Millburn? Are the stereotypes true? (Westfield, Maplewood: how much, houses, top school)
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My husband and I (and our one year old) are planning to make the move out of Manhattan (Upper East Side) and head to the burbs within the next few months. We've fallen in love with the Millburn area. Houses are beautiful, we can stomach the taxes b/c the schools are top rated, lots of families, cute town, etc.
My only hesitation is the stereotype of the "snob factor" of the town. Can anyone who actually lives in this area give their two cents about if this is a justified outlook on the people or if it's just perceived from others that way b/c of the high incomes of the area?
My husband and I have lived on the UES for 8 years (which also is known to be snobby) and we've found that even though there are some snooty people, there are certainly your down-to-earth folks, too.
I'm particularly wondering about this b/c I'm a stay-at-home mom (ex-elementary school teacher) and I'm looking to find an area where I will be able to make a circle of friends to do stuff with the kids that doesn't only involve going to the tennis club
Not to be offensive, but Millburn is the suburban equivalent of the UES. If you liked one, you'll like the other. There is a snob factor in both - if you don't like it, consider several of the nearby towns.
Not offensive at all. We have found that the stereotype of the UES is much worse that the actuality of how things are. Yes, there is a fair share of snootiness (is that a word?) but for the most part, people are really friendly.
Not offensive at all. We have found that the stereotype of the UES is much worse that the actuality of how things are. Yes, there is a fair share of snootiness (is that a word?) but for the most part, people are really friendly.
I've lived in a lot of towns in NJ. I've found that there are snobs everywhere! Even the towns that you would never expect there to be snobs, there they are. Like you said, there are down-to-earth people everywhere, and I would add, there are snobs everywhere.
I think it's just human nature for people to try to feel like they are better than other people, know what I mean?
I think it's always a good idea to live somewhere where you aren't the poorest family in town, because that can just be a drag. But that doesn't sound like the case here. As long as you're in the middle somewhere, it will be fine.
My husband and I (and our one year old) are planning to make the move out of Manhattan (Upper East Side) and head to the burbs within the next few months. We've fallen in love with the Millburn area. Houses are beautiful, we can stomach the taxes b/c the schools are top rated, lots of families, cute town, etc.
My only hesitation is the stereotype of the "snob factor" of the town. Can anyone who actually lives in this area give their two cents about if this is a justified outlook on the people or if it's just perceived from others that way b/c of the high incomes of the area?
My husband and I have lived on the UES for 8 years (which also is known to be snobby) and we've found that even though there are some snooty people, there are certainly your down-to-earth folks, too.
I'm particularly wondering about this b/c I'm a stay-at-home mom (ex-elementary school teacher) and I'm looking to find an area where I will be able to make a circle of friends to do stuff with the kids that doesn't only involve going to the tennis club
Any and all advice/opinions are welcome!
UES, eh?
Ok- answer us this:
How much did your 1yo's stroller cost when you bought it? That should give you a good idea if Millburn is a good fit.
Just having a bit of fun with you there, but, yes - Millburn is a natural landing spot for UES expats (Maplewood and Westfield seem to be the next stop for the park slope crowd - dunno why that is...)
Fair warning - Millburn has a NOTORIOUS reputation for snooty/ultra-competitive vibe. Parents pressuring the little league coaches, parent/teacher/principal/administrator conferences to discuss unacceptable A-minuses, auto and vacation one-upping. All of the typical stuff.
But that is only anecdotal - i've never lived there. Maybe someone who does can chime in here.
Put it this way: as top-notch of a town as it is, there is a section of it called Short Hills, where the wealthiest residents live - estate-type properties. Those folks refuse to say they are from Millburn, and look down their noses at the common folk from 'regular' Millburn.
UES, eh?
Ok- answer us this:
How much did your 1yo's stroller cost when you bought it? That should give you a good idea if Millburn is a good fit.
Just having a bit of fun with you there
Put it this way: as top-notch of a town as it is, there is a section of it called Short Hills, where the wealthiest residents live - estate-type properties. Those folks refuse to say they are from Millburn, and look down their noses at the common folk from 'regular' Millburn.
Ha. Well, I hate to say it.... but yes, I have a Bugaboo....
There are probably more nice people than snooty people in Millburn, honestly. But you'll probably see SIGNS of snootiness on a pretty regular basis. And from what I understand, the school system fosters a lot of competition.
I don't have kids, but if I did, I don't think I would place them in that kind of environment. I think towns like Madison, Westfield, Summit, Chatham, are a notch below Millburn/Short Hills in the snootiness department, but are still top school systems.
For a town that is super charming, with top notch schools, and almost no snootiness factor, check out Cranford. Lots of former Manhattanites etc, as well as tons of families that have lived in the town for many generations. I believe Cranford High School is top 10 in the state.
Ha. Well, I hate to say it.... but yes, I have a Bugaboo....
Bingo!
haha...
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