If you’ve driven down Bloomfield Avenue lately, you’ve probably noticed the shift. Montclair isn’t just getting "nicer." It’s getting expensive in a way that feels a bit like Brooklyn’s frantic climb a decade ago. At the center of this conversation is The Saint Clair Montclair, a residential development that basically sums up the current identity crisis of the suburbs. It’s located at 571 Bloomfield Ave, right where the old Social Security building used to sit, which is kinda poetic if you think about the transition from government utility to high-end boutique living.
People are talking about it because it isn't just another sprawling complex. It’s small.
With only 23 units, it’s a weirdly intimate addition to a town that has seen massive, block-swallowing developments like the MC Hotel or the Valley & Bloom project. It feels more like a private club than an apartment building. But is it actually worth the hype, or is it just clever branding in a town that’s already saturated with "luxury" options? Honestly, the answer depends on whether you value a rooftop view of the Manhattan skyline more than a backyard.
The Architecture of The Saint Clair Montclair: More Than Just Brick
Most new builds in New Jersey look like they were designed by the same committee of people who love grey siding. The Saint Clair Montclair tried something else. It uses a mix of light-colored brick and massive floor-to-ceiling windows. The aesthetic is "soft industrial." You’ve got these black metal accents that ground the building, making it look substantial rather than flimsy.
It’s designed by RHG Architecture + Design. They’re a local firm, which actually matters here. They understand the scale of Montclair. They didn't try to build a skyscraper. Instead, they built a six-story mid-rise that fits the streetscape.
- The ground floor is dedicated to retail. This is a smart move because Bloomfield Ave lives and dies by its foot traffic.
- The residential units start on the second floor, giving tenants enough height to escape the noise of the street.
- The penthouse levels are where things get slightly ridiculous in terms of views.
The building doesn't scream for attention. It just sits there, looking expensive. Inside, the units vary from one-bedroom spots to sprawling three-bedroom layouts. The developer, Saxum Real Estate, clearly bet on the "empty nester" or the "city expat" demographic—people who want the finishings of a West Village condo but need to be within walking distance of the Bay Street train station.
What Living on Bloomfield Ave Actually Feels Like
Let’s be real for a second. Living at The Saint Clair Montclair means you are in the thick of it. You aren't tucked away on a quiet side street with sprawling oaks. You are near the corner of Bloomfield and North Mountain.
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That means noise. It means sirens. It means being three doors down from some of the best coffee in the state.
If you live here, your "front yard" is basically the entire downtown. You've got The Wellmont Theater just a few blocks away. You have Faubourg—arguably one of the best French brasseries in the tri-state area—within a five-minute walk. For some people, that’s a nightmare. For the target demographic of The Saint Clair, it’s exactly the point. They want to walk to the farmers market at Walnut Street. They want to hit the boutique fitness studios without getting in a car.
The interior finishes are where they try to justify the price tag. We’re talking about wide-plank oak floors. We're talking about custom Italian cabinetry. These aren't the builder-grade materials you see in those "luxury" buildings popping up near the highways. Everything feels heavy. Solid.
The Skyline Perk: Why Everyone is Obsessed with the Roof
The "Saint Clair" name itself feels a bit aspirational, but the rooftop deck is the real deal. Because Montclair sits on a ridge (the First Watchung Mountain), the elevation is high enough that the NYC skyline looks like a postcard.
On a clear night, you can see the One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building glowing on the horizon. It’s a massive flex for a suburban apartment. The rooftop isn't just a patch of grass either; it’s outfitted with fire pits and lounge seating. It’s the kind of place where you host a cocktail party just to prove to your city friends that moving to New Jersey wasn't a "downgrade."
The Financial Reality of Montclair’s New Gold Coast
We have to talk about the money. Montclair has some of the highest property taxes in the country. This trickles down into the rents and the purchase prices of new developments. The Saint Clair Montclair is positioned at the top of the market.
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Is it overpriced?
