Relocating to Central Jersey, where to live and what to look for? (Edison: apartments)

[fismail]

Hi everyone,

Currently an Illinois Resident whose heading to Central Jersey for a project anywhere from 1-3 years. Will be working in Piscataway, so I've been looking to rent either an apt or townhome near by. Been looking at Rentals in Piscataway, South Plainfield (that is close to 287), Edison, and Somerset/Franklin Park area.

Since it will be myself, wife, and an infant, school district isn't an issue for me, but definitely want to find a safe neighborhood.

Any help/advice regarding where to look and what to look for would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
Farhan

[KoalaNJ]

Originally Posted by fismail

Hi everyone,

Currently an Illinois Resident whose heading to Central Jersey for a project anywhere from 1-3 years. Will be working in Piscataway, so I've been looking to rent either an apt or townhome near by. Been looking at Rentals in Piscataway, South Plainfield (that is close to 287), Edison, and Somerset/Franklin Park area.

Since it will be myself, wife, and an infant, school district isn't an issue for me, but definitely want to find a safe neighborhood.

Any help/advice regarding where to look and what to look for would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
Farhan

I'd avoid the New Brunswick area due to safety and the predominance of rental housing being rented by Rutgers students. Also avoid the Bound Brook area due to severe flooding issues. (also an issue in other areas near Bound Brook, so be careful.) I would recommend Highland Park...great walkable down town, very close to work for you, plus affordable rental housing. Good if your wife is a SAHM, since there are plenty of young moms in the area, and nice parks, and shopping within walking distance. If you want a more suburban, as opposed to urban) atmosphere check out Hillsborough. (the northeastern portion) Hillsborough has no walkable downtown, but rentals are more affordable as there is no good mass transit to NYC.

Best of Luck!
KoalaNJ

[davenj08]

If school is not a priority, look no further than Piscataway and Edison. Both good towns with LOTS of rental communities, shopping, restaurants and safe neighborhood.

[fismail]

Appreciate the feedback.
Past two weeks have been on a full court press for 2+ bed, 2+bath, garage townhomes in the areas of Edison, Piscataway, and certain parts of summerset/Franklin Twp.
Lot of places that I liked in my price range were getting scooped up including two places I really wanted to sign at in the Qailsbrook area.

Currently on the verge at signing a lease at a townhome in Beacon Hill subdivision in Franklin Township. Any feedback regarding that development?

Thanks!

[Exit10]

Beacon Hill development is nice - it is about 10-15 minutes further of a commute than if you got into a Quailbrook townhouse. Quailbrook is much closer to 287 and also close to the Franklin Twp library that has cute programs for toddlers. I am bringing up the proximity to 287 because 287 is JAMMED at rush hour times. You may see it is only 5 miles or so away from Quailbrook developments to Piscataway, but that could take at least 30 minutes on busy traffic days. Good luck!

[calvinsdad]

If you haven't committed to any one place yet, I'd recommend checking out Cedar Manor in Somerset. I've been living here for about 18 months now.
Very spacious 2BR apartments (townhouse style) w/ loft or basement. (approx 1800sq ft). Very safe neighborhood. 2 mins from 287. No complaints.