If you’re thinking about moving from New York City to the New Jersey suburbs, Mountainside is one of those towns that can easily fly under the radar.
It doesn’t have the large downtown of neighboring Westfield or Summit — and for many people, that’s actually part of the appeal.
Mountainside gives you a quieter, more residential setting while putting you within minutes of some of Union County’s most popular downtowns, parks, commuter options and major highways. For buyers who want more space without feeling disconnected from everything around them, the location is hard to beat.
Where Is Mountainside, NJ?
Mountainside is a small Union County community located between Westfield, Summit, Berkeley Heights and Scotch Plains.
That location gives residents easy access to several different downtown areas without necessarily having to live directly in one.
Downtown Westfield is just minutes away for restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and the Westfield NJ Transit station. Head in another direction and you can be in downtown Summit, with its own large collection of restaurants, shopping and NJ Transit station.
Scotch Plains is also nearby, adding even more restaurants, local businesses, community events and seasonal activities.
It’s one of the things we like most about Mountainside: you get the privacy and residential feel of a smaller town while being able to enjoy the amenities of several neighboring communities.
What Are the Schools Like in Mountainside, NJ?
Mountainside has its own local school district for students through eighth grade.
Beechwood School serves students in grades K–2, while Deerfield School serves grades 3–8. Mountainside students then attend Governor Livingston High School in neighboring Berkeley Heights.
For buyers moving to the area, the relatively compact school system is worth understanding because Mountainside operates differently from some of the larger surrounding districts.
You can learn more directly through the Mountainside School District website.
As always, buyers should independently confirm current school assignments and district information for any specific property.
How Do You Commute From Mountainside to New York City?
One of Mountainside’s biggest advantages is that commuters have options.
Mountainside itself does not have a train station, but the Borough identifies Westfield and Summit as its two closest NJ Transit stations. Westfield is on the Raritan Valley Line, while Summit provides access to the Morris & Essex and Gladstone lines.
There is also NJ Transit bus service from Mountainside toward the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, including service from the Route 22 area near Borough Hall.
For drivers, Route 22 and I-78 are extremely accessible, making it convenient to reach Newark, Jersey City, Newark Liberty International Airport and other parts of North Jersey.
Depending on where you work and how often you commute, having access to bus, rail and major highways gives Mountainside residents flexibility instead of tying them to a single commuting option.
Mountainside Has Some Serious Outdoor Space
One of the best parts of living in Mountainside is how much green space you have nearby.
Watchung Reservation is practically in Mountainside’s backyard. The approximately 2,000-acre wooded reservation offers hiking and nature trails, picnic areas, horseback riding, fishing and other outdoor activities.
Trailside Nature & Science Center is also located within the reservation and offers exhibits, educational programs and events throughout the year.
Then there’s Echo Lake Park, a 139-acre Union County park with two lakes, walking areas, playgrounds, ball fields, picnic areas, a dog run and seasonal events.
For a suburban community this close to New York City, having that much outdoor space nearby is a major lifestyle perk.
What Recreation Programs Does Mountainside Offer?
Mountainside also has its own Recreation Department with programs and facilities for residents of different ages.
The borough operates the Mountainside Community Pool and maintains recreational facilities that include tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, soccer and softball fields, playground areas and the Echo Lake Park Fitness Trail.
There are youth activities, sports and community programs offered throughout the year, while neighboring towns and Union County provide even more options.
So while Mountainside itself is small, residents aren’t limited to a small-town amount of things to do.
Farmers Markets and Weekend Life Around Mountainside
This is another benefit of Mountainside’s location: your weekend doesn’t have to happen in one town.
You can head into Westfield for coffee, shopping or dinner, spend time exploring downtown Summit, or visit the Scotch Plains Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning.
The Scotch Plains Farmers’ Market runs seasonally and brings together local farms, food vendors and other small businesses. Summit also has a popular seasonal farmers market, giving Mountainside residents another nearby option for a weekend morning.
And right in Mountainside, Prince’s Farm Stand on Mountain Avenue is a longtime local stop for seasonal produce and other market finds.
It’s a good example of what makes the location work: Mountainside itself feels quiet and residential, but you’re surrounded by established downtowns, restaurants, shopping, markets and community events.
Why Do People Choose Mountainside Over Nearby Towns?
For some buyers, the answer is simply the balance.
You can have a quieter neighborhood and more residential atmosphere without giving up proximity to the things that make towns like Westfield, Summit and Scotch Plains so desirable.
Mountainside may be a particularly good fit if you’re looking for:
- A smaller residential community
- Easy access to Westfield, Summit and Scotch Plains
- Nearby parks, trails and outdoor recreation
- A local school district through eighth grade
- Multiple options for commuting toward New York City
- Convenient access to Route 22 and I-78
- Proximity to restaurants, shopping and neighboring downtowns
- More space while still staying connected to the NYC metro area
For buyers coming from Brooklyn, Manhattan, Jersey City or Hoboken, Mountainside can offer an appealing middle ground: more space and a quieter suburban lifestyle without feeling like you’ve moved far away from everything.
Looking for a Home in Mountainside, NJ?
If you want to see what living in Mountainside can actually look like, 1233 Poplar Avenue is a great example.
This custom Colonial offers more than 4,000 square feet across three finished levels, five bedrooms, a large fenced property and a newly finished walk-out lower level designed for flexible and multi-generational living.
Explore 1233 Poplar Avenue in Mountainside, NJ →
If you’re considering moving to Mountainside — or trying to decide between Mountainside, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Summit and other North Jersey suburbs — The GAMA Team can help you understand how these towns actually differ and which one makes the most sense for the way you want to live.
Galina Kaplan & Marina Fridman Rybner
The GAMA Team | Corcoran
