Westfield, NJ (Newark, Scotch Plains, Cranford: to rent, how much, home)

[WorkInNYC]

My wife and I are relocating to the NYC area from Northern VA. I am looking for a good family community that is a relatively good commute to NYC. Westfield, NJ seems great. Is the community friendly? Are there lots of children (we have a 2 year old)? Are most residents commuters into NYC? How is the commute into NYC? Is it drivable if you leave relatively early (i.e., before 7AM)? I really appreciate everyone's assistance.

[icibiu]

Westfield is great, it's a very desirable town that hits on all of your points (well I can't speak to the friendliness, the people I know that live there are nice but I don't know the community as a whole). I think what it boils down to when moving there is your budget. How much are you looking to spend?

If you search this forum for threads on Westfield you will find tons of information already out there.

[Sergio M]

Are you looking to purchase a home or to rent?

[Magic78]

Westfield is great but I don't think that it has a direct train to Penn Station. You may have to change trains. I feel like maybe there are plans to make it direct?

[Hal Jalikeakick]

Many Westfield residents do commute to the city, but there are quite a few of us who don't. it's a very family friendly town, tons of kids, highly regarded schools.

no direct train from Westfield, can switch in Newark to either Path or another NJ transit train. i wouldn't count on a direct train any time soon.
bus is another option. it really just depends on where in WF you live, and what part of the city you are going to

yes, you could drive to NYC, but why would you want to?

[tiggywink]

I live in Westfield, and I can say that it is a very friendly town, a lot of community events, with tons to do for preschoolers. I never lack for things to do with my two children. The schools are great, the people welcoming, and as you know NYC is a relatively easy commute. Many do work in NY--I think I read on here that the Westfield station is one of the busiest on the NJ Transit line. The downtown is charming, there are plenty restaurants, stores, coffee shops, parks, the beach is nearby, there really is no reason not to like Westfield except for high property costs and high property taxes. Westfield is idyllic suburban life at its best. Similar towns are nearby Cranford, Scotch Plains, and Fanwood. All of these have some type of downtown, train to New York nearby, good schools, and a sense of community. I agree with the previous poster--do a search on Westfield and you'll find tons in the archives--search my name, since I asked all of these questions 4+ years ago before we moved here and everyone gave me lots of great information.