Ask Our Agent with Compass Real Estate Agent Karin Diana, Founder of The Home Collective
Grab Diana’s free worksheet that lays out the pros and cons to renovating or selling your home — with numbers! Email her Karin.Diana@compass.com.
As more city dwellers look to Montclair for space and community, the transition from urban living can bring unexpected adjustments. This week, Karin Diana offers her insight on what to expect and how to make the move feel seamless. “The biggest shift for most of my clients is realizing that suburban life just moves differently,” Diana says. “It’s not about losing convenience—it’s about finding a new rhythm.”
The First Shock: Repairs and Replacements
Many new owners discover problems only once they’ve settled in. Diana recalls clients who had to schedule costly mold remediation within weeks of moving, which became an unexpected hit that threw off their early budgets. Even newer homes can hide wear and tear. “It’s easy to be dazzled by a beautiful kitchen during a showing,” she says, “but once you actually start using the appliances, you realize they’re aging faster than you thought.”
The Biggest Adjustment: Losing That Walkable Lifestyle
According to Diana, one of the most common surprises for buyers moving from the city to Montclair is the change in daily convenience. “Even if you purchase a home close to a coffee shop or restaurant, that walkable lifestyle really does come to an end,” Diana explains. “Once you have kids and you’re driving them to activities every day, you realize that you don’t walk nearly as much as you thought you would.”
She notes that many city buyers picture weekend strolls to grab a coffee or bagel, but suburban schedules often turn those quick walks into short drives and parking runs. “One client told me their biggest struggle was just getting the kids in and out of the car. It was something they hadn’t really thought about before,” she says.
Building Community Takes Time
Another unexpected challenge, Diana says, comes from making social connections. “When your kids are very young, you’re not as engaged in the community yet. That tends to change once they start joining sports or local programs,” she explains. “At first, it can feel a little isolating compared to the constant social buzz of the city.”
The Shift From Renting to Owning
Before making a purchase, Diana recommends trying out suburban life in a realistic way. “Book an Airbnb for a long weekend or even a full week in the heart of the community you’re considering,” she suggests. “That experience will give you a genuine sense of what daily life feels like beyond just a short visit.”
She also advises potential buyers to test the commute. “Try doing it in the evening, during rush hour, or while you’re staying in that Airbnb,” she says. “It’s the best way to understand what your routine might look like once you’ve made the move.”
Diana’s Advice: Test the Suburban Routine
Owning a home in Montclair is an investment not just in property, but in ongoing upkeep. From appliance repairs to commute costs to home improvements, Diana says the key is realistic budgeting and flexibility. “Homeownership is full of surprises,” she says. “The more you can anticipate and plan for them, the easier it is actually to enjoy your home.”
