$1,037,711Average Value$608Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes 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.
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Written By
Jess Nocera
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Meghan Mullin,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Mountainside, NJ sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Mountainside, NJ over the last 12 months is $990,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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