Need advice moving to central NJ (Union, Montclair: apartment, to rent, student loans)

[hnw354728]

This fall I will start attending UMDNJ's Scotch Plains campus. I will be attending school full time and must move from Philly to NJ. I will be living on my own and am looking to rent a place for around $1000 a month. The problem is I am not familiar with the area. I would prefer not to live right in Scotch Plains because I feel the area is a little dull. I have friends in the Montclair area and would much rather prefer to live closer to them than farther away, the problem is when I find an apartment I like the area seems like its not too safe (for example Union) and when I find an area I like I don't reallly like the apartment. Any advice? I am looking to move around the end of August.

[metaljaybird]

What size apt. are you looking to get? 1000.00 won't get you much. Have you looked into Summit or Morristown? Westfield isn't a bad town either.

[hnw354728]

I know that seems to be my problem. I just need a 1 bedroom/1 bath for myself. I was going to check one out in Summit next week. I haven't tried Morristown yet and Westfield is too expensive. I don't want to find a place with high rent because I am not going to be able to work as much so I will have to depend on my student loans and money that I have saved. I could go over 1000 as long as some utilities are included.