Young Family looking for diverse commuter town with good schools. (Jersey City: condos, neighborhoods)

[rycor]

We have considered Montclair, Nutley, Verona, Fair Lawn. As they appear to have decent property in our price range. However we are unsure of the neighborhoods, safety, etc.

I guess that sounds like allot but here is our situation:

Where are you coming from?Downtown Jersey City
Why are you moving?Baby on the way, need space to grow into
Where will you be working ? 1. Midtown, 42nd & Lex 2. Lower Manhattan

Will you buy or rent? Looking to buy.
What is your budget ? 350k at high end
What kind of place are you looking for ? Single Family 3+ BR starter home.

Will anyone (spouse, children, pets) be moving with you ? Spouse, 2 cats, baby on the way.
Do you need/want good public schools? Yes

Briefly describe the kind of neighborhood you'd like to live in: Diverse community good for families with young children.


List three things that are important to you in order of importance: Safety is number one, great downtown area easy commute.

[HappyFam48]

Definitely Maplewood and South Orange should be on your list!

[focus282]

Have you looked into East Brunswick? Diverse neighborhood, great schools, and 2 large hubs for commuting into NYC (Nielsen Tower Center and the East Bruns Transportation Center). I believe there are buses that go both to Midtown (PABT and a few cross-town buses that go right down 42nd and stop at almost every avenue) and Downtown (Wall Street area). @$350k you should be able to find a decent sized 3-br, or one that needs a little work. Trip to Midtown is about 50 min from the Tower Center to PABT -- can't vouch for timing from Transportation Center or timing to Downtown.

[EBWick]

The towns listed are a stretch at that price range. E. Brunswick/Old Bridge are more viable options.

[rycor]

We have found affordable places in all those towns and are actually seeing something quite nice in Montclair. I grew up in Bayonne and am more inclined to live in North Jersey then Central.

[sonofagunk]

Originally Posted by rycor

We have found affordable places in all those towns and are actually seeing something quite nice in Montclair. I grew up in Bayonne and am more inclined to live in North Jersey then Central.

and did you check the taxes?

[rycor]

Originally Posted by sonofagunk

and did you check the taxes?

We have, they are high, but not too crazy. We are thinking of Nutley now, prices seem right.

Is this a good area for young families? We have friends in a few nearby towns.

[NJHomebody]

I am curious about the quite nice and Montclair under 350k (unless looking at condos). If it's by Bay/Mission St, then safety would be questionable.