Work in Clinton, live in PA? (Philadelphia, Allentown: transplants, rent, how much)

[MissMae]

We (my husband and myself) may be relocated to Clinton, NJ, and I'm hoping I can get some information on the area and which area would be a good place for us to live.

Here are the facts: We're CA transplants living in the DC area. I've never lived in a small city, and I'm not a huge fan of the suburbs. I'm a bit worried about moving to NJ or PA because I know absolutely nothing about either state and do not have any friends or family in that area.

I'd really like some guidance. If my husband will be working in Clinton, NJ, where would be a good place for us to live? We're young, we have no children, and we like areas with a nightlife, culture, good restaurants, theatre, etc. I work in the arts, and I'd like to be in a place with a thriving theatrical or arts community. We'd probably rent at first, and we'd like to kind of "have it all" - a great community, safe environment, walking distance to a downtown area or restaurants, etc. Good schools and child-friendly activities aren't necessary - we're not planning a family at the moment.

People have mentioned Bethlehem to us, Philadelphia - they mentioned that the taxes are less in PA, and that there may be more for us to do there? I have no idea. I'm utterly unfamiliar with the area.

I'm a bit worried about this whole endeavor, and would really love any guidance you guys could give me. Thanks in advance!

[guyinnj]

How much of a commute are you willing to make to work? Bethlehem is about 40 to Clinton on route 78. Bethlehem and Allentown (basically next to each other) have a little bit of everything so you might like. The best place to live based on what you want in your is probably NYC but it is expensive and the commute is more than an hour. You could also look at Hoboken NJ it is on the edge of Jersey across the from NYC. That would take you jsut about an hour and ten minutes to Clinton. Hoboken is basically a mini NYC.

[toobusytoday]

Great suggestion guy! I didn't know what to say since I wouldn't consider living in a city, especially a big city. I thought of saying, "Don't take that job!" but that doesn't sound very nice. Good luck with your city search MissMae!

[MissMae]

Thank you guyinnj and toobusytoday!

As far as not taking the job...that's an option we're still considering. It's one of those situations where there's so much up in the air that I'm just trying to get all of my options straight. Whew!

As far as a commute, my husband is willing to commute up to an hour, inclusive of traffic. At the moment, we live 19 miles from my work and it takes me over an hour in traffic to get home (gotta love DC traffic). So it looks like NYC is out of the question, unfortunately.

I had never considered Hoboken - I'll definitely do some looking-around at that city, thank you so much for the suggestion!

[jerseyj]

MissMae, I didn't want to commandeer eileensaras' thread so I dredged up your older one to respond to your quiry about Princeton.
Not to add to your angst about finding the right place in Jersey, but Princeton is certainly worth a look-see.
It is a very pretty little town, very pedestrian friendly, great downtown with upscale stores and some wonderful restaurants.
They have a well supported Arts Council, McCarter Theatre and Princeton Orchestra.
There is a strong sense of community in Princeton, the Boro is pretty small (1 square mile) and there are many, well attended, festivals throughout the year.

You have the "dinky train" that runs between Princeton and Princeton Junction Station where you can get the train into NYC for weekend shows, shopping etc.
Good luck with your search and your decision!