Bloomfield, West Orange & Clifton: Standout Alternatives for Buyers Who Love Montclair’s Vibe

If you're drawn to the creative energy, walkable downtowns, and commuter-friendly lifestyle that make Montclair, NJ, one of Northern New Jersey’s most desirable towns, you're not alone. Montclair has earned its reputation as an Essex County favorite—but the cost of entry has risen enough that many buyers now ask a more strategic question:

“Where can I find a Montclair-style lifestyle without the Montclair price tag?”

For 2025, three towns consistently rise to the top of that list:

• Bloomfield, NJ

• West Orange, NJ

• Clifton, NJ

Each delivers access to culture, convenience, and community, while offering more approachable housing costs and a variety of options for buyers. Here’s a locally informed look at how these towns compare.

Why Buyers Continue to Love Montclair—But Often Look Nearby

Short answer: Montclair remains one of Essex County’s most competitive markets, known for its charm, architecture, and vibrant downtown—but its pricing pushes many shoppers to explore neighboring communities.

Montclair combines several rare qualities in one place: historic homes, beloved business districts like Church Street and Walnut Street, top-tier arts institutions, highly rated public schools, and multiple train lines that streamline the commute into Manhattan. Towns across Essex and Union Counties—from Maplewood and South Orange to Summit, Westfield, and Chatham—draw buyers with similar lifestyle preferences, but Montclair remains the benchmark.

The challenge?
Homes here command a premium, attract fast-moving competition, and appeal to a buyer pool that often outnumbers available listings. When buyers widen the search radius, Bloomfield, West Orange, and Clifton immediately stand out as high-value alternatives.

1. Bloomfield, NJ: Montclair’s Neighbor With Major Momentum

Short answer: Bloomfield offers walkability, transit access, historic housing, and revitalizing neighborhoods—at pricing that’s far more accessible than Montclair.

Bloomfield borders Montclair directly, and in many areas the shift between the two towns is subtle. Several Bloomfield neighborhoods offer the same tree-lined streets, pre-war homes, and community feel that draw people to Montclair.

Why Bloomfield Appeals to Montclair Buyers

• Walkable lifestyle: The areas around Bloomfield Center, Glenwood Avenue, and Broad Street continue evolving with new restaurants, cafés, and retail.

• Commuter convenience: Two train stations—Bloomfield and Watsessing Avenue—provide direct access to NYC via the NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line.

• Historic architecture: Streets in Brookdale, Watsessing, Halcyon Park, and the Bloomfield Green Historic District feature classic colonials, early 20th-century homes, and lovingly preserved character properties.

• Notably more attainable prices: Buyers often find they can upgrade to a larger home or a more desirable neighborhood than they could afford directly over the border in Montclair.

• Lower carrying costs: Many homeowners cite property taxes and overall affordability as key advantages.

Who Bloomfield Is Best For

Bloomfield is especially attractive to:

• First-time buyers searching for an Essex County location with real neighborhood character

• Commuters who want a predictable train ride into Manhattan

• Buyers priced out of Montclair but still wanting adjacency to its restaurants, arts scene, and shopping

• Homeowners who prefer a town with ongoing redevelopment and long-term upside

If you’re comparing towns for “moving to Bloomfield NJ,” this one often checks all the boxes for walkability, convenience, and budget-friendliness.

2. West Orange, NJ: More Space, More Variety, More Suburban Calm

Short answer: West Orange delivers more square footage, larger lots, and access to major recreation areas—while still offering reasonable commuting options into NYC.

Where Bloomfield mirrors Montclair’s walkable, arts-driven personality, West Orange offers a more traditional suburban feel. But it remains one of the top value towns in Essex County.

Why West Orange Works for So Many Buyers

• Size and space: Many buyers discover that the same budget that buys a modest Montclair property stretches significantly farther in West Orange, especially for 4–5 bedroom homes.

• Outdoor access: The proximity to South Mountain Reservation, Turtle Back Zoo, the Richard J. Codey Arena, hiking trails, and Reservoir Loop makes it ideal for outdoor-oriented households.

• Diverse neighborhoods: Distinct areas—Gregory, St. Cloud, Pleasantdale, Upper Gregory, and Redwood—offer different architectural styles, price points, and community vibes.

• Commuter options: While some West Orange neighborhoods require a brief drive or jitney ride to a nearby train in South Orange, Orange, or Montclair, the bus to Port Authority is a reliable alternative.

• Strong value proposition: Homes tend to stay more affordable while still offering square footage and amenities that rival those in pricier neighboring towns.

