Are there Jewish families living in Madison or Mountainside? (Westfield: schools, taxes)

[Linda Kish]

We live on the Upper West Side of NY (very diverse and a large Jewish population) and we are contemplating a move to either Madison or Mountainside NJ. (Good taxes and schools). Our daughter (adopted from China) will be entering 3rd grade in the fall and we were concerned about both anti-semitism and general intolerance. Can anyone comment about either of these two areas? Thanks!

[Mayvenne]

There are most definitely Jewish families living in both.
They are not Jewish areas at all. My opinion is that you would probably be reasonably comfortable in either, though Mountainside might be a bit more welcoming. I am curious for others to chime in here. Several years ago I lived in an area more similar to Madison and while we never ever felt antisemitism, it was incredible to what degree educated intelligent people could be so ignorant and clueless.. Nothing was ever done maliciously, but it was an eye opener. Coming from the Upper West Side, you are doing the right thing by researching as much as possible.

[donald cherry]

try springfield

[EBWick]

It's NJ, there are Jews in every large community.

I'm not picking on the original poster, but it's funny how people write about discrimination like it's the 1950s still. Get out a little bit and talk to people. They're much more concerned with the type of person you are than where your ancestors came from

[looktowindward]

Try Scotch Plains

[goldmans]

Linda, yes there are Jews living in Mountainside, NJ. While the town is small, it is somewhat diverse. There are only two schools, one for k-2, and one for 3-8. Then, our kids go to Governor Livingston in Berkely Heights, the next town over. We don't have a temple, but I, along with others in town, belong to Temple Emanu-El in Westfield. Hope to see you there soon.

[rundugrun]

Northern NJ is the last place you should be concerned about anti-semites. There are large Jewish communities throughout the area...

[jarmalina]

Livingston would be good for you.

[Mike J1968]

I think Summit or Livingston would be better bets if you are looking for a larger Jewish population.

Madison and Chatham are predominantly Christian. I am not familiar with Mountainside.

That said, I would be surprised if anti-semitism or general intolerance are an issue in these communities.

[clevedark]

I don't think anyone cares what religion you are. However, you might want to think ahead a few years to when your kids are older--will you want to be in community where your children are a religious minority--or maybe it doesn't matter to you at all.

Good luck with your move.