relocating to New Jersey (Edison, Irvington: low crime, mortgage broker, loan)

[relocation_mom]

a relocation specialist? I would have to get my husband to check with the new company.As far as we were told, they only provide the air ticket and the rest would be on us.Any idea what are the charges for such service?

Where is Fort lee? How far away is this from the nearest airport?Yes! With asian supermarket would be good.

So I guess I need to get something work out before landing in NJ huh?Anyone can help me draft the priority?Do they have temp housing beside hotel/motel..as it could run up costly.

[ottomobeale]

>How to look about in Schools<
Public schools are pretty much assigned by where you live. Others will be able to tell you better which areas with large Chinese populations are also safe and good areas. Generally safe and good areas will have better schools. I would say Stay out of Newark, Elizabeth, Irvington, East Orange, and Patterson. There are other bad areas but those come first to mind as bad.

How to look about in houses...
Real estate agents can do this. Craigs list also has listings but be careful.

>I have quite alot of worries...On the day we landed in Newark airport, we would have to stay in hotel till we find a house/apt to rent. We plan to rent for the first few months or first year before we purchase. Cos we would like to make sure the neighbourhood is suitable before the purchase.We have no idea how much is the rental or buying price for a 3-4 bedroom house/apt..<

Perhaps they could send your husband ahead a few weeks to scout around?
3-4 bedrooms can be challenging to find.
Cost in both rental and buying is VERY different from area to area.

A 3 bed 2 bath in a safe area can be $1300-$3000+ depending upon area.

Dont be afraid there are alot of Chinese in New Jersey. I will not advise you on what areas have the largest Chinese as I am white but welcome and follow much of the advise above. Many of us hang here to help those out and many of us have had to move blindly into an unframiliar area. Been there. Done that.

[Roselvr]

Originally Posted by relocation_mom

Brookdaleresident,are you chinese? The reason why I wanted an area with chinese faces is probably due to fear in a new country...so feel more confortable we are not the only odd one out.

I don't think you will feel like that here. I'm down in South Jersey (too far to drive to S. Plfd), we have a good amount of Chinese people as well as groceries. In the South Plfd area, Chinese, Korean are common as there are a lot of doctors. Once you find a town, I think you will like it here and will be very comfortable. I grew up in that area (Union / Somerset counties) but haven't lived there in 14 years. At one time, shopping in Elizabeth for groceries was popular. I don't know if they still have the shops there.

You might want to do more googling as there has to be a Chinese message board that you can go to that can suggest the best places to be and how to go about renting.

If you go to Google Maps, type in South Plainfiled NJ as your area. It will show you the surrounding towns. North Plainfield is a nice town, not sure how much rent / houses are. Greenbrook & Westfield are also nice towns, but check to see if they meet your needs. Edison was mentioned, it was the last town I lived in before moving down here.

Here is the link for NJ schools sorted by county which should make it easier on you.

Good luck

[tbone65]

If finding a thriving Chinese population is important, you should look at Holmdel. Expensive but schools are great.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by relocation_mom

actually,now as time closing in.I m feeling rather tensed..I have completely no idea what is New Jersey at all... How to look about in Schools, How to look about in houses...

The only info we have are, Husband's company would be in south plainsfield and he is require to travel most of the time.

I have quite alot of worries...On the day we landed in Newark airport, we would have to stay in hotel till we find a house/apt to rent. We plan to rent for the first few months or first year before we purchase. Cos we would like to make sure the neighbourhood is suitable before the purchase.We have no idea how much is the rental or buying price for a 3-4 bedroom house/apt..

I need all kind of advices and opinion. Highly appreciated

Brookdaleresident,are you chinese? The reason why I wanted an area with chinese faces is probably due to fear in a new country...so feel more confortable we are not the only odd one out.

You don't have to worry about feeling like the odd one out
This is Jersey, We are all odd (but lovable)

There are a few companys around that can find you short term housing until you decide where you want to be , i will look up a few and send them to you

Good luck
And welcome to Jersey

[Ellwood]

There is a large population of Chinese in Parsippany. The church has a web site: Chinese Christian Church of New Jersey (973)335-0183 新澤西主恩堂 (phone 973-335-0183)

You might be able to find some support for your concerns through this organization.

[bbayse]

HI re-location Mom,
Several previous posters are correct ... Edison (preferrably Northern Edison) is a good place to begin your search. North Edison has the best schools and has a large Asian (Chineese) population. I am a broker for RE/MAX and have sold many houses in Edison. It is a safe area with good transportation alternatives and borders S. Plainfield so your husband's commute would be enviable.
Hope this helps,
Ben Bayse
973 444 8987

[brookdaleresident]

http://www.city-data.com/city/Edison-New-Jersey.html

Edison does have some Chinese and may be good for you. You might be able to rent there easily until you decide if you like the area. Don't worry about fitting into a community. Most towns are pretty diverse. There are many Asian markets, and most areas have Chinese/Asian cultural events or centers.

[relocation_mom]

thanks everyone for the warmest advice and support.I have been moving around the global with my husband for the past 17yrs.Were 4 and a half years in Indonesia, 2 yrs in Germany and now 10yrs in Singapore.

Wonder if it was all due to aging?haha or was it cos we have kids now so more worries pops up,or perhaps too much of those American movies sending fear that if I have selected a wrong town, harm might goes to my kids...

Please pardon me asking this... I know crime rates is everywhere..but how possible is to have a stranger climb into your house for robbery or whatever?...Although many would think a small country like Singapore is branded as low crime,but we did had a case of someone breaking into the house in the middle of the night and appeared in our daughter's room, she was then only 4 yrs old... this fear has yet to subside in me.Now she is 13, I couldnt bear to have her out of my sight...wonder if parents out there understand how I feel?

I have done alot of search thru goggle, including typing in south plansfield but the more I look into it,the more confused I got.But now I m getting a better idea and know some of you nice ppl suggesting about Edison.And will also look into Parsippany.

Bbayse, would you be able to provide more detail about property in Northern Edison?Would be highly appreciated.

Ellwood,thanks for the link to the chinese christian church..I will contact them in the day as its almost 4am here (see my stress level?)

BrianG,Yes please send me info.

Ottomobeale, I doubt my husband has the time as he is require to report to office the next day we arrived and schedule to travel shortly..and he has been always making such remarks that, I would be the one staying mostly in the house so he would rather I m the one who feel comfortable in the selection of the house,therefore,the task and responsibility is mine.





I feel soo welcome.Thanks everyone for the assistance to a blind bat like me.

[brookdaleresident]

Don't worry. Once you are here, you'll get a good idea of how things are. I would definitely rent rather than buy, at least for now. Crime can happen even in the best neighborhood. You can always come back here and ask more questions and people will try to help you. good luck to you.