For same housing price and sqft, Westfield or Cranford? (houses, to buy)

[call_j]

One house in Westfield is located far from the train station, so we have to drive to the station. But the house in Cranford is located in walking distance. If these two houses were in same price range, and space, which house would be better?

[Praxis]

Depends on your own preference. For me, not having to buy a 2nd car immediately would be very attractive (Cranford). BUT, from the houses I have seen in both towns, you can usually get a slightly bigger/better house in Cranford compared to Westfield, for the same amount of money. So in that sense, maybe the Cranford is slightly overpriced if you don't care about walkable to train/bus. But really tough to say without seeing both places, as I am sure there are other things that might be more attractive to you in one house over the other.

[kekee726]

Depends on the areas of both. Which side of North and South Ave are both homes on? That could make a difference in price and preference.

[call_j]

The Westfield house is located in south side.

[dedemoving]

From an investment perspective you may do better in Westfield. But nothing can beat walking to the train station- as long as the Cranford house is not in a flood zone or has been flooded (I think the state is now updating the maps & adding more areas in Cranford).

[RiggerNY]

Probably should consider some other factors like elementary school zoning, taxes, busy streets, etc. Which streets are they both on? I know both towns extremely well.

[jsm927]

Its a preference. Do you care about the schools? If thats a factor then I would say Westfield but both are good. What about shops? Westfield is more like a mall town now vs Cranfords more small town feel. I grew up on the south side of westfield and loved it but it has lost some of the quaintness as mall stores came in. Also parking in westfield train station is impossible so walking if possible is the only option.

[sonofagunk]

plus there is a 2+ year wait for a parking spot in westfield (for an outer lot)

[looktowindward]

I disagree on the north vs south side - that's immaterial in both towns. Really, this is a toss up.

[RiggerNY]

I agree that north vs south is immaterial and shouldn't be factored in, I would just avoid the area in westfield below south around central.