What is Belleville like? (Newark, Camden: to rent, condo, crime)

[MElizH]

I'm looking to rent to the greater Montclair area and I'm seeing a lot of nice looking places listed in Belleville for extremely reasonable prices. Is there a reason for this? Is Belleville a bad area? I really don't know much about it...except that it's precariously close to Kearny & Newark...which could definitely be a deal-breaker.

[regarese]

My brother in law is a cop in Belleville-he says it's not a nice area. Not Newark bad or Camden bad, but still not good.

[Ellwood]

Belleville (Essex County) has become quite run down and from what I have read crime has increased. As it is in Essex County, taxes would be higher, to subsidize Newark. A friend of mine is paying almost $4K for a 810 sq ft condo.

[pixieshmoo]

Grew up there....I would never in a million years go back. It was a cute little town and community when I was growing up there (of course, I'm in my 30's now), if it was still like that, I would've never left. But it is terrible, the crime has skyrocketed, even kids against kids. It definitely looks run down (it's a mini Newark now). I don't know what else to say, but I wouldn't go back and I sure as hell wouldn't want my kids in the school system.

[borat s]

belleville use to be a tight knit Italian community but in the past 10 years or so has really become a run down area. If you look in the area that borders Nutley it is not so bad but I would never suggest for someone to move there. Look in Nutley or Lyndhurst which are basically blue collar towns but not run down and filled with hard working people.

[el nina mujer estalacalle]

Originally Posted by MElizH

I'm looking to rent to the greater Montclair area and I'm seeing a lot of nice looking places listed in Belleville for extremely reasonable prices. Is there a reason for this? Is Belleville a bad area? I really don't know much about it...except that it's precariously close to Kearny & Newark...which could definitely be a deal-breaker.

most of belleville is not bad in my opinion at all. if you are a sopranos fan you will love it, because most of the old italian neighborhood scenes in the show were filmed there or in bloomfield, which is next to belleville. yes belleville is directly adjacent to newark, but as you will find when you go have a look-see, once you get to the belleville side of newark's branch brook park, the neighborhood starts getting better rapidly. and yes, the town still is home to mostly descendants of the italian immigrants that once populated newark's first ward. (italians are known for keeping good order in their neighborhoods in nj.)

[allyjohnkate]

I lived in Belleville for 31 years. It was a really nice town when I was growing up, but things have Definitely changed. My parents still live there. Not a place I would move to.

[CrazyJerzyKidUNO]

I dont know what your talkin about. Belleville isnt so bad. But i guess i think that cause i came from Teaneck.....so i got low standards.

[AudioDon]

Originally Posted by MElizH

I'm looking to rent to the greater Montclair area and I'm seeing a lot of nice looking places listed in Belleville for extremely reasonable prices. Is there a reason for this? Is Belleville a bad area? I really don't know much about it...except that it's precariously close to Kearny & Newark...which could definitely be a deal-breaker.

Look in the northern parts of bloomfield or Nutley. That would be a big improvement.

[maricakes22]

I can't believe what I'm hearing. Yes, there are some bad parts of Belleville.. BUT there are also bad parts of MOntclair, bad PARTS OF NUTLEY- as well as every other town. I love living in Belleville.. the taxes are high, but they are quickly climbing everywhere. The grammar schools are good, and I agree that the Middle and High school aren't the best.. but that is the case for many of the high schools in this area.