Fast Train Commute to NYC from NJ (Jersey City, Union: best schools, budget) - City-Data Forum

ljwillett · 08-21-2007, 12:09 PM

We are relocating from Virginia to either NJ or CT. We are looking for great schools and fun/interesting town without a huge commute time. Any suggestions?

ira · 08-21-2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljwillett

We are relocating from Virginia to either NJ or CT. We are looking for great schools and fun/interesting town without a huge commute time. Any suggestions?

What's your budget and what do you consider "huge commute time"? I am assuming that you'll be commuting to the city. Which part of town will you be in? East Side, West Side, Downtown?

Basically, if you are on the west side of the city or in the financial district (downtown), NJ will work for you in terms of commute. If you're on the East side, you're better off in CT/Westchester because those trains (Metro North) will bring you into the Grand Central on the East side.

Your budget and desired commute time will determine what area are suitable for you.

ljwillett · 08-21-2007, 01:33 PM

Thanks for your response. My husband will be working in midtown-Ave. of Americas and 52nd. As far as the commute- we were hoping for under an hour. Any suggestions?!

ljwillett · 08-22-2007, 06:54 AM

So far, we have begun to check out the Princeton area, Summit and Chatham in NJ, Westport/Fairfield in CT and the Westchester area of NY. Compared to the area we are in now in VA- they all have so much more to offer!

ira · 08-22-2007, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljwillett

So far, we have begun to check out the Princeton area, Summit and Chatham in NJ, Westport/Fairfield in CT and the Westchester area of NY. Compared to the area we are in now in VA- they all have so much more to offer!

That's a good start. You picked beautiful areas. Be careful with Princeton in terms of commute. It's about an hour on the train but I know that parking at Princeton Junction station is a huge problem.

Summit and Chatham are really nice too. Commute from Summit is great. They have 2 train lines connecting there, which means frequent service.

Check our Bergen County - Glen Rock, Ridgewood (where I am, and LOVE it), Ho-ho-kus, Allendale

Union County - Westfield, New Providence, Scotch Plains

mead · 08-22-2007, 10:50 AM

Rutherford has a 30 minute commute to Penn Station. Most places in NJ have a 40 min+ commute to NYC by NJ Transit.

The shortest you will get are places like Hoboken or Jersey City on the PATH, but these areas don't have the best schools.

Obrero · 08-22-2007, 04:57 PM

Really it depends what your budget is. Summit, Short Hills, Chatham, Madison will all give you a great commute to NYC. If you are prepared for an hour train ride, take a look up in North Morris County. Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township (best high school in Morris County) are top of the list. Also, Denville, Montville and Randolph are worth a look at. Again, depends on your budget.