some offices and businesses along Route 22. In an effort to maintain Mountainside’s natural appeal, the highway is less commercial than in other areas. The northern portion has a few eateries: Stage House Tavern is a casual American bistro with live music on Fridays, while Mosaico is a white-tablecloth restaurant serving upscale Italian dishes. Just up the road, residents can catch a movie at the AMC theater. Locals love Mazzella's Gourmet Market for its ready-made meals, as well as Prince’s Farm Stand for fresh produce, local goods and its charming store. For national chains and retailers, residents head to the shopping plazas in Springfield and Union Township. Conversely, Downtown Westfield has a lovely array of indie shops and eateries.
Prince's Farm Stand is a produce market with a fine selection of local fare in Mountainside, NJ.
The chefs at Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse in Mountainside provide both entertainment and dinner.
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Two local schools for young students, plus one nearby for high schoolers
The B-rated Beechwood School serves prekindergarten through third grade, while the A-minus-rated Deerfield Elementary School enrolls grades 3 through 8. High schoolers attend Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights, which earns an A from Niche and offers over 50 clubs.
Mountainside's B-rated Beechwood School serves pre-kindergarten students through third grade.
Mountainside students attend the A- rated Deerfield Elementary School for grades 3 through 8.
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Highways and express buses lead to metro areas
Two highways, Route 22 and Interstate 78, flank the neighborhood, granting residents access to nearby hubs: Newark is about 13 miles away, and lower Manhattan is roughly 25 miles away. Commuters can catch the NJ Transit bus, line 114, to reach Port Authority in Midtown Manhattan in 50 to 75 minutes.
Mountainside's commuters can catch an NJ Transit bus to reach Manhattan in around 60 minutes.
Route 22 and Interstate 78 flank the Mountainside neighborhood which enables simple commuting.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Slade,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Watchung Reservation
Fishing
Picnic Area
Trails
Echo Lake Park
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Fishing
Soldier's Memorial Field
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Mindowaskin Park
Brightwood Park
Hidden Valley Park
Transit
Airport
Newark Liberty International
22 min drive
Bus
Rt-22 & New Providence Rd
Bus
Us-22 & Mill Ln
Bus
Us-22 & Robin Hood Rd
Bus
Us-22 250'E Of Central Ave
Bus
Us-22 & Lawrence Ave U-Turn
Bus
Us-22 & Lawrence Ave
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.29 Reviews
4.0Niche User
2/14/2016Niche Review
All the people are nice and caring.
5.0Current Resident
7/10/2019Niche Review
I have lived in Mountainside, NJ for 13 years. Because everyone knows each other, Mountainside has a small-town feel to it. One thing I would like to see change is for Mountainside to become more of a diverse community with people of all nationalities and ethnicities.
4.0Niche User
7/18/2016Niche Review
The police here are very good at what they do. They respond quickly when needed and handle situations calmly and professionally. They are friendly and get to know the community which helps them take care of the community's residents. They work around the clock to make sure everyone stays safe.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Mountainside
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Mountainside, NJ sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Mountainside, NJ over the last 12 months is $991,182, up 2% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Marvelous Mountainside. Pride of ownership is evident in this 4-bedroom 2 full bath Colonial Style home. The stunning property of over half an acre will capture you instantly! Entering into the foyer you see the living room with beautiful wood burning fireplace and large bay window proving natural light and a wonderful view of the outdoors. This is a perfect room for entertaining
Location, Location! Stunning Custom Colonial Renovated and Expanded in 2022. Amazing entertaining and everyday living spaces with dramatic Conservatory overlooking private beautifully landscaped .47 acre yard. Newly renovated Custom Kitchen opens to large Family Room with entertaining bar and fireplace. Exceptionally spacious second floor with 4 beds, upstairs den, laundry and 3 full baths.
Rare 2.4 acre lot in highly desirable Mountainside neighborhood offers a unique opportunity for development with potential for multi-lot subdivision. Fantastic location near Westfield with easy access to schools, shopping, restaurants and more. Previously approved site plan has expired but is available upon request. Buyer responsible for performing their own due diligence and for any necessary
3 bed, 2.5 bath colonial with New Roof, 2 car oversized finished garage with new door opener, A gap between the house and garage offers the potential to add an additional living area. NYC bus stop.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Slade,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
7,620
Median Age
47
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$157,063
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$184,341
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.1%
College Graduates
59%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
16''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
2/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.