[kristin1]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Kristin - I use to live in NJ years ago and loved all of the shopping. There were so many choices in Paramus. What is wrong with the Garden State Plaza other than the traffic? I haven't been there in years. Isn't it still home to a huge Macy's (formerly Bambergers, am I dating myself now)? I use to sneak in the back way off Passaic Street and Paramus Road. Has that gotten bad too? Routes 4 and 17 were always a nightmare. Jay

I remember Bambergers! It's mainly the traffic that makes me hate the Garden State Plaza. A few days before Christmas last year I made an attempt to do some last minute shopping - I spent 3 hours in the car and did not even get into the mall! I got stuck in traffic and then once in the plaza could not get out! Frustrating!

I needed something in a store that Paramus Park did not have in stock and actually had it mailed to my home from their store in GSP rather than make the trip to the plaza. Give me online shopping anyday.

Also, it's not a place I will take my kids anymore. People drop F - bombs everywhere, even the kids stores. I will say the new movie theater is great, though.

[JayCT]

Yikes! - I remember Christmas shopping being a nightmare there. Route 4 and 17 were parking lots. I knew some of the back ways into the mall but they were still bad, but never that bad. I just hope you won't be disappointed with the shopping here in CT. Can't compare to NJ, but then again not many places can. Jay

[JViello]

Well, first off welcome to CT to all those moving here.

I just want to say though - please...PLEASE remember WHY you are leaving NJ and leave it there.

I don't say that in a rude way at all, just a reminder that here is not there and some of us like it that way.

Again, welcome to CT!

[robbieobern]

Jayct-
I HATE Rockland county-high taxes, tons of minorities blacks, hispanics, hasidic jews (though I am not a prejudice person)--it is just a depressing place-have you been on route 59 lately in the spring valley area. Also the people are snobbish. As far as the commute from Killingworth, I leave at 4AM for work and and leave to come back aat 3pm so the traffic isnt an issue-I just turn on the radio and enjoy the ride. I drive fast so it only takes about 80 minutes. I just though that Killingworth was a nice quiet town near the beach, where people are pleasant and the homes have more property. As far as the garden state plaza goes, I much prefer the outdoor outlet shopping in CT-and have you rvrt tried getting to the plaza around Christmas time? Forget it. Besides, I'm a straight guy so shopping doesnt do much for me

[ESW]

I grew up in Morris County NJ. We have been in cities for the last 13 years and just relocated to Madison. We too have 2 small children. Madison is a lot more laid back than NJ. The people are very friendly and easy to get to know. It is a much easier place to live than Metropolitan NYC. The shopping isn't great and I miss having access to stores. They are around, you just need to travel a bit further than you are used to. I also suggest looking in Guilford. It is right next to Madison. They have good schools too and lots of activites for toddlers.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by robbieobern

Jayct-
I HATE Rockland county-high taxes, tons of minorities blacks, hispanics, hasidic jews (though I am not a prejudice person)--it is just a depressing place-have you been on route 59 lately in the spring valley area. Also the people are snobbish. As far as the commute from Killingworth, I leave at 4AM for work and and leave to come back aat 3pm so the traffic isnt an issue-I just turn on the radio and enjoy the ride. I drive fast so it only takes about 80 minutes. I just though that Killingworth was a nice quiet town near the beach, where people are pleasant and the homes have more property. As far as the garden state plaza goes, I much prefer the outdoor outlet shopping in CT-and have you rvrt tried getting to the plaza around Christmas time? Forget it. Besides, I'm a straight guy so shopping doesnt do much for me

I understand what you say about Rockland, it has become pretty congested as well. It is just that I try to recommend areas that would minimize commuting time because I hate it so much. What about Orange County that is north of Rockland? A little more rural but still not a bad commute to New Jersey. Itsounds like you really like Killingworth and I really can't blame you. It is beautiful. Any way to change jobs to be closer to Killingworth? Good luck. Jay

[Landlord22]

I have just read your thread and thought I'd respond. Essex was voted the Best Small Town in America in 1996. It has since grown so that it's no longer considered a small town. I suggest that you start house hunting here. I spent my entire life in the suburbs of New York City and this is definitely much slower paced, but nevertheless, it's not the sticks either. The Connecticut River Valley is a wonderful place to live and raise children. There are tons of restaurants and shopping everywhere. We are about two hours commute from either NYC or Boston and the local train takes you to either. Good luck. Rich

[kristin1]

Thanks, Landlord22! We really love Essex and are hoping to put a bid on a home as soon as our home sells. Do you mind if I pick your brain a little?

