North Jersey suburbs with walkable downtowns... (Union, Westfield: budget, work, housing)

[jessnboys]

We are considering a move from VA in a few years and I'm trying to get some info now...

What towns would you recommend for a family with young children and hubby is working in Morristown. I grew up in Summit and would love to find another community with a great downtown, amazing schools, etc (ala Summit, Westfield, Chatham, etc) BUT there's no way we can afford the housing prices there. We'd like to spend around 500,000 and need 3-4 bedrooms. Current commute is an hour so anything less than that would be great. Top priority is schools, safety, and walkable downtown.

Thanks heaps!

[onthemove?]

Morristown fits your bill... If you don't want to live in Morristown proper, Convent Station (part of Morris Township) is a great location (particularly closer to the train station -- you can still walk to downtown from there).

[tooshort]

Ridgewood is in Bergen County (may be too far for your hubby to commute to Morristown) but has a nice downtown area with restaurants and shops.

[onthemove?]

Agree that Ridgewood has a nice downtown, but housing prices are way out of control. Morris county is a bit more affordable (especially the further you get away from the Midtown Direct train stops). Essex County is even more affordable (generally speaking). You might want to look into Livingston -- excellent schools, walkable downtown, active, family-oriented community. 20 minutes from Morristown.

[jessnboys]

Hadn't really considered Bergen County...will have to figure out drive time there. Thanks for the recommendation, too short.

On the move...I've been away from Jersey for over 15 years so my memory may be off or things may have really changed but...I think Morristown may be too "city" for us? I remember it being more of a younger crowd with bars, and some semblence of a nightlife. I do remember going to HQ for movies and just getting a vibe from it that's a little more "happening" than the suburbia, small, family-centered town we're looking for. As far as Livingston goes, I'm surprised to hear how positive it's described. I only remember going to the Livingston Mall...didn't even know there was downtown! The mall was kinda run down in the 80's but I did get a chance to stop back there a few years ago and it looks like they've redone it quite a bit.

Anyway, is my memory off or have things changed a lot or what? We're really looking for another Summit or Westfield...how would you compare Morristown and Livingston to those towns??

Thanks again for everyone's input.

[cmariannec]

you might want to check out hunterdon county nj. Its about 40 commute to morristown and WAY cheaper to live. Union Twp and Clinton twp both have elementry schools that are among the top in the state and country and the highschools north hunterdon and vorhees are also blue ribbon schools. Towns near by are Clinton, Flemington and then you have the very cool river towns of milford, frenchtown and lambertivill...with new hope on the pa side.

[KatelynNJ]

Originally Posted by cmariannec

you might want to check out hunterdon county nj. Its about 40 commute to morristown and WAY cheaper to live. Union Twp and Clinton twp both have elementry schools that are among the top in the state and country and the highschools north hunterdon and vorhees are also blue ribbon schools. Towns near by are Clinton, Flemington and then you have the very cool river towns of milford, frenchtown and lambertivill...with new hope on the pa side.

I second that. Hunterdon is very nice. I live there now. It's got great schools and is super safe. The commute might be a little more than 40 minutes tho b/c the traffic is awful on 78/287 in the morning and night...

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by KatelynNJ

I second that. Hunterdon is very nice. I live there now. It's got great schools and is super safe. The commute might be a little more than 40 minutes tho b/c the traffic is awful on 78/287 in the morning and night...

but where in hunterdon cnty has the "downtown" walkable feel the OP wants? flemington is the closest I think, but really doesn't compare with westfield. plus, OP wanted north jersey.....

[UKOK]

Denville has a walkable downtown, but it doesn't compare to Westfield or Summit. It is cute, however, and prices might be more in-line with your 500k budget. Also, the commute to Morristown would be a breeze.

[mead]

Denville is a good choice. Morristown has a very walkable downtown but the schools aren't as good.

If you can afford it, look into Madison. Its not as wealthy as Summit, but is more upscale than Morristown. The schools are also excellent in Madison & I'd say it has the best downtown in the area after Morristown and Summit.


Ridgewood also has a good downtown and excellent schools, but the place is really expensive.

Hunderton is nice, but I can't think of anywhere that is walkable down there. Anywhere west of Morristown is definitely more rural/ex-urban than what it sounds like you are looking for.