Cranford, NJ vs. Westfield, NJ (Livingston: home, neighborhood, schools)

[boochieboy]

Our family is thinking of moving to either Cranford or Westfield. We are having a hard time deciding between the 2. We know that Westfield is more expensive and that we can get more for our money in Cranford. But Cranford has a smaller downtown and is not as lively as Westfield and the schools, although good, are not as good as Westfield. Our concern for Westfield is that the people there may be snooty because they all have a lot of money. We have heard that it is a very expensive town. We have 2 young kids and do not want for them to grow up with other children who have everything given to them and do not want to have to always have to "keep up with the Jones". How are the people and families in Westfield?

[NYmama]

boochie, I am having the same dilemma. We are right in the price range of being able to afford something nicer in Cranford than we could in Westfield, but I wonder if the tradeoff of living in a smaller home or a home that needs more work is really worth it to live in Westfield. We're checking out both towns tonight as a matter of fact. I also fear Cranford may be too sleepy, but people in both towns have seemed nice thus far.

[Golf Doctor]

Go with the schools. It does make a difference. Teach your children that family, friends, and values are more important than the name of the designer t-shirt that they want to wear. I went through the same thing living in a very modest home in Livingston. The pressure for expensive things, vacations, cars and the like is always there, but if you handle it well and hold your ground, it can be overcome with your children learning the value of what they have. Both of my children are now in excellent colleges and while they didn't have the same perks as their friends, they certainly had more than enough of what really matters in life.

You will also find others in the town in your same economic level and you will gravitate to each other. Always go with the better school system.

[E-TOWN-R.I.P.]

I live in Westfield and have friends with school age children in both Westfield and Cranford. Westfield schools are not that much better than Cranford's. And Westfield's worst section (Caciola) is worse than Cranford's worst section, and all those kids go to Westfield High, so be forewarned. And yes, Westfield has a bigger downtown, but their's an attitude that goes with it that doesn't exist in Cranford. But, overall, both are great towns. So good luck.

[NYmama]

I'm also confused by what seems to be common wisdom that Westfield's schools are better than Cranford's, because at least on paper, the differences seem almost negligible. Looking forward to more feedback on this thread.

[boochieboy]

Thank you all for your advice. It was very helpful. Has anyone interacted or personally know people who live in Westfield? Are they down to earth or are they on the arrogant side? I'm just not sure if we will be welcomed in the neighborhood or if we will be left out since we are not affluent. Thanks.

[judithexit]

Originally Posted by boochieboy

Thank you all for your advice. It was very helpful. Has anyone interacted or personally know people who live in Westfield? Are they down to earth or are they on the arrogant side? I'm just not sure if we will be welcomed in the neighborhood or if we will be left out since we are not affluent. Thanks.

Yes . I have a friend in westfield she had two daughters go thur school there. They are not like that and they do have money. They are down to earth. They were raised to give back be grateful for what you have.

[E-TOWN-R.I.P.]

I know plenty of people in Westfield and Cranford, and I'm not saying everyone in Westfield is snooty, but there is definitely a level of elitism in Westfield that does not exist in Cranford. Now that doesn't pertain to everybody, but it definitely pertains to some.

[tandcookies]

Originally Posted by E-TOWN-R.I.P.

I know plenty of people in Westfield and Cranford, and I'm not saying everyone in Westfield is snooty, but there is definitely a level of elitism in Westfield that does not exist in Cranford. Now that doesn't pertain to everybody, but it definitely pertains to some.

I definitely agree. I lived in Cranford for about 8 years after we were first married. While both towns are really great, I would definitely say Cranford is a lot more down to earth. I think it would be harder for a kid to live in Westfield and not be able to keep up with the affluence of his peers.

[ahkeer]

Originally Posted by E-TOWN-R.I.P.

I know plenty of people in Westfield and Cranford, and I'm not saying everyone in Westfield is snooty, but there is definitely a level of elitism in Westfield that does not exist in Cranford. Now that doesn't pertain to everybody, but it definitely pertains to some.

Co-sign on that..

All you need to do is spend an hour or two in Panera or Starbucks after 3pm. The way some of these people think and act has to be seen to be believed.