Clark, Colonia, or Westfield? (Rahway, Maplewood: house, school district, prices)

[Columbia92]

I am looking to move to NJ from NYC. I will still work there, so the town must be less than an hour commute from lower Manhattan, I also want a train station within 5-10 minutes driving distance. My price range is around 1.2m. I have gotten recommendations and looked at homes in Colonia and Westfield. I have also been advised that Clark, NJ was a good choice, however, I have yet to find listings of any homes in Clark that compare to the those I have seen in Colonia or Westfield. The schools in Westfield, recieved higher ratings than those in Colonia, however the homes I saw in Westfield seemed remarkably shabby for the price and the neigboring homes seemed unkept. I have also been told that Colonia schools receive students from less desireable areas and found that Clark's high school rated very poorly. I am not sure what is accurate and what is not. So far, Colonia seems to be the best value for the cost. Is there part of Clark that is more exclusive? Does it go by another name? Any advice would be appreciated.
JM

[CuCullin]

Westfield is far more expensive, but has the advantage of a train station in town. You will *not* get to the train from Clark to Westfield or Rahway during the morning rush in 5-10 minutes.

Prices too outlandish in Westfield? Go elsewhere on the Raritan Valley Line. Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford, Garwood, etc.

*EDIT* Yes, there is a section of Clark some believe is more prestigious. Its the Hehnly School side as opposed to the Valley Road side (elementary schools). However, its not really all that prestigious or exclusive, and yes, the HS is crap and has gone very far downhill since I graduated there 8 years ago - and it wasn't that good then. My sister goes there now, and I've been all but begging my parents to get her to a different school district. I'm not a fan of the Clark school system.

[juliann1977]

CuCullin knows of what he speaks.

IMO, Westfield is a great town. I absolutely love it, but unless your budget is 1 mil+, you're probably better off elsewhere. There are many, many very nice towns in NJ where you can do a lot better price-wise.

Colonia is hit or miss. There are many lovely homes near the high school, but some of the school facilities leave a lot to be desired.

[BobKovacs]

Colonia has some great areas (the "estate section" and the area off Chain O' Hills Rd), and you'll get more for your money there than in Westfield- especially in the area off of Chain O' Hills Rd. While the schools in Westfield are better, the schools in Colonia aren't that bad either. IMO, JFK is the better high school compared to Colonia (I graduated from JFK in 87), and I believe the test scores concur. Colonia High gets kids from Avenel (though JFK gets part of Avenel too), which isn't the best area of Woodbridge Township.

You can get to the Metropark station in Iselin very easily, and likely within your 10 minute timeframe from most parts of Colonia (Rahway station would be closer if you end up on the Inman Ave end of Colonia).

Alot depends on what you're looking for though- if you're looking for a "status" address, go for Westfield, but you'll pay dearly for it.

[aas0242]

Originally Posted by Columbia92

I am looking to move to NJ from NYC. I will still work there, so the town must be less than an hour commute from lower Manhattan, I also want a train station within 5-10 minutes driving distance. My price range is around 1.2m. I have gotten recommendations and looked at homes in Colonia and Westfield. I have also been advised that Clark, NJ was a good choice, however, I have yet to find listings of any homes in Clark that compare to the those I have seen in Colonia or Westfield. The schools in Westfield, recieved higher ratings than those in Colonia, however the homes I saw in Westfield seemed remarkably shabby for the price and the neigboring homes seemed unkept. I have also been told that Colonia schools receive students from less desireable areas and found that Clark's high school rated very poorly. I am not sure what is accurate and what is not. So far, Colonia seems to be the best value for the cost. Is there part of Clark that is more exclusive? Does it go by another name? Any advice would be appreciated.
JM

If that's your 3 choices, then it's a no-brainer, go for Westfield. 1.2 million will get you a nice house there.

[Fairfax Mom]

I know nothing about Clark but I know Westfield is a rich town of "old money" - you know - the house might be shabby but it is still expensive. Colonia is more working class.

[Columbia92]

Your thoughts are much appreciated, I'm impressed with the wealth of information in your replies. Thanks again. Would anyone happen to know the respective driving times to the Holland around 6 a.m.?

[CuCullin]

Originally Posted by Columbia92

Your thoughts are much appreciated, I'm impressed with the wealth of information in your replies. Thanks again. Would anyone happen to know the respective driving times to the Holland around 6 a.m.?

I haven't driven that in quite a while, so I'll be out of date - I'll leave times to others.

However, if you're going to be doing that, I would *definitely* recommend looking at Springfield, Maplewood, Mountainside, Summit, New Providence, and Scotch Plains.

From Clark you'll be to get onto the Parkway and over to 78, from Colonia you'll be driving through Clark to the GSP to get to 78, and from Westfield you'd be going through Clark to GSP to 78, or right to 78 by way of Springfield.

Either way, the other towns I mentioned would make for an easier commute, and are pretty similar to Colonia/Clark/Westfield. Maplewood and Summit for example have enjoyable downtown areas (though Westfield is definitely more known for its downtown, with reason), Scotch Plains has a somewhat of a downtown, etc.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by Columbia92

Would anyone happen to know the respective driving times to the Holland around 6 a.m.?

From Colonia, I'd hop on 1 and 9 South to the NJTP, and you'd hit the Holland in just under 30 minutes. That's presuming that you're trying to get to the Holland by 6am- if you leave the house at 6am, you may get to the tunnel in 35-40 minutes, but you'll also sit at the tunnel for 5-10 more.

[ndecost]

Its a no brainer... Westfield. I think you could get a pretty nice house there for $1.2 mil. It may appear shabbier than the other towns you mention, but its Westfield afterall.