If you live in Livingston or spend a lot of time here you’ve probably noticed that things are changing.
Some changes are small and easy to miss. Others are impossible to ignore. A longtime store moves. A new business opens. A familiar intersection looks different. And then there are the bigger questions, like what will eventually happen to the Livingston Mall property.
I’ve always loved that Livingston manages to feel established and familiar while continuing to evolve. So I thought it would be fun to take a look at what’s happening around town right now — and what I’ll be watching next.
A New Chapter for Barnes & Noble
One of the most noticeable recent changes is the arrival of the new Barnes & Noble at the Livingston Shopping Center on West Mount Pleasant Avenue.
The new store opened August 5 after relocating from the Livingston Mall. It brings back a familiar Livingston favorite in a new setting, with a café, books, toys and games, vinyl and more.
I think this is a great example of how Livingston’s retail landscape is evolving.
The Route 10 corridor has become such an important part of everyday life here, and having a destination like Barnes & Noble alongside the other stores and restaurants adds another reason to spend time in the area.
And honestly, there’s something nice about having a bookstore in town. Not everything has to happen online.
What comes next for the Livingston Mall?
This is probably the question I hear most often.
The Livingston Mall officially lost its final tenant when Barnes & Noble left in July, and the property has become a very different place from the busy shopping center many longtime residents remember.
But the story isn’t simply about what Livingston is losing. It’s about what could come next.
The township has been working through a complicated redevelopment process involving the mall property and its multiple ownership interests. A redevelopment plan for the former Sears portion calls for 376 housing units, including affordable housing, while the future of the remaining acreage is still being considered.
That is a significant conversation for Livingston — not only because of the potential housing, but because of what a thoughtfully reimagined property could mean for shopping, dining, traffic, tax revenue and the overall feel of this part of town.
There’s no simple answer yet, and there isn’t a finished vision to point to. But I think it’s worth watching.
What Makes Livingston Feel Like Livingston
For all the changes happening around town, there are plenty of things that haven’t changed — and those are often the things residents value most.
Livingston has that unusual combination of convenience and community. You can grab coffee, meet a friend for dinner, run errands along Route 10 and still be back home in one of Livingston’s quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods within minutes.
And the neighborhoods themselves are part of the appeal. From established streets with mature trees and classic homes to newer construction and beautifully renovated properties, Livingston offers a variety of ways to live here — and that’s one of the reasons it appeals to people at so many different stages of life.
There’s also the everyday sense of community. The local restaurants, shops, parks, schools and gathering places become part of your routine. They’re the places where you run into people you know, discover a new favorite spot or spend an afternoon without having to leave town.
Livingston is changing, but it hasn’t lost the things that made people want to live here in the first place.
The Real Estate Market Reflects That Demand
For all of the changes happening around Livingston, one thing remains clear: people still want to live here.
And I see that firsthand.
Buyers are drawn to the combination of location, community, neighborhood variety and everyday convenience. There are established neighborhoods with mature trees, beautiful older homes, renovated properties and newer construction — giving buyers a lot of different ways to experience Livingston.
The market numbers reflect that continued demand. But numbers only tell part of the story. What I see every day is that buyers aren’t simply looking for a house. They’re looking for a place that feels like home.
And Livingston continues to offer that.
Want to Learn More About Livingston?
Livingston is always evolving, and I love helping buyers and sellers understand not only what’s happening in the market, but what’s happening around the community.
If you’re thinking about making a move in Livingston, curious about the local market, or simply want to learn more about what’s ahead, reach out. I’d be happy to share what I’m seeing and help you navigate what comes next.
— Lisa Lang
Let’s Connect
973-951-5729
lisa.lang@compass.com
@lisalanghomes
Comments will display here