Montclair's housing stock is anchored by single-family homes, many in the township's historic neighborhoods, with a substantial stock of older houses that reflect its nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century growth. Upper Montclair offers larger, premium homes near Montclair State University, while the downtown area around Bloomfield Avenue features condominiums and apartments near dining and multiple train stations. The township's several commercial districts each carry a distinct residential character, from the Tudor-style shops of Upper Montclair to the galleries and restaurants of the Walnut and Grove Street areas.

Montclair is organized around several distinct districts. Upper Montclair, near Montclair State University, is known for premium homes and Tudor-style shops and restaurants. Downtown Montclair centers on Bloomfield Avenue, a walkable corridor of dining, shopping, and multiple train stations. Watchung Plaza offers an independent bookstore and coffee house in a village-like setting, while the Walnut and Grove Street area features galleries and a range of restaurants. The South End rounds out the township with neighborhood shops and restaurants, reflecting the town's history and diversity.

Montclair's lifestyle is built around a dense, walkable dining and arts scene. The restaurant landscape ranges from longtime institutions to highly regarded newcomers along Bloomfield Avenue and in the surrounding districts. The Montclair Art Museum, the township's galleries, and a robust public library contribute to its cultural life, while historic gardens such as Van Vleck Gardens provide green space within the town. This blend of food, art, and walkable commercial districts gives Montclair an energy that sets it apart from more purely residential New Jersey suburbs.

Montclair's public schools operate through a magnet system rather than neighborhood schools: families select among themed magnet programs across the township, a structure born from a nearly fifty-year-old school integration effort. Private options include Montclair Kimberley Academy, the Montclair Cooperative School, and Lacordaire Academy. Montclair State University, located just north of the township, adds higher-education resources and cultural programming to the area. The school system is a central consideration for families moving to Montclair.

Montclair functions as a commuter suburb of New York City, with multiple train stations in the township providing rail service into Manhattan and the broader metro area. The downtown district along Bloomfield Avenue is built around transit access, making the town a practical base for commuters who work in New York. Major roadways connect Montclair to the rest of Essex County and northern New Jersey, while the town's walkable commercial districts reduce the need for a car for many daily errands.

Montclair maintains roughly 175 acres of parks across the township. Eagle Rock Reservation offers trails and a prominent overlook with views of the New York City skyline, while Brookdale Park, designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm, provides large open lawns and recreational facilities. Van Vleck Gardens, a historic estate garden, is open to the public, and Edgemont Park and Glenfield Park add neighborhood green space. The Montclair Art Museum and the township's library round out a recreation and culture landscape that serves residents across all of its districts.