As previously mentioned, we have also looked in Guilford and Madison. We live in a town very similar to Madison and decided we are looking for soemthing different. However, during our travels to these towns, when we mention we are looking at Essex the usual response is "Sure, you want to be in Essex when you retire, but you want to be in Guilford/madison to raise your family"

Is this just people who are familiar with Essex years ago, or is there some truth to this? It seems like a family oriented community, but it's hard to get a feeling for a place until you are there for a while. Do yo know of any sports/rec leagues for small kids?

Also, while I'm aware the elementary school is very good, we may pursue Catholic education. We visited St John's in Old Saybrook and were a little taken aback by how unwilling they were to answer our questions. We were not able to even glance in the classroom. We were told to come back in February for an open house. I'm just wondering if we encounted a rude secretary, or if this is just the way they run the school.

Thanks again!
Kristin

[dougnaie]

Kristen -

We are relocating to the area in June, and are also considering St. John's. Can you tell me more about your experience there? It does not sound like it went well. Other than the Catholic elementary school in Madison (OUr Lady of Mercy?), I have heard some people refer to Catholic schools in Middletown. Have you heard about any that might be located there? Thanks in advance for any information you might have and be willing to share...

[wavehunter007]

Originally Posted by kristin1

Thanks, Landlord22! We really love Essex and are hoping to put a bid on a home as soon as our home sells. Do you mind if I pick your brain a little?

As previously mentioned, we have also looked in Guilford and Madison. We live in a town very similar to Madison and decided we are looking for soemthing different. However, during our travels to these towns, when we mention we are looking at Essex the usual response is "Sure, you want to be in Essex when you retire, but you want to be in Guilford/madison to raise your family"

Is this just people who are familiar with Essex years ago, or is there some truth to this? It seems like a family oriented community, but it's hard to get a feeling for a place until you are there for a while. Do yo know of any sports/rec leagues for small kids?

Also, while I'm aware the elementary school is very good, we may pursue Catholic education. We visited St John's in Old Saybrook and were a little taken aback by how unwilling they were to answer our questions. We were not able to even glance in the classroom. We were told to come back in February for an open house. I'm just wondering if we encounted a rude secretary, or if this is just the way they run the school.

Thanks again!
Kristin

Just to add –


I live in one of the shoreline towns in the area – as far as the public schools go, you really can’t go wrong. Most of the coastal towns from Branford to Waterford (Essex) have fine, top rated schools and staff. Of course, there is nothing wrong with going to one of the Catholic schools, but of course you pay for that. If your going to have to pay the rather high shoreline taxes - at least you will feel like your taxes are paying for your child’s education if they go to the public schools.

I live right in the area and I can tell you Essex is a great town – but there are a bit more older/aging baby-boomers, retired people, than young families. I think Saybrook, Old Lyme, Madison, or Guilford would be a slightly better choice for a family. Some of these old people can be cranky (lol). You can’t lose either way though.

I would not take the Old Saybrook thing too personally. With all the terror stuff and the way the world is today, I guess they have to be careful. A few weeks ago I went to return a book at the town library (in another town) and they were finger printing a new staff person while I waited in line. We (everyone in line) all thought it was so funny, and the young girl seemed like easy going person and took it all it stride - smiling right back at us.

I agree with Jay big time - shopping in the Essex/Old Saybrook area is not anything like in NJ. Next time you come out here, Take exit 82 off 95 (Waterford), that’s our main shopping area along the central /eastern Connecticut coast. They have put a ton of stuff there lately. It’s better than Milford/Orange Boston Post Road now – with half as many people.

Good Luck