gay family moving to jersey (New Brunswick: gay)

[lammius]

The first place that comes to my mind is Maplewood. It's a very popular destination for gay families. It'll be very difficult to find something there in the price range though. But as many have said, your family is likely not going to have "problems" or "trouble" anywhere in NJ that I can think of. I think the things for you to look into are where you can find good schools, comfortable housing, and a job. $250k will buy a lot less in northern NJ than in central and southern NJ. If north is important, I'd suggest starting out with places like Rahway. It's diverse and affordable, and is one of those "recently redeveloping" towns. Not sure about the schools though. Bob's suggestions are good ones farther down into Central Jersey.

[girl-973-908-732]

Asbury Park, Montclair, Springfield, Madison, Morristown, Florham Park.

Let me just say..... I went to Asbury Park this past summer with my children and husband after being away from asbury park for more than 20 years. The beach is still somewhat of a dump but the town itself seems very "gay" friendly.

There were so many gay couples expressing their affection openly in the area I was with my hubby and we felt like the minority and out of place.

Asbury Park.

[nic529]

Don't go to Asbury Park! Too much crime and bad schools. Its just not a nice place to live unless you absolutely have to.

For the price you are looking in I think you are going to have to look further south. Burlington County - or maybe even Hamilton in Mercer County. It would help if you could tell us where the store your being transfered to is.

Good luck!

[cyntmac]

Asbury is smack dab in the middle of vast suburbia. It might be o.k. if you are tight budget wise but it is not some kind of mecca for any particular group. People who make it sound like a small San Francisco are trying to sell something. It is nothing like that. The high schools and middle schools used to be really bad. I think the elem was o.k. there.

An area like Rahway might work better overall. You need to check it for yourself. Some of the fringe areas up there you might find actually more affordable. That region is more urban overall. Monmouth County is very suburuban almost everywhere.

[nic529]

NO. Asbury Park is not ok.

[chettabelle]

I would definitely consider Brick too. It's a very safe town. I live there with my 16 month old daughter and husband and we love it. It's 5 minutes to the beach. You can get a townhouse in your range. There are a couple of developments that have nice townhouses. Sutton Village is one.. The other is Evergreen Woods. It is very diverse and good for the money.. Stay away from Maple Leaf, it's not nice in there. You may even be able to get a fixer upper for around $260k, but that is cutting it close. Good Luck!!!

[nic529]

I forgot about Brick...rated #1 safest town in the US

[hrjersey]

Asbury Park is gay friendly but not a safe place for raising kids. Maplewood as mentioned is also gay friendly and their school district is extremely diverse. However your budget may be a problem. NJ in general is a diverse community in and of itself and except for pockets of areas that may be less tolerant, overall the people in this state are very accepting.

Finding a teaching job may not be as simple as you may think. I am a teacher. I live in Toms River one of the safest cities but I travel 60 miles north to teach because it was the only teaching job I could find. There are more teaching jobs in the central and northern parts of the state so keep that in mind.

[KMRsurf]

I've read a lot of the replies to your post. I think what you want is a diverse and affordable community. There are many gay friendly towns in NJ. A lot of our gay friends with kids live in Asbury Park, but send their kids to private schools. There is also neighboring Ocean Twp which has an excellent school system and a many gay families. AP's schools are seriously lacking. Most who live there and can afford it don't send their kids to public school. Someone else mentioned Brick. My nephew goes to school in Brick and his best friend has 2 mommies. AP is still affordable given the price range you're looking in. There are plenty of African Americans and plenty of gay families. In fact, our white heterosexual family is the minority on our block. I live in AP. Our neighborhood is diverse and friendly. A lot of people hate our little city, but I love it. It isn't Mayberry though. I'm a city person so I can only advise you as someone who enjoys the place I live warts and all. You also might want to contact a group like Jersey Pride for more information. Good luck!

[billb7581]

Collingswood has a large gay population.

Now that I think of it, there are several same sex couples in my own town.. Cinnaminson.. not sure how far south you're looking though.