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Mountainside

Mountainside

Located in Union County

$1,071,541 Average Value
$579 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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.
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.
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.
Route 22 and Interstate 78 flank the Mountainside neighborhood which enables simple commuting.
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Jess Nocera
Written By
Jess Nocera
EB Fox
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EB Fox

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michele Klug, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Mountainside Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$994,500
Median Sale Price
$990,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$990,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,170,995
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
64
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$579

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
962
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Median Year Built
1956
Months of Supply
1.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,474
Significantly above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,664
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
19,819

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Aug 31
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    242 Juniper Way, Mountainside, NJ 07092

    $1,262,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,000 Sq Ft
    • 242 Juniper Way
    • New 2 days ago

    Welcome to this beautifully maintained Tudor style home that seamlessly blends timeless charm with thoughtful updates. Step inside and find a cozy living room, formal dining room and family room with a wood burning fireplace. Updated kitchen with granite counter tops. Partially finished basement with new Bilco doors. Meticulously land scaped yard with deck with a gazebo. New retaining wall, side

    DAVID FOERST ERA SUBURB REALTY

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Mountainside Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,659
Median Age
47
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.5%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$154,500
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$184,427

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96%
College Graduates
58.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.4%

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®®

20 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

14 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Mountainside