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We currently live in Bergen County, and although we like our town due to home, taxes, school, and commute, we seem to not have the non-measured stats, i.e., down to earth neighbors, great community spirit, and the non "keeping up with the Jones" attitude.
We were thinking maybe Oradell, Glen Rock, or River Edge. We still want all of the above, but non-measured stats as well.
We currently live in Bergen County, and although we like our town due to home, taxes, school, and commute, we seem to not have the non-measured stats, i.e., down to earth neighbors, great community spirit, and the non "keeping up with the Jones" attitude.
We were thinking maybe Oradell, Glen Rock, or River Edge. We still want all of the above, but non-measured stats as well.
Any assistance would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGambler
No offense, but "down to Earth" is not one of the traits that comes to mind when Bergen County is mentioned.
LOL, I used to write some articles for the Glen Rock Gazette and met a lot of people at community activities in that town. If ever a Bergen County town could be described as NOT having great community spirit and as having a "keep up with the Jones" attitude, it is Glen Rock. Biggest snobs to one another I ever met. I have an acquaintance who works in the school system, too--won't say her position, but she's more than a teacher. She would verify that, as well. Says the parents are absolutely hellish to deal with due to their sense of superiority and entitlement.
Not sure how things are in Oradell or River Edge. Don't know people there. You would do better in some of the less fancy towns like Midland Park or Waldwick, or the more southern BC towns like Rutherford or Lyndhurst if that's what you are looking for. Fair Lawn is another good choice. Bigger in population and area than some of the others, but very community-minded.
Bergen County is great if you have money; awesome restaurants, close to NYC, shopping etc. but if you make less than $250,000 and dislike traffic, it's not for you so much. I'd come out to Morris County or West Essex.
"Great community" and "Down to Earth" are sadly not two characteristics that usually go together in Bergen County.
Oradell and Glen Rock are not two towns that I would describe as "down to Earth", and both towns definitely have a Jones mentality. River Edge might be a bit better in that regard, but not a whole lot.
As other have suggested, Oakland, Mahwah, Midland Park and Waldwick would be suggestions for nice towns that will reduce, but certainly not eliminate the Jones mentality. I'd add Fair Lawn, Westwood, Emerson, Paramus, and maybe Hillsdale (Hillsdale might have a larger degree of the Jones mentality).
Some parts of Mahwah are definitely NOT what the OP is looking for with regards to "keeping up with the Jones." The Fardale Section near Franklin Lakes and the Rio Vista area have too many million dollar homes to allow Mahwah to be in the "down-to-earth" category. The other part of town, especially near the Suffern border is a different story. The homes there are much more older and modest than what has been built in the town since the 1980s. Hence, if the OP is considering Mahwah, he or she should definitely look into what part of Mahwah is being considered.
Some parts of Mahwah are definitely NOT what the OP is looking for with regards to "keeping up with the Jones." The Fardale Section near Franklin Lakes and the Rio Vista area have too many million dollar homes to allow Mahwah to be in the "down-to-earth" category. The other part of town, especially near the Suffern border is a different story. The homes there are much more older and modest than what has been built in the town since the 1980s. Hence, if the OP is considering Mahwah, he or she should definitely look into what part of Mahwah is being considered.
Or try Stag Hill - keeping up with the Van Dunk's.
Or try Stag Hill - keeping up with the Van Dunk's.
Actually, the bottom of Stag Hill Road has some really nice homes. It is when you get to the top that you see the modest home of the Ramapough community.
Some parts of Mahwah are definitely NOT what the OP is looking for with regards to "keeping up with the Jones." The Fardale Section near Franklin Lakes and the Rio Vista area have too many million dollar homes to allow Mahwah to be in the "down-to-earth" category. The other part of town, especially near the Suffern border is a different story. The homes there are much more older and modest than what has been built in the town since the 1980s. Hence, if the OP is considering Mahwah, he or she should definitely look into what part of Mahwah is being considered.
My aunt/uncle/cousins lived in the Fardale section when I was growing up. My aunt is still there.
My cousin's address was "RFD #1", and every years the whole area would stink because the farmers across the street would prep their fields with pig manure. The field behind them had horses.
Guess that's changed now...
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