Westfield/Cranford commute to NYC (Newark, Raritan: new home, transferring to, neighborhoods)

[NYmama]

Hi. Considering a move to Westfield or possibly Cranford and my work occasionally brings me to Manhattan, sometimes for two to three months of four-day workweeks at a time. Can anyone who makes the trip offer some feedback? Is switching trains at Newark as big a pain as those who live in direct-line towns say it will be? I know it's just one switch, but of course once you get to Penn then there's a subway ride involved, too...

And does anyone go by another way, a direct bus, etc.?

I really like these towns and would love to know how others feel about the commute. Thanks.

[CuCullin]

Right at the train station, theres a bus - brings you right in. However, I prefer (and still take) the train, took it from Westfield for a few years.

You mention a subway ride - are you going downtown? You may want to instead take the train to Newark, then change at Newark to the PATH, and head to WTC.

[NYmama]

Usually my work brings me a little further uptown, to high 50s on the West Side, but thanks for the thoughts on getting downtown because that's info I can use for someone else in my fam.

So if you don't mind my asking, was the train in from Westfield OK, even with switching at Newark? I only know one person who does it now who used to live in Brooklyn, and says the commute to the city has been a big adjustment because she's getting on and off a train several times (she takes a subway, too). I'm just wondering if a midtown-direct line is all that much better than the Raritan line. I'm guessing the bus to Port Authority is a long haul? I'd walk to work from 42nd.

[CuCullin]

Originally Posted by NYmama

Usually my work brings me a little further uptown, to high 50s on the West Side, but thanks for the thoughts on getting downtown because that's info I can use for someone else in my fam.

So if you don't mind my asking, was the train in from Westfield OK, even with switching at Newark? I only know one person who does it now who used to live in Brooklyn, and says the commute to the city has been a big adjustment because she's getting on and off a train several times (she takes a subway, too). I'm just wondering if a midtown-direct line is all that much better than the Raritan line. I'm guessing the bus to Port Authority is a long haul? I'd walk to work from 42nd.

Its a bit of a haul, yeah, thats why I prefer the train over the bus. Plus traffic is a regular issue, and it just never seems to work out for me.

I've been on a direct line, and I don't think much of the change at Newark. To be candid, I've incorporated it into my daily routine . From Westfield to Newark I consider my time - I read, make notes on things I want to do in the house, etc. When I change, thats when I grab my morning coffee, let other people rush like crazy to get on the NY bound train thats about to leave, and I take the train that comes five minutes later (when about 1/10th of the number of people are getting on). So, I almost always get a seat, and then I use the ride from Newark to NY to get ready for my work day.

I've just begun taking the train (as of last week) from High Bridge, my new home, which is the last stop on the Raritan Valley Line. Since I have a longer ride from HB to Newark, now I have more time to read and such, or just get a good nap in. Either way, changing trains seems to be a problem for some people, but not for me. Just remember to take your time getting the next train, and you won't have to deal with 80 billion people shoving to get onto the train that leaves in 10 seconds - and instead take the train leaving in 5 minutes.

[jy_2007]

I take RARV and switch in newark. It's not so bad. Some folks find it unacceptable. It adds an extra 15 mins on to your commute, but then again, if you are talking about
midtown direct from montclair or summit, it's probably the same overall time. If you're in it for the long haul, there may be direct service to manhattan on RARV in 10 years or so:
Trans-Hudson Express Tunnel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Access to the Region's Core
Unlike CuCullin, I have seen no repeatable patterns in my commute (other than the train schedules themselves). Some days, I take the first departing NY bound and get a whole seat to myself, other times it's standing room only. Same goes if i wait for the next one. Some times, the incoming NY-bound is packed, but it unloads with people transferring to the path. Sometimes they all stay on. Sometimes the local trains are more packed than the express and vice-versa.

CuCullin, what time are you usually transferring in NWK?

[CuCullin]

Originally Posted by jy_2007

CuCullin, what time are you usually transferring in NWK?

Varies a bit, depends on when I can pull myself out of bed

However, always between 7:40 and 8:40 in the morning. When I arrive around 7:40-ish, its usually a bit more packed, and I'll only get a seat by filling up a three-seater. If I get in around 8, I usually get one seat of a three seater. If I get in later than that, I sometimes nab a two-seater to myself, but usually I'm one of two in a three seater.

[charlotte_cat]

Hi,
I am a realtor in the Westfield Cranford area, and I believe that both towns have a lot to offer. There are both train lines and direct bus service into the city. The neighborhoods are wonderful and the school systems strong. If you would like some help with your search, please contact me. I would love the opportunity to assist you in any way possible.

[NYmama]

Thank you, everyone, for the replies. So, doesn't sound too bad at all, and good point about how the ride on a direct line from some towns would take just about as long anyway. I do like the easy-does-it approach to switching trains at Newark. Makes sense--why fight the masses?

Thanks!

[bluetobe]

Originally Posted by CuCullin

Right at the train station, theres a bus - brings you right in. However, I prefer (and still take) the train, took it from Westfield for a few years.

You mention a subway ride - are you going downtown? You may want to instead take the train to Newark, then change at Newark to the PATH, and head to WTC.

So how long is the commute from Westfield to LES via the train? And is it difficult to get parking in Westfield to catch the train to Newark, and then to the PATH?

[CuCullin]

You'd go by way of the train to Newark (about 20 minutes express train, 28 minutes local), then the PATH to WTC (about 25 minutes). From there its however long it'd take you from WTC to your destination.

Parking in Westfield isn't necessarily easy. There is a waiting list for parking, though you can pay for daily parking. Also, there are some local places and people who will offer parking as well. No matter what, I always preferred to walk or get dropped off, never park though.