Is Nutley better than North Arlington or Kearny? (Newark, Passaic: buying a home, buying)

[FO12]

Hi,
I've been reading a lot of threads about these towns but I am still unsure of what town to pick. Me and my fiancee are looking to buy our first home (a multi-family) and since we grew up in the area we thought these towns would be ideal for us since family is nearby. Here have been my thoughts on these towns...

1st choice
Nutley:
Great schools, strong community. We are currently looking at a house there but unfortunately its South of Centre Street which a lot of people seem to thinks is a bad area. It doesn't appear that bad though and we would only be two blocks away from the park so any thoughts would be appreciated.

2nd choice
Kearny:
This town has some pretty bad patches but we would only buy something near the north arlington section and there are a slew of multi-family houses to pick from for reasonable prices.

3rd choice
North arlington:
The most expensive of the the three but also seems to be one of the nicest. Not as many multi-family homes so not as many choices to pick from. I don't know anything else about the town.

-FO

[ff18wife]

Having grown up in Belleville, I would say any of them is ok.

As for south of Centre Street being a not nice area in Nutley. I have NEVER heard anything like that EVER. The only area of Nutley that I "might" hesitate about is the north side which is closer to Passaic.

You have the right idea about staying near NA (as we locals call North Arlington) if you go to Kearny. North Arlington is nice...Lyndhurst is nice as well. You might want to consider that too.

Good luck with your search.

[LynnePatrice]

I lived in Nutley for a few years in the townhomes across from Target. I wouldn't consider any part of Nutley to be bad. The farther you go toward Belleville and Newark, it gets less nice, but I think buying in Nutley would be a great investment. Sorry, I can't advise on the other towns. Good luck!

[FO12]

Thanks so much for your advice on Nutley. I feel more relaxed now about buying a home there now.

[SPNARD1]

Hello,
Congratulations on your decision to purchase a home!

I'l throw my 0.02, Kearny, overall is a nice town...wouldn't consider any areas perticularly rough...generally very safe.

North Arlington, obviously a little better of a town.

Nutley, arguably the best of all 3, close to North Arlington, but possibly better...keep in mind, taxes will be a little higher that North Arlington, since Nutley is part of Essex County. Overall, a great town though.

Good Luck in your search

[marymagda]

Great place to live with some of the best schools and parks in NJ. Very strong community and terrific parks and recs programs. I chose to live in the so called section that is considered more blue coller/middle class that you mention. My children attended the grammar schools there and did very well in hs and college. It seems most people on that side of town are pretty traditional with stay at home moms and strong pta programs. More grounded than the affluent sections of Nutley. As a working mom it benefitted me greatly because I always had help with my children and a very strong support system.