Worst towns in NJ (Newark, Jersey City: sale, closing, cost)

[Debra]

66 Nexux, sorry I missed your post--don't worry, I can't forget NJ no matter where we end up!!
And I mean that in a good way. It's where I come from, who I am....

[66nexus]

Originally Posted by Debra

66 Nexux, sorry I missed your post--don't worry, I can't forget NJ no matter where we end up!!
And I mean that in a good way. It's where I come from, who I am....

All good

[krazyme]

Originally Posted by JJP

Obviously you didn't live IN Houston, like the Heights, Montrose, West U, Midtown, etc. Those dense areas in town, where people walk and bike to local restaurants, shops etc., are hardly a "faceless suburbia".

actually I lived off fairview in the montrose area. I agree that the only place to live is inside the loop, however most of the growth is in the far suburbs like katy, the woodlands, and champions. most people dont walk even inside the loop because of the intense heat and humidity.

there are some key parallels between NJ and houston. both have reputations as uninhabitable industrial dumps...highway 225 in pasadena and NJ turnpike near linden are mirror images. the air pollution in houston is incredible. subsequently the attitude of the rest of the state of texas towards houston is very negative, similar to many outsiders' opinions of new jersey. when I first moved to houston I hated it, but I found places I liked eventually.. just takes time.

[mike0421]

I just discovered this board, and would like to give some feedback. I lived in New Jersey my entire life until 2 years ago, when I relocated my family to New Mexico. I've lived 30 + years in Northern NJ, and 4 in Southern NJ. New Jersey's worst are probably among the nation's worst cities, conversely, the smaller suburban towns in proximity to the worst cities are some of the highest quality in the nation. This is paradoxical, but for anyone who has lived in the state for any length of time, one can attest to what I say. In no particular order, the following, to me, are some of the most undesirable places:
Camden, Irvington, Newark (in most places), East Orange, Paterson, Jersey City (in many neighborhoods, but not all), Perth Amboy, Trenton, Vineland (the strangest in this list, and right near the top, feels more like the south) Bridgeton, Pennsauken, Atlantic City, Pleasantville, Chiselhurst, Asbury Park, Paulsboro, Belleville, Passaic, Elizabeth, Linden,Plainfield, Rahway, Woodbridge, Port Reading, Edison (most of), Bayonne.
However, for every hideous town I've named here, I can probably do a 1:1 match with an equally desirable place, and most are within a small distance of these places. What that translates to me is that New Jersey is losing its middle class. Most who have a favorable opinion of the state are probably paying their bills. Many who don't like NJ feel the same way because they were priced out of the market. Like I said at the beginning, I now live in New Mexico, because I believed moving here made the most financial sense, given that raising a family was top priority. Growing up, I disliked most of New Jersey for the reasons most people do: congestion, traffic, and for me, cold weather. I despise winter. The winters of 1993 and 1996 were partially the impetus for my move. I guess what I am saying is that everyone has a different criteria. One person's poison is another person's cure. I can equate to and understand those who do like living in NJ, because undeniably, some of the best communities in the country are located there. I realize that more now living in a state that is either the 5th or 6th poorest. That said, I couldn't move back, like others desire to, because my priorities are different. For example, my last 4 years living in Medford NJ, my taxes went from 3700 to 6100, without explanation. That offended me. I find that those who are comfortable living there in the first place will accept that higher cost of living, and convince themselves that all is good. For me, such was not the case. I miss the food, and to some extent the foilage (I do miss a drive down the Delaware Valley in the summer, for instance) but these are not adequate payoff for what really matters, my family.

[AK123]

Originally Posted by krazyme

actually I lived off fairview in the montrose area. I agree that the only place to live is inside the loop, however most of the growth is in the far suburbs like katy, the woodlands, and champions. most people dont walk even inside the loop because of the intense heat and humidity.

there are some key parallels between NJ and houston. both have reputations as uninhabitable industrial dumps...highway 225 in pasadena and NJ turnpike near linden are mirror images. the air pollution in houston is incredible. subsequently the attitude of the rest of the state of texas towards houston is very negative, similar to many outsiders' opinions of new jersey. when I first moved to houston I hated it, but I found places I liked eventually.. just takes time.

Well, suburbia is popular for families, so there's a big demand.

I work in the Medical Center and there are people walking around everywhere.

It is too bad about those reputations. People like to generalize Houston's industrial east side to the entire city, which just isn't right. It's not right to generalize that little area of NJ to the whole state either.

I know, people in Austin told me all these supposed horrid things before I moved to Houston. Luckily they were all wrong. People in Dallas say the same kinds of things. I think they're all just ignorant fools who need to have more appreciation for their state's largest city.