Who West Orange Is Best For

• Buyers needing more bedrooms or bigger yards

• People who want suburban quiet but frequent access to Montclair, Livingston, or Millburn amenities
  
  Commuters who use bus or jitney service rather than relying solely on trains

• Families seeking community-oriented neighborhoods with parks and recreation nearby

If your search includes “more affordable towns near Montclair,” West Orange consistently ranks among the best long-term value plays.

3. Clifton, NJ: Passaic County’s Hidden Gem

Short answer: Clifton combines commuter convenience, diverse neighborhoods, and suburban flexibility, making it a strong alternative for buyers seeking Montclair-style access at a more approachable price point.

Clifton, located just northwest of Montclair in Passaic County, is known for its mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and multi-family options. While it’s slightly farther from Manhattan than Montclair or Bloomfield, it remains a practical choice for commuters thanks to multiple transit options and nearby highways.

Why Clifton Appeals to Buyers:

• Diverse housing stock: Clifton offers a variety of architectural styles, from post-war colonials to contemporary constructions, giving buyers flexibility in size, layout, and style.

• Suburban neighborhoods with character: Areas like Allwood, Richfield, and Athenia provide tree-lined streets, community parks, and long-established neighborhoods.

• Commuter convenience: NJ Transit buses connect Clifton to Midtown Manhattan, and Route 46 and Route 3 offer direct car access to NYC. While Clifton lacks a direct train line like Montclair or Bloomfield, commuting options are still reliable.

• Family-friendly amenities: Parks, recreational centers, and access to local schools make Clifton attractive to families seeking suburban space without leaving Northern New Jersey.

• Relative affordability: Buyers often find larger properties and more square footage for the same investment compared to Montclair, especially in family-oriented neighborhoods.

Who Clifton Is Best For:

• Buyers seeking a larger home or more land for their budget

• Families who prioritize suburban space and schools

• Commuters open to bus or highway access rather than train-only options

• Homeowners looking for a town with diverse housing and long-term growth potential
  
  

If your research includes “Montclair alternatives in Passaic County,” Clifton offers a compelling balance of affordability, accessibility, and community character.

Montclair vs. Bloomfield vs. West Orange vs. Clifton: How to Choose the Right Fit

Short answer: Bloomfield offers Montclair’s vibe at a lower price, West Orange provides more space and suburban calm, and Clifton delivers additional variety and commuter options for budget-conscious buyers.

Bloomfield Feels Most Like Montclair:

• Walkable neighborhoods

• Transit-oriented lifestyle

• Pre-war homes and architectural charm

• A lively dining and arts scene

• Quick access to Montclair’s cultural attractions without the cost
  
  

West Orange Offers More House for the Money:

• Larger living spaces

• Bigger yards

• Quiet, established neighborhoods

• Access to major recreation hubs

• Multiple commuting options
  
  

Clifton Balances Space and Accessibility:

• Diverse housing options

• Family-friendly neighborhoods

• Convenient commuter highways and bus routes

• Affordability for larger properties

• Suburban lifestyle with proximity to Essex & Bergen County amenities
  
  

Montclair remains the gold standard for vibrant downtown living, architecture, and culture, but for many buyers, exploring neighboring towns opens doors to similar lifestyles at a fraction of the cost.

FAQ

Q: Is Bloomfield, NJ, a good alternative to Montclair?
A: Yes. Bloomfield shares Montclair’s walkability, character homes, and commuting advantages, but with more accessible home prices.

Q: Is West Orange, NJ, affordable compared to Montclair?
A: In most budget ranges, West Orange offers significantly more square footage and property options for the same investment.

Q: How does Clifton compare for commuters?
A: Clifton provides solid bus service and easy highway access, making it practical for Manhattan-bound commuters who prioritize space and affordability.

Q: Which town offers the best mix of lifestyle and price?
A: Bloomfield is closest to Montclair’s urban charm, West Orange offers more space and recreational access, and Clifton gives suburban variety and value.

Q: Are these towns good long-term investments?
A: All three provide opportunities for value growth, community stability, and a desirable Northern New Jersey lifestyle—without Montclair-level competition.

Expert Takeaway: Montclair Isn’t Your Only Option

Montclair will always be a standout Essex County destination. But if you’re searching for:

• More affordability

• More space

• Similar lifestyle and architecture

• A strong long-term investment
  
  

…then Bloomfield, West Orange, and Clifton deserve a close look. Each offers its own mix of community feel, accessibility, recreation, and long-term growth potential—making them high-value alternatives in Northern New Jersey.

If you’re deciding between these towns—or comparing them to Maplewood, South Orange, Livingston, Glen Ridge, Summit, or Westfield—we’re here to guide you.

For personalized, hyper-local real estate insight, contact the Allison Ziefert Real Estate Group at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help you navigate the Northern New Jersey market from A to Z.