gay family moving to jersey (Plainfield, Montclair: low crime, homes, transfer)

[jpinfla2002]

Hi. my partner, baby and I are planning on moving to new Jersey this spring/summer. We would prefer North to Central and more toward the east. We want our daughter who is afican-american to grow up in a gay friendly or at least gay accepting nieghborhood with good schools. Everyone (because they all think they are experts...lol) are saying to go to or near Asbury Park, but I am reading about a high crime rate. Any suggestions or comments to help guide us on where to look?

[brookdaleresident]

What's your budget? Where do you work?

[jpinfla2002]

Originally Posted by brookdaleresident

What's your budget? Where do you work?

we are looking to spend 175,000 - 260,000 even if it needs some fixing up. I will be transfering to a store up there (CVS Pharmacy) depending on where we move to. My other half is a teacher, and will find a school when we decide also.

[BobKovacs]

Well, your budget is extremely tight if you're looking for somewhere safe. The good thing is that you're willing to do some renovating, which will open up a few possibilities. It may also help if you're willing to look at 2br homes, which turn alot of people off. In general, you're probably going to be more central/south NJ than north in that price range, and may want to look at places like South River, Old Bridge, Aberdeen, and Keyport.

WRT finding someplace that's "gay friendly", I don't think you're going to find many heavily gay communities like in some areas of the country, but you're also not likely to get alot of flack anywhere either. Most people in NJ are pretty accepting of anyone, and if they're not, they're not afraid to tell you so, so you'll know right away.....

[emanon]

Plainfield is Gay friendly and the Gay neighboorhood is in the better section of town and for sure Plainfield needs good teachers.The downside is Plainfield has a lot of welfare people and taxes are high to support those people.

E

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by emanon

Plainfield is Gay friendly and the Gay neighboorhood is in the better section of town and for sure Plainfield needs good teachers.The downside is Plainfield has a lot of welfare people and taxes are high to support those people.

E

Not to mention that the schools stink.....

[brookdaleresident]

Montclair is gay friendly and diverse, but housing is very expensive, about 3 times your budget. As Bob said, central/south is more affordable. As for teaching, depending on what level/subject, that may not be that easy to find.

[cyntmac]

If this child is black in theory (or for real- it's the NJ forum) you are probably thinking only in the short-term. Otherwise you would have framed the question- in regard to African-Americans and not gays. Most people with Black children would be more concerned with that.

[christina0001]

Most folks in NJ are at least gay-accepting if not gay friendly. Interracial couples and families are also not that unusual. I would focus more on choosing a town with a low crime rate and affordable housing. You don't mention what town your new job will be in, but I would also try to live as close to work as possible. No need to be away from your little one any more than necessary. If it's not too far from where you will be working, I would recommend Brick, which is in the northermost part of Ocean County. Very safe, lots to do, reasonably good schools. As you go north, home prices will increase.

[AnthonyB]

I'm in Franklin Twp. in Somerset which is very diverse, with around 40% African Americans, and as a matter of fact, my neighbours are African Americans and gay and have 2 kids and seem to be very much accepted and a part of the community. Their kids have never had trouble at school or with their friends.
As someone mentioned, NJ in general is pretty open minded.