Essex County sits near the middle of New Jersey and manages to pack an unusual amount of variety into a compact footprint, weaving together different cultures, economies, and building styles into one lively place. For anyone weighing a move, the towns here run the full range, from energetic downtowns to hushed, tree-lined streets. That mix is exactly what pulls so many households in, and below we walk through a handful of the standouts.
At Teddy Bear Moving, our family-run crews out of Fairfield help people land in this corner of the state week after week. Picking the right town is your decision to make, but once you settle on one, we take care of the boxes and the truck.
Why put down roots here?
Sitting a short hop from New York City, the county works beautifully for folks who commute into Manhattan yet want to come home to somewhere calmer at night. That balance, part city energy and part suburban quiet, is what gives the area its character. Busy commercial strips, wide green spaces, and leafy residential pockets all sit within a few miles of one another, which goes a long way toward explaining the steady stream of newcomers season after season. Getting here is the simple part; deciding where to plant yourself takes a little homework.
Montclair, culture and community rolled together
Montclair lands high on plenty of shortlists, and for good reason. Its arts and food scenes stay humming all year, with an eclectic restaurant lineup and events such as the Montclair Film Festival drawing visitors from every direction. Handsome older houses line many of its blocks, and asking prices for them often land near $700,000. Living well here does not come cheap, with yearly expenses running somewhere around $89,000, a number well above the national norm. Even so, strong schools and a rich cultural calendar keep demand high, and the town grew its population by roughly 5% over the past year. If a move to Montclair is on the horizon, our packing services can lift the fragile-wrapping stress off your plate.
Maplewood, a green retreat for the outdoorsy
Maplewood earns its name on friendliness, scenery, and a solid dining scene. Parks and walking paths thread through the town, so anyone who likes being outside has plenty to explore. Every year the Maplewoodstock Music and Art Festival brings in crowds from across New Jersey. Classic colonial homes make up much of the housing stock, with typical prices hovering near $500,000. Annual living costs sit around $76,000, which keeps it gentler on the wallet than several of its neighbors. The pull is real: new arrivals climbed about 4% in 2022.
Short Hills, suburban luxury at its peak
For buyers chasing a high-end suburban address, Short Hills delivers. The town is known for its polished shopping district, gracious homes, and premium amenities. Within its borders, Greenwood Gardens offers a quiet, green place to slow down. Some of the priciest property anywhere in the country sits here, with typical home values north of $1.5 million. That comes at a steep price, of course, as yearly living expenses reach roughly $150,000. None of it has dented the town’s appeal, which posted a 3% uptick in residents over the last year.
Livingston, built for family life
Families tend to gravitate toward Livingston, and it checks nearly every box they care about. Well-regarded schools, a safe feel, and amenities aimed at kids and parents make it a natural place to raise children. Culture is covered too, thanks to groups like the Livingston Symphony Orchestra and the Livingston Community Players. Homes turn up in a range of styles, with prices generally near $600,000, while yearly living costs land at a manageable $95,000, a fair trade between value and comfort. The town added about 2% to its population in 2022, a nod to its family appeal. Whether your new place is across the street or across the county, our local moving team can get you there.
What these towns have in common
For all their differences, these communities share a good deal. Each one is served by highly rated schools that pull families in. Each keeps crime low, so residents feel secure day to day. And each nurtures a genuine sense of belonging while welcoming people of every background. As you size up a town in Essex County, a few things are worth weighing:
- Easy commuting routes into the city
- Well-rated public schools
- The particular perks each town brings to the table
Finding the fit that suits you
Deciding among these places really comes down to how you live and what matters most. Does Montclair’s creative buzz and close-knit feel speak to you? Maybe Maplewood’s calm, nature-first character is more your speed. Perhaps the upscale lifestyle of Short Hills is the draw, or maybe top schools push Livingston to the front of your list. There is no single right answer. Every one of these towns brings its own flavor, and the whole exercise is about matching a place to the life you want to build.
The county has more to offer
From Montclair and Maplewood to Short Hills and Livingston, the towns of Essex County span a wide spread of lifestyles. Crave the pulse of a busy downtown or the hush of a quiet block, and either way there is a spot here with your name on it. These four are only a jumping-off point, though; the county runs deep, and plenty of other corners reward a closer look. When you are ready to make the leap, reach out and we will handle the rest.
Planning a move? We can help
Free, no-obligation quote from our New Jersey team.