[CMD Survivor]

Well, I'm happy to report that as of now, there has only been 3 murders in Camden....the lowest rate since before I was born. It's truly amazing!!! I hope we don't have any more...seems like Philly didn't like our designation much...they are over 300.

I think the biggest reason for the 'exodus' of NJ are the corrupt politicians that govern the state. A poster mentioned the Abbott districts draining the state's taxpayers. Taking Camden as an example, it's run by the state. (I believe the only municipality in the US not governed by it's people.) 5 or so years into the takeover, and still millions of school funds unaccountable...not to mention Wayne Bryant and the other $$$ scandals that deals with Camden. Your taxes gets higher....our school system gets worse...and they get their fill of of the $$$. Yeah!!!

NJ is a beautiful state. I think it eerily mirrors California as far as taxes, overpriced housing, cities in need, scenic areas and a beautiful shoreline. In fact, I call Cali West New Jersey...but we have it better. Our ocean water gets warmer, and we don't have to worry about earthquakes, mudslides, and large wlidfires.

Cheers.

[66nexus]

Originally Posted by CMD Survivor

Well, I'm happy to report that as of now, there has only been 3 murders in Camden....the lowest rate since before I was born. It's truly amazing!!! I hope we don't have any more...seems like Philly didn't like our designation much...they are over 300.

I think the biggest reason for the 'exodus' of NJ are the corrupt politicians that govern the state. A poster mentioned the Abbott districts draining the state's taxpayers. Taking Camden as an example, it's run by the state. (I believe the only municipality in the US not governed by it's people.) 5 or so years into the takeover, and still millions of school funds unaccountable...not to mention Wayne Bryant and the other $$$ scandals that deals with Camden. Your taxes gets higher....our school system gets worse...and they get their fill of of the $$$. Yeah!!!

NJ is a beautiful state. I think it eerily mirrors California as far as taxes, overpriced housing, cities in need, scenic areas and a beautiful shoreline. In fact, I call Cali West New Jersey...but we have it better. Our ocean water gets warmer, and we don't have to worry about earthquakes, mudslides, and large wlidfires.

Cheers.

Not to mention the fact that a lot of 'Caliyans' absolutely just HAVE to let you know they're from the west coast. I understand pride and proud but DAMN!

[CMD Survivor]

LOL, you're right 66nexus!!! Most of my Cali friends brag about how great the state is. I've only been to extreme socal or the I-8 corridor to San Diego. Beautiful place indeed....but the water is too darn cold for swimming!!! Jersey over Cali anyday!!! Arizona on the other hand.....

And the 300 murders in Philly was a typo...meant to say 100 already this year.

[Delray Patty]

Wow, all I can say is I'm amazed at all the threads here and how much some
people hate N.J..I was born and raised in Jersey City and only moved away in
l991 for ten years in the Pocono Mts. of Pa...the only place we could afford
a home of our own....we moved away from Pa. in 2001 to retire in Florida...
Yes, Jersey has some bad points but c'mon it also has some great points too.
for me growing up in the 50's and 60's was a great time....the friends I made
I still have today. Yes it is a shame that drugs, crime have taken over many
cities and neighborhoods...but that happens everywhere...after we moved
away from the Pocono Mts. there was big change up there....they now have
gangs, etc..crips and bloods are in the Poconos....here in Florida we have
gangs taking over Lake Worth, Riviera Beach, some areas of Boynton Beach.
so you can't escape it....I have traveled through the south and truthfully
I don't know if I could live in the "deep south"...they are still fighting the civil
war down there and absolutely hate us yankees...oh, they will be nice to you
if they think you are a tourist and passing through but try living there. Thanks
but no thanks...at least here in Florida there are a lot of people from the
northeast so I don't feel isolated...but again. it's what you make of a situation
You can't walk around thinking you are better than anyone else. Most times
genuine nice people will accept you. anyway...Happy Easter everyone!!!

[66nexus]

Originally Posted by CMD Survivor

LOL, you're right 66nexus!!! Most of my Cali friends brag about how great the state is. I've only been to extreme socal or the I-8 corridor to San Diego. Beautiful place indeed....but the water is too darn cold for swimming!!! Jersey over Cali anyday!!! Arizona on the other hand.....

And the 300 murders in Philly was a typo...meant to say 100 already this year.

And I personally like Cali, at least until someone from there says how much I wish I was from there NJ over Cali all-day!!!! Besides, I heard more people in the Continental US like Sopranos than most Jerseyans...lol they can keep Hollywood