Emerson commute to NYC midtown: bus or train

[jr_nj]

Peanuttree:

We're simply at different points in our lives.

I've lived over 10 years as a bachelor in Manhattan midtown high rise and low rise apartments, and yes, it was f'ing awesome.

Then renting in a big 1 bedroom in CSP, wasn't bad at all actually (awesome Manhattan view and good commute), especially with no maintenance headaches. Aside from the crappy malfunctioning built-in ACs and washer/dryer combo unit (that we'd have to pay half to fix, but can't replace). And having to valet park (we've been late many times because they're backed up bringing out cars). And not having enough rooms for our projected 3 kids; ideally 4BR + playroom. Yeah, we could probably find another another apartment that addresses these issues, but we don't have $1.5m.

And "good enough" school, especially when it ranks at the bottom of the county, isn't good enough for me. I'm sure many people came out of CSP schools and excelled in careers, but it's about increasing such chances. If you don't have kids, obviously this is irrelevant.

In any case, yes, I enjoy being able to host a barbeque and have my kids run around and use the slide & swing set in our PRIVATE backyard. And practice our golf swings for free. :-)

But most important of all for YOU, just be glad we're one less family living in the apartment next to you with a screaming infant at 5 in the morning. :-D

[BxNJMomma]

JR_NJ - It looks like you ended up moving to Emerson - how do you like it? Is the commute worth it?

My husband and I are also making the move from NYC to suburbia and are also looking at Emerson for all the reasons you mentioned above. We have a 1.5 yr old.

We will both be commuting to NYC - midtown for him, Downtown for me. Is the commute a big headache or has it been worth it thus far?

[DarkWolf]

Downtown is less of a hassel then Midtown which can be a pain...both trips take 1hr and 15mins depending on the part of Midtown or Downtown your headed.

[jr_nj]

Originally Posted by BxNJMomma

We will both be commuting to NYC - midtown for him, Downtown for me. Is the commute a big headache or has it been worth it thus far?

Commute's actually not bad at all; pleasant, even. Station to station is about an hour via NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line train ($248 monthly, can also be used for bus) or 165T bus (I think about $130 monthly), or you can opt for Coach USA 11A or 11C bus, which can take only 40 min ($7.15 one time, don't know bulk price). Just don't take local 165 bus (no "T"), which takes over 1:40.

The good:
+ The train to NY Penn Station is always prompt (except once for a train malfunction), with no traffic delays.
+ Trains seats and ride are much more comfortable than buses, and have 2 quiet cars (first & last of train).
+ Since Emerson is one of the first stops, seats are always plentiful.
+ Subway lines are also at or very near Penn Station. I live only a few blocks from Emerson station and work only 3 blocks away from Penn, so it's a great door to door commute for me (YMMV).
+ Plenty of trains and buses from the same stop.
+ Indoor (air conditioned / heated) waiting area.

The bad:
- Have to transfer for train at Secaucus (easy indoor transfer, but still a minor hassle). Bus is obviously direct to Port Authority.
- There are 3 commuter lots, but one is open to even non-residents for free, which is ridiculous. I've only had parking issues when leaving very late like 11 am though. I can walk 12 minutes to the station, but I'm just lazy (there are also bike racks).

I personally MUCH prefer the relaxing train commute over a shorter but traffic/noise/odor prone bus any day.

Btw, Emerson's "family town" moniker is very apt, and there are 2 huge supermarkets and even weekly farmer's market (albeit tiny by Union Sq standards). The borough hall and neighbors are amazingly friendly. Good luck in your search!