Mountainside 72 Excellent
Mountainside Livability #231 ranked city in New Jersey#6,312 ranked city in the USARanks better than 78% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Mountainside

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Schools Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

What's it like Living in Mountainside?

Mountainside is a small city located in the state of New Jersey. The city has a population of 7,074 people. The majority of Mountainside residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. Mountainside is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 52, which is well beyond the United States median age average. Mountainside is known to be family friendly as more than 78% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 39% of residents also have children under the age of 18. Something to be aware of when living in Mountainside are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 37 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Mountainside is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in New Jersey, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Mountainside and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, education, housing and other important metrics.

With a livability score of 71/100, Mountainside is ranked #6,223 in the United States and #228 in New Jersey. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Mountainside ranks well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (B) There is at least one category that did not score well in Mountainside. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F).

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Mountainside has a violent crime rate of 14 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Mountainside, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.8% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Mountainside, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Mountainside market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Mountainside real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Mountainside. The median home price for Mountainside homes is $1,139,986, which is 105.2% higher than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Mountainside, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.2, which is 21.6% higher than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Mountainside

See all the best places to live around Mountainside

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Compare Mountainside, NJ Livability

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      Mountainside transportation information

      Statistic Mountainside New Jersey National
      Average one way commute37min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work60.8%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.4%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit11.1%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.9%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home20.8%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Mountainside, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.