Is Montclair Heights safe?
Montclair, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Montclair Heights as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Montclair Heights
“Go. Montclair Heights is an exceptionally safe, affluent residential neighborhood situated in northern Montclair near Montclair State University. Visitors can explore quiet tree-lined streets, local dining options, and nearby campus cultural venues with virtually no safety concerns beyond typical suburban precautions.”
About the area
Montclair Heights is a picturesque, leafy enclave in northern Montclair characterized by well-maintained single-family homes, rolling topography, and proximity to Montclair State University. It offers a peaceful suburban ambiance with convenient rail links directly into Midtown Manhattan.
- Suburban / Leafy
- Family-Friendly
- College Proximity
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Montclair Heights
Walk score: 46/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no municipal bike-share system in Montclair Heights, and cycling can be challenging due to hilly terrain and narrow residential streets without dedicated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are extraordinarily low and property crime is well below national averages.
- Affluent economic profile with high homeownership rates and median household incomes well exceeding $160,000.
- Direct NJ Transit commuter rail access via the Montclair Heights station.
- Proximity to high-quality cultural programming and performances at Montclair State University.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins and theft of unlocked cars reported in the broader area.
- Limited commercial density compared to downtown Montclair, requiring a car or transit for most errands.
- Significant elevation changes and narrow sidewalks make navigation less pedestrian-friendly in residential pockets.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically nonexistent in Montclair Heights. Support services and shelters are located further south in central Montclair and neighboring Essex County municipalities.
What Montclair Heights is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, filled with commuters heading to the train and local residents walking dogs.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Peaceful residential streets with light university and school traffic; completely safe for pedestrians.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and dimly lit in purely residential tracts, yet remains remarkably secure and comfortable.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low foot traffic with near-zero street activity; safe to walk, though quiet enough to warrant standard awareness.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates the Montclair-Boonton Line directly through the Montclair Heights station, offering weekday commuter train service to New York Penn Station and Hoboken. Local NJ Transit bus route 28 also serves nearby arterial corridors like Valley Road.
Residential street parking is readily available and generally free, though overnight parking restrictions apply without a municipal permit. Commuter permit and daily permit lots are available at the Montclair Heights train station.
Things to do in Montclair Heights
- Catch a theater, dance, or musical performance at the Alexander Kasser Theater on the Montclair State University campus.
- Stroll the peaceful suburban streets and admire historic architectural styles ranging from Tudors to mid-century colonials.
- Visit the nearby Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve for nature walks along the Third River.
Local favorites
- Applegate Farm · Ice Cream Shop · 4.6★ (2350)Historic landmark parlor serving house-made ice cream since 1848 just south of the neighborhood border.
- Jackie's Grillette · Mediterranean & American Grill · 4.5★ (310)Casual neighborhood staple serving wraps, salads, and healthy Mediterranean platters.
- Plaza Deli · Deli & Convenience · 4.3★ (120)Classic community deli offering breakfast sandwiches, subs, and pantry staples near the train station.
Neighborhoods near Montclair Heights
Common questions about Montclair Heights
Is Montclair Heights safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Montclair Heights a good place to live?
On safety, Montclair Heights scores 91/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Montclair Heights?
Walk score 46/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Montclair Heights are safer?
Upper Montclair (92), Cedar Grove (NJ) (92) score higher nearby.
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