Relocation from Israel to New Jersey (Plainfield, West Orange: apartments, rentals, crime)

[lm2000]

Hi.
I am new to this forum and really, in the US as well. I found the forum very helpful and decided to ask assistance.

We (family with seven years old daughter) are relocating from Israel to New Jersey. I am going to work in South Plainfield and my wife will look for IT job in NJ\NYC area in some months.

Our initial income will be 100K.

1. What the part of our budget we can invest in order to rent 2B house\apartment? Possible to consider that we have no car payments and another debs.

We are looking for good public schools, family-oriented with significant Jew community, educated and pleasant neighbors, must be safe, up to 45 min to South Plainfield and Manhattan.
2. What towns should we consider?

We will appreciate for any assistance\opinion.

Thanks and sorry for English formulation ,
Michael

[KoalaNJ]

Originally Posted by lm2000

Hi.
I am new to this forum and really, in the US as well. I found the forum very helpful and decided to ask assistance.

We (family with seven years old daughter) are relocating from Israel to New Jersey. I am going to work in South Plainfield and my wife will look for IT job in NJ\NYC area in some months.

Our initial income will be 100K.

1. What the part of our budget we can invest in order to rent 2B house\apartment? Possible to consider that we have no car payments and another debs.

We are looking for good public schools, family-oriented with significant Jew community, educated and pleasant neighbors, must be safe, up to 45 min to South Plainfield and Manhattan.
2. What towns should we consider?

We will appreciate for any assistance\opinion.

Thanks and sorry for English formulation ,
Michael

The first towns that come to mind are Westfield and Scotch Plains if you prefer a more urban type environment. If you want more suburban, I'd recommend Warren/Watchung. I'd also consider Highland Park, it has a very large orthodox community, but the (urban)town while generally considered pretty safe, does have some crime issues.

I'd also consider Millburn, as it has arguably one of the best school systems in the state, but that will be pressing your 45 minute commute time, the midtown direct train will be right around a 45 minute commute, but driving to South Plainfield will likely take a little bit longer.

HTH

KoalaNJ

[DebsPSU]

Originally Posted by lm2000

Hi.
I am new to this forum and really, in the US as well. I found the forum very helpful and decided to ask assistance.

We (family with seven years old daughter) are relocating from Israel to New Jersey. I am going to work in South Plainfield and my wife will look for IT job in NJ\NYC area in some months.

Our initial income will be 100K.

1. What the part of our budget we can invest in order to rent 2B house\apartment? Possible to consider that we have no car payments and another debs.

We are looking for good public schools, family-oriented with significant Jew community, educated and pleasant neighbors, must be safe, up to 45 min to South Plainfield and Manhattan.
2. What towns should we consider?

We will appreciate for any assistance\opinion.

Thanks and sorry for English formulation ,
Michael

Welcome! I also recommend Scotch Plains or Westfield. We're in Scotch Plains now, and there is a large population in both towns. There is a bus or train that goes to NYC.

[Cherno]

I'd also consider Millburn, as it has arguably one of the best school systems in the state, but that will be pressing your 45 minute commute time, the midtown direct train will be right around a 45 minute commute, but driving to South Plainfield will likely take a little bit longer.

With 100K, you probably will likely not be able to afford Millburn or Livingston. West Orange might be OK for you, but a long commute. West Orange has a very nice Jewish community center (JCC). I am not Jewish, but went to some excellent lectures and exercised there. Always felt welcome. Awesome facility.

[lm2000]

Thanks a lot!
I will check the recommended towns.
What do you about Springfield? I see on the forum that schools there are ok?
Regarding to the rent budget - 2,000 with 100K income is ok?

[KoalaNJ]

Originally Posted by Cherno

With 100K, you probably will likely not be able to afford Millburn or Livingston. West Orange might be OK for you, but a long commute. West Orange has a very nice Jewish community center (JCC). I am not Jewish, but went to some excellent lectures and exercised there. Always felt welcome. Awesome facility.

There is no way the commute from West Orange to South Plainfield will be 45 minutes or less. The schools in West Orange are not what I'd call desireable, and as far as W. Orange being a safe area to live, um, not so much.

You will be able to get a 2 Bd apt. in Millburn/Short Hills for your price range, a quick google search produced this Short Hills Gardens Apartments For Rent in Millburn, New Jersey - Apartment Rental and Community Details - ForRent.com this SHORT HILLS TERRACE Apartments - Short Hills, NJ Apartments | Homes.com as well as this Homes for Rent in Millburn, NJ | Homes.com

Remember, while initially their income is 100k with just the one employed, shortly the wife will find an IT job, so their income will be increasing, thereby allowing them to purchase in Millburn.

KoalaNJ

[AnthonyB]

Originally Posted by lm2000

Thanks a lot!
I will check the recommended towns.
What do you about Springfield? I see on the forum that schools there are ok?
Regarding to the rent budget - 2,000 with 100K income is ok?

Springfield has an older Jewish community and a JCC in nearby Scotch Plains.
There are a fair number of Israelis living in NJ and the JCC's will help you get in touch with them so you should be fine.

Bruchim Habaim.

[lm2000]

Originally Posted by AnthonyB

Springfield has an older Jewish community and a JCC in nearby Scotch Plains.
There are a fair number of Israelis living in NJ and the JCC's will help you get in touch with them so you should be fine.

Bruchim Habaim.

How do you consider public schools in Springfield and Scotch Plains? I understand that the level is not like in Millburn but is it good enough?

Todah rabah!

[AnthonyB]

Originally Posted by lm2000

How do you consider public schools in Springfield and Scotch Plains? I understand that the level is not like in Millburn but is it good enough?

Todah rabah!

Yes it's good enough. Millburn scores as the top district in the state - it also has a VERY wealthy and generally well educated population that can afford tutors, SAT assistance and pay for good colleges.

The state is full of good districts that offer a well rounded education, especially at the elementary level. Your first concern will be language, writing and getting your kids up to speed with a very different curriculum than they are used to as well as dealing with a different social environment. Based on your posts you are either a native English speaker or unusually proficient so I will guess your kids already speak English, how is their reading and writing? I have known Israeli families who've moved here and the adjustment for the kids has been reasonably smooth although they do miss their friends and of course, find the winter a little tough at first.

As you are planning on renting accomodation initially, it will give you an opportunity to really test the district. If you aren't happy, move!

[KoalaNJ]

Originally Posted by lm2000

How do you consider public schools in Springfield and Scotch Plains? I understand that the level is not like in Millburn but is it good enough?

Todah rabah!

The schools in Springfield would be considered average, or slightly above average for NJ. The schools in Scotch Plains/Fanwood are considered to be good to very good. Millburn would be considered excellent.

One thing to consider as well is that the Springfield School district with around 11,000 students is significantly larger and has a larger class size (students per classroom) then you will find in Millburn(about 5,000 students). There is much more of a "small town" feel and experience in Millburn, and the students get more individual attention, much like a private school experience. Having friends/co workers in both towns, I have heard that the teachers/administration in Millburn seem to be much more responsive to parents concerns and to meet the individual needs of students. Someone likened it to the difference between shopping at a small mom and pop store(Millburn) vs. shopping at a Walmart (Springfield).

Will you be able to visit the area before selecting a place to live? If at all possible I recommend spending some time in the towns you are considering to get more of a feel for them, see what you think and how it fits what you are looking for in a community.

HTH
KoalaNJ