Is Upper Montclair safe?
Montclair, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Upper Montclair as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Upper Montclair
“Go. Upper Montclair is one of the safest and most affluent suburban communities in the New York metropolitan area, featuring virtually nonexistent violent crime. Visitors can freely explore the local boutiques, bakeries, parks, and historic streets with complete peace of mind at almost any hour.”
About the area
Upper Montclair is a picturesque, upscale enclave in northern Montclair centered around the intersection of Valley Road and Bellevue Avenue. Known for its Tudor-style commuter train station, expansive parks, and historic homes, it offers a vibrant village commercial district embedded in quiet, leafy residential blocks.
- Affluent / Suburban
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Boutique Dining
Walking and biking in Upper Montclair
Walk score: 76/100 · Bike score: 52/100
There is no municipal bike-share program, but local residential streets are bike-friendly and connect directly to paved paths in Anderson Park and Brookdale Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero and far below state and national averages
- High median household incomes exceeding $200,000 and exceptionally low poverty rates
- Immaculately maintained public parks, historic housing stock, and active village center
Cons
- Periodic overnight property crime including vehicle thefts from residential driveways
- Heavy vehicular traffic and bottlenecks along Valley Road during peak hours
- Strict municipal parking rules and limited free public parking near retail hubs
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Upper Montclair, with no encampments or regular panhandling observed in the commercial or residential areas.
What Upper Montclair is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with commuters walking to the train station, joggers, and parents visiting neighborhood coffee shops in complete safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively and welcoming along Bellevue Avenue as shoppers and students fill the sidewalks, presenting no safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Warm and well-lit around the central business district as diners patronize local restaurants with high pedestrian comfort.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and tranquil with negligible foot traffic, feeling secure though standard suburban awareness for dark residential streets applies.
Transit, parking and getting around
NJ Transit operates regular commuter rail service to Midtown Manhattan from Upper Montclair Station on the Montclair-Boonton Line, supplemented by local NJ Transit bus routes like the 28 on Valley Road.
Metered street parking and municipal permit lots are available along Bellevue Avenue and Valley Road using the ParkMobile app, with rates typically around $1.50 per hour.
Things to do in Upper Montclair
- Stroll through the historic and colorful Presby Memorial Iris Gardens
- Browse independent boutiques, bakeries, and cafes along Bellevue Avenue
- Hike scenic wooded ridge trails with NYC skyline views at nearby Mills Reservation
Local favorites
- Marcel Bakery and Kitchen · Mediterranean Cafe & Bakery · 4.6★ (720)A bustling neighborhood spot serving freshly baked pita, savory Mediterranean plates, and specialty coffee.
- Watchung Booksellers · Independent Bookstore · 4.8★ (410)A beloved, community-centric indie bookstore hosting author readings and a curated collection for all ages.
- Turtle + The Wolf · American Gastropub · 4.6★ (440)An acclaimed BYOB restaurant offering elevated American comfort food in a relaxed, intimate dining room.
Neighborhoods near Upper Montclair
Common questions about Upper Montclair
Is Upper Montclair safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Upper Montclair a good place to live?
On safety, Upper Montclair scores 92/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Upper Montclair?
Walk score 76/100 and bike score 52/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Upper Montclair are safer?
Glen Ridge (NJ) (94), Verona (94) score higher nearby.
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