That’s a subjective call. If you compare it to a high-rise in Jersey City or Hoboken, the price per square foot actually looks somewhat reasonable. But compared to a traditional rental in a converted Victorian house on a side street? It’s a premium. You’re paying for the security, the elevator, the parking (which is a massive headache in Montclair), and the fact that you don't have to worry about a 100-year-old boiler dying in the middle of January.
- One-bedroom units usually target the $3,500+ range.
- Three-bedroom penthouses can soar way past that.
- The convenience factor of the nearby NJ Transit lines (Bay Street or Walnut Street) adds a "commuter tax" to the value.
The market in Montclair has been stubborn. Even as interest rates fluctuated over the last couple of years, the demand for high-end boutique housing hasn't really cooled off. There is a specific type of buyer/renter who is tired of the maintenance of a large suburban home but isn't ready for a retirement community. This "in-between" luxury is exactly what this building provides.
Navigating the Logistics of 571 Bloomfield Ave
Parking is the secret hero—or villain—of every New Jersey real estate story. At The Saint Clair, they’ve integrated on-site parking, which is non-negotiable for this price point. If you’ve ever tried to find a spot near the Montclair Public Library on a Saturday morning, you know that having a dedicated space is worth its weight in gold.
The building also leans heavily into the "smart home" trend. Keyless entry, integrated tech, and high-efficiency HVAC systems are standard. It’s a far cry from the drafty, charming-but-difficult homes that define most of the town’s housing stock.
Sustainability and Local Impact
There’s always a debate when a new building goes up in Montclair. Long-time residents worry about the "gentrification" of the downtown core. They worry about the loss of character. However, The Saint Clair Montclair replaced a fairly ugly, dated office building. In terms of urban planning, densifying the downtown area is actually more sustainable than building new subdivisions further out.
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It keeps the downtown vibrant. It puts more people on the sidewalks who will spend money at the local bookstores and independent shops. While it’s definitely "high-end," it contributes to a more walkable, less car-dependent lifestyle, which is something Montclair has been trying to cultivate for decades.
What to Do if You’re Looking at the Saint Clair
If you’re actually considering moving in or investing in the area, you need to do a "vibe check" at different times of the day.
Go there at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday. See if you can handle the rhythm of the commuters and the delivery trucks. Then go back at 7:00 PM on a Friday. Experience the energy of the nightlife. The Saint Clair Montclair puts you in the heart of the action, but "the action" can be loud.
- Walk the commute: Don't trust the map. Walk from 571 Bloomfield to the Bay Street station. It’s about a 12-minute brisk walk. Is that okay for you in the rain?
- Check the retail: See what shops are moving into the ground floor. The quality of the commercial tenants usually reflects the long-term management of the building.
- Compare the floor plans: Some units at The Saint Clair have better natural light than others depending on which side of the building they face. The East-facing units get the sunrise and the NYC views. The West-facing units get the afternoon sun and the mountain views.
Final Insights on the Montclair Market Shift
The Saint Clair Montclair isn't just a building; it’s a symptom of Montclair’s evolution into a true "satellite city" rather than just a suburb. The days of Montclair being a "well-kept secret" for artists and academics are long gone. It’s now a primary destination for high-net-worth individuals who want a specific lifestyle.
If you want privacy, luxury, and the ability to walk to a Michelin-star-worthy dinner, this building hits the mark. If you’re looking for a quiet cul-de-sac where kids play in the street, you’re looking in the wrong part of town.
Actionable Next Steps
- Schedule a private tour: Don't just look at the renderings online. The scale of the rooms at The Saint Clair is better understood in person, especially the ceiling heights.
- Audit your commute: If you work in Manhattan, test the DeCamp bus lines versus the NJ Transit train. Both are accessible from this location, but they offer very different experiences.
- Explore the neighborhood: Spend an afternoon at the Montclair Art Museum or grabbing a coffee at Paper Plane Coffee Co. nearby. Make sure the "center of town" lifestyle actually fits your daily routine before committing to the premium price tag of a boutique development like this.