Is Mountainside Safe, Pros and cons of living in Mountainside

Mountainside, New Jersey, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban centers, making it an appealing location for families and professionals alike. This charming borough is nestled within Union County, known for its picturesque landscapes and well-regarded community amenities. Its strategic location provides residents with a peaceful retreat while remaining within reach of the vibrant cultural and economic opportunities of the New York City metropolitan area.

The community boasts a strong residential character, with a significant portion of its area dedicated to parkland, including the expansive Watchung Reservation. This commitment to green spaces enhances the quality of life for its inhabitants, offering ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Mountainside’s appeal is further amplified by its highly-rated public schools and a generally safe environment, contributing to its reputation as a desirable place to live.

Is it Safe to Live in Mountainside?

Mountainside is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The overall crime rate in Mountainside is 51% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Residents generally find the northwest part of the borough to be the safest (as reported by Crime Maps and Statistics).

The violent crime rate in Mountainside is notably low, standing at 14.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 80% lower than the national average and 93% below the New Jersey state average (as reported by PlainCrime). This low incidence of violent crime contributes to an overall safety grade of A for the borough (as reported by PlainCrime). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 7,053 (as reported by PlainCrime).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Mountainside is characterized by its high property values and a strong owner-occupancy rate. The median property value in Mountainside, NJ, was $810,300 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate stands at a robust 87.9%, which is considerably higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Renters in Mountainside face higher costs, with the median gross rent reported at $3,501 (as reported by Point2Homes). The average rent for all property types in Mountainside is $3,800 per month, showing a year-over-year decrease of $1,000 (as reported by Zillow). The cost of living in Mountainside is substantially higher than the national average, with housing expenses being particularly elevated. Mountainside’s cost of living is 65% higher than the national average, with housing expenses being 212% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Median Home Prices and Rent

The median listing home price in Mountainside, NJ, is approximately $975,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®). More recent data indicates that in March 2026, the median home price in Mountainside was $995,000, representing a 21.2% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Median rent figures vary across sources, with one indicating a median gross rent of $3,501 (as reported by Point2Homes) and another showing an average rent of $3,800 (as reported by Zillow).

Overall Cost of Living

Mountainside’s overall cost of living is significantly above the national average. It is reported to be 75% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This elevated cost is driven by various factors, including housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Housing expenses are particularly high, being 250% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Economy and Employment

Mountainside’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with finance and insurance, professional, scientific, and technical services, and healthcare and social assistance being the most prominent sectors for its residents (as reported by Data USA). The job market shows growth, with employment in Mountainside increasing by 2.85% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

The median household income in Mountainside is notably high, reflecting the economic well-being of its residents. In 2024, the median household income was $211,538, showing a slight increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). This high income level supports the elevated cost of living within the borough.

Major Employers

While specific major employers solely within Mountainside are not extensively detailed in available data, the borough’s residents are employed in a variety of sectors. Prominent job groups include office and administrative support, management occupations, and computer and mathematical occupations (as reported by Data USA). National companies with a presence or significant employee base in the area include DoorDash, Bank of America, and Hackensack Meridian Health (as reported by Indeed.com).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Mountainside is generally low, aligning with broader trends in New Jersey. For the borough, the unemployment rate is reported as 3.5% (as of 2015 data from US Census Bureau, American Community Survey). Statewide, New Jersey’s unemployment rate was 4.9% in March 2026, a decrease from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts).

Climate and Weather

Mountainside experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The average annual temperature ranges from a low of 23°F to a high of 87°F (as reported by Livability.com). The borough receives an average of 50 inches of rain annually and approximately 26 inches of snowfall (as reported by Livability.com).

Summer months, from May to September, are warm with average daily high temperatures above 77°F, peaking in July with highs around 86°F (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Mountainside). Winter, from December to March, brings cold temperatures with average daily highs below 49°F, with January being the coldest month, having average highs of 40°F and lows of 25°F (as reported by Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Mountainside).

Education and Demographics

Mountainside is recognized for its highly-rated public school system, which contributes to its appeal as a family-friendly community. The Mountainside School District consistently ranks among the top in New Jersey, with strong proficiency scores in math and reading (as reported by Niche and Public School Review). Students in the district demonstrate high levels of academic achievement compared to state averages (as reported by Public School Review).

The borough has a population of approximately 7,050 residents (as reported by Data USA). The demographic makeup is predominantly White, with significant Asian and Hispanic populations. In 2024, White (Non-Hispanic) residents constituted the largest group, making up about 5,030 individuals (as reported by Data USA). A notable portion of the population, about 18.9%, were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).

School Ratings

The public schools in Mountainside are highly regarded, with the Mountainside School District receiving an overall grade of A- (as reported by Niche). The district is noted for its high academic performance, with 75% of students proficient in math and 80% proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). Specific schools within or serving Mountainside, such as Union County Magnet High School and Academy for Information Technology, also receive high ratings (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Mountainside’s population is diverse, with a median age of around 46.6 years (as reported by Wikipedia). The racial composition is primarily White, accounting for approximately 91.31% of the population according to the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). However, more recent data indicates about 74% Caucasian, with 11.8% Asian and 2.2% African American residents (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 18.9% of residents were born outside the U.S. (as reported by Data USA).