Why Montville, NJ?
Montville was ranked #21 best place to live in the U.S. and #2 in NJ by Money magazine (2009). Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area (1,600+ acres, 19+ miles of trails) features Tripod Rock — a 160-ton glacial erratic balanced on three boulders with documented summer solstice alignment, called 'New Jersey's Stonehenge.' Rails Steakhouse in Towaco has Thirty 3, a hidden speakeasy accessed through a wine cave. 70% of adults hold college degrees (3x the national average). Owner occupancy higher than 97.6% of all U.S. neighborhoods. Established by Dutch farmers from New Amsterdam in the early 18th century. At $791K median, Montville delivers top schools (#5 district in Morris County), 90-acre Lake Valhalla, and three distinct sections each with their own character.
Montville Real Estate Market in 2026
Montville homes sell at a $791K median — up 4% YoY. Average list price $951K with 37 active listings. Ranch, cape, bi-level, split-level, colonial, and center hall colonial styles across 32+ named residential communities. 7,500+ housing units. Owner occupancy higher than 97.6% of U.S. neighborhoods. Italian ancestry 25.2%, with strong Indian (17%), Taiwanese (10%), and Chinese (10%) foreign-born populations. Per capita income $85,419.
Best Neighborhoods in Montville
4 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Towaco
$650,000 to $950,000Northern section with NJ Transit Towaco station (Montclair-Boonton Line to Hoboken, ~50 min to NYC). Mid-century ranches, colonials, some newer subdivisions. Walkable to shops near station. Home to Rails Steakhouse and its hidden Thirty 3 speakeasy.
Pine Brook
$600,000 to $850,000Southern section with Lake Valhalla access (90-acre lake with mountain views, private tennis/swim club). Lakeland Bus Lines to Port Authority (~40 min rush hour). Larger suburban lots.
Montville Center
$650,000 to $900,000Civic and school hub with municipal offices, restaurants, and high school. Older colonials and splits near center, larger subdivisions nearby.
Pyramid Mountain Area
$700,000 to $1,100,000Near the 1,600-acre nature area and Tripod Rock. Wooded lots with trail access. Premium for nature proximity.
Commuting from Montville to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Montville
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Montville?
Montville Schools and Ratings
Montville Township High School (the Mustangs, 1,035 students, Niche A, #91 in NJ, #96 STEM, 10:1 ratio, 66% math proficiency, 75% reading). District ranked #5 in Morris County. Elementary: Cedar Hill, Hilldale, Valley View, William Mason, Woodmont (all K-5). Robert R. Lazar Middle School (6-8). 14.7% attend private high school (vs 13% state avg).
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Robert R Lazar Middle School
Montville Township High School
William Mason School
Montville vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montville | $790,555 | 2.12% | $15,500 | 48 min |
| Parsippany | $532,000 | 2.34% | $10,567 | 50 min |
| Kinnelon | $700,000 | 2.12% | $14,567 | 60 min |
Where to Eat in Montville
Towaco
Rails Steakhouse (USDA Prime beef dry-aged 28+ days on-premise, Wine Spectator award). Three levels: main dining room, Rafters (casual lodge, 2nd floor), and Thirty 3 speakeasy bar (lower level, accessed via secret passage through wine cave). Asian Kawa (Thai and Japanese, Main Road).
Pine Brook & Route 46
Woodstack (pizzeria on US-46), Red Barn (family-owned breakfast/lunch, outdoor seating spring/summer). Harrigans Family Restaurant (Irish Pub-American, known for fish tacos and corned beef/pastrami Reuben). Tuscany Villa Ristorante (Italian).
Parks and Recreation in Montville
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
1,600+ acres, 19+ miles of rugged trails. Peak elevation 934 feet with NYC skyline views. Established 1989 (first parcel funded by the Mennen Company). Visitor Center dedicated 1993 at 472 Boonton Avenue. Features Tripod Rock (160-ton glacial erratic balanced on three boulders, deposited by Wisconsin Glacier 18,000+ years ago, with documented summer solstice alignment — sighting through two large boulders points to the setting sun on summer solstice), Whale Head Rock, and Bear Rock.
Lake Valhalla
90-acre lake in Pine Brook with forest and mountain views. Private tennis and swim club. Boating and fishing.
Tourne County Park
547 acres adjacent with hiking, picnicking, and NYC skyline views.
Towaco River Walk
Walking trail along the river through the Towaco section.
New Development and Growth in Montville
Changebridge Road Affordable Housing
205 and 207 Changebridge Road overlay zone. Up to 88 non-age-restricted inclusionary units (72 market-rate plus 16 affordable).
History of Montville, NJ
Established by Dutch farmers from New Amsterdam (now NYC) in the early 18th century. Incorporated 1867. Named for the mountainous terrain.
Tripod Rock at Pyramid Mountain is called New Jersey's Stonehenge. The New England Antiquities Research Association (NEARA) has documented its summer solstice alignment. The 160-ton boulder was deposited by the Wisconsin Glacier 18,000+ years ago. Competing theories: prehistoric Lenape construction vs. natural glacial deposit. The formations appear only on high ridges of exposed bedrock, often forming equilateral triangles in true north/south alignment.
The Mennen Company (of Mennen deodorant/skincare fame) funded the first Pyramid Mountain preservation parcel in 1989.
The Valley of Stony Brook within Pyramid Mountain was used by Lenape/Munsee peoples for 10,000+ years for hunting, fishing, and gathering. Morgan farmhouse remnants near the trails were home to the infamous Tar Rope Gang.
Money magazine ranked Montville #21 best place to live in the U.S. and #2 in NJ (2009).
Safety in Montville
Montville is safer than 94% of U.S. cities (Niche A). Violent crime 71% below national average (96th percentile). Total crime rate 51% below national average. Safest area: northeast section of township.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Montville, NJ
What is the median home price in Montville, NJ?
The median home price is $790,555 as of 2026, with 4.0% year-over-year appreciation. Average $350/sqft, selling in 49 days.
How long is the commute from Montville to NYC?
48 minutes via NJ Transit from Towaco Station on the Montclair-Boonton Line. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Montville, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.12%. Average homeowner pays $15,500/year. At the median price of $790,555, expect about $16,760/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Montville?
Towaco ($650,000 to $950,000). Pine Brook ($600,000 to $850,000). Montville Center ($650,000 to $900,000). Pyramid Mountain Area ($700,000 to $1,100,000). See the full guide above for all 4 neighborhoods.
Is Montville safe?
Montville is safer than 94% of U.S. cities (Niche A). Violent crime 71% below national average (96th percentile). Total crime rate 51% below national average. Safest area: northeast section of township.
How walkable is Montville, NJ?
Walk Score of 15, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $148,000, median age 44.2. 8% renter-occupied.
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