Town in NJ with easy commute to NYC and beach (Edison: middle-class, homes) - City-Data Forum

focus282 · 07-25-2011, 02:18 PM

Hey guys,

I got a lot of information from everybody in my last thread "Where to Live: Keyport, Union Beach, Laurence Harbor, Hazlet, Matawan??"; however, the things I've heard made me want to reconsider where I was looking to buy a home. It seems like the towns along Raritan Bay and along 36 are on the "seedy/sleazy/trashy" side, according to the intel I've gathered.

So, my question now is: What town(s) in Central NJ have easy commutes to Midtown Manhattan, but are under (or close to) and hour to the beach?

School systems are important. Some night-life is also important, but lack of "downtown" area is okay, as long as surrounding towns/areas have some good bars and/or restaurants.

I've been told I should look at Metuchen, Milltown, and parts of East Brunswick. Any thoughts on those towns, or any others that may fit the bill?

Thanks again!

Everyone was so helpful last time, so I'm hoping I get the same type of responses this time around.

Hoboken1220 · 07-26-2011, 08:06 AM

Defintiely East Brunswick

focus282 · 07-26-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoboken1220

Defintiely East Brunswick

any particular parts?

tommyc_37 · 07-26-2011, 08:48 AM

Budget?

mcf17 · 07-26-2011, 08:52 AM

The ones you mentioned aren't bad. Perhaps some areas of Edison might work for you, too? A little further down, perhaps southern Old Bridge, Holmdel or South Middletown, depending on your price range and commute tolerance.

NY Annie · 07-26-2011, 10:56 AM

What is an "easy commute" to Manhattan? And what part of Manhattan? Oh, and HOW to Manhattan - car, bus, train, fast-ferry?

Personally, I'd take the fast-ferry (pricey though) and live at the Jersey Shore. Not all of the towns on 36 are in disrepair. I like Atlantic Highlands, Navesink, Monmouth Hills, Belford, Leonardo. I wouldn't rule out Middletown. If I could, I'd live in Monmouth County.

focus282 · 07-26-2011, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NY Annie

What is an "easy commute" to Manhattan? And what part of Manhattan? Oh, and HOW to Manhattan - car, bus, train, fast-ferry?

Preferably express bus (Academy) to Midtown. Somewhere under 90 minutes.

sak9210 · 07-26-2011, 11:59 AM

I lived in Manalapan (Monmouth Co, near Freehold). Academy bus to NYC, and a half hour from Pt Pleasant.

hrjersey · 07-26-2011, 04:24 PM

Red Bank

Mightyqueen801 · 07-26-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NY Annie

What is an "easy commute" to Manhattan? And what part of Manhattan? Oh, and HOW to Manhattan - car, bus, train, fast-ferry?

Personally, I'd take the fast-ferry (pricey though) and live at the Jersey Shore. Not all of the towns on 36 are in disrepair. I like Atlantic Highlands, Navesink, Monmouth Hills, Belford, Leonardo. I wouldn't rule out Middletown. If I could, I'd live in Monmouth County.

So we see, since Navesink, Belford and Leonardo ARE Middletown.

OP, Middletown is divided into 7 or 8 areas, some of which are referred to by other names, but they are all part of Middletown, and they vary widely from multi-million dollar homes in Navesink, where Jon Bon Jovi lives, to bungalows in North Middletown a/k/a East Keansburg. My friend lives in New Monmouth, which is a middle-class part of Middletown with 1960's-era split levels, usually updated, with backyards, etc. Lot of people living there originally from Staten Island and Brooklyn.

NY Annie has some good questions--the commute depends on WHERE in Manhattan you are going as much as it does where you are coming from. Commuting from Monmouth County is easiest and fastest if you work in the WTC/Financial district areas.