Need to move out of JC.. Metuchen? (Newark, Jersey City: new home, neighborhood)

[SonorityGenius]

Seeking some advice.. I thought I bought smart when Jersey City was the talk of town, close to nyc and new home stock made it appealing.. turn outs, I just dont like it anymore -I am not the bar/sports goer type and I cant deal with having tenants anymore (not anything out of ordinary just dont want footsteps above me or below me!)

Problem #1 I work in downtown NYC and PATH has been super reliant living in JC - no, I never get a seat and it is packed like sardines on some delay days but overall door to door time is only 40 minutes and I am happy with that

Problem #2 My budget is approx 800k - I see some new homes / remodels done in Metuchen listing at 700-800s is there still a bidding war type of atmosphere going on there? Can anyone who has lived in Metuchen comment on the neighborhood / mark up of town? I am not white, so diversity is a must

I read mixed reviews of Metuchen train station BUT it is still better than Edison - I dont need access to top schools and I am ok with Metuchen's ratings so far. Property taxes seem high everywhere, so will deal with that. I love the quaint downtown shops and small mom and pop eateries and knick knack finding there.. is there anything I am missing about negatives of Metuchen?

[Kracer]

Originally Posted by SonorityGenius

Seeking some advice.. I thought I bought smart when Jersey City was the talk of town, close to nyc and new home stock made it appealing.. turn outs, I just dont like it anymore -I am not the bar/sports goer type and I cant deal with having tenants anymore (not anything out of ordinary just dont want footsteps above me or below me!)

Problem #1 I work in downtown NYC and PATH has been super reliant living in JC - no, I never get a seat and it is packed like sardines on some delay days but overall door to door time is only 40 minutes and I am happy with that

Problem #2 My budget is approx 800k - I see some new homes / remodels done in Metuchen listing at 700-800s is there still a bidding war type of atmosphere going on there? Can anyone who has lived in Metuchen comment on the neighborhood / mark up of town? I am not white, so diversity is a must

I read mixed reviews of Metuchen train station BUT it is still better than Edison - I dont need access to top schools and I am ok with Metuchen's ratings so far. Property taxes seem high everywhere, so will deal with that. I love the quaint downtown shops and small mom and pop eateries and knick knack finding there.. is there anything I am missing about negatives of Metuchen?

Metuchen is planted right in the middle of Edison township.


Great town, easy access to all major roads and rail.


As far as imaginable from JC in every aspect.

[SonorityGenius]

Thanks Kracer..I am reading the traffic congestion has gotten much worse there?

[Retriever]

Originally Posted by SonorityGenius

Thanks Kracer..I am reading the traffic congestion has gotten much worse there?

Yes, the traffic congestion in Metuchen is just as bad as it is in Edison, but it is still a very nice town.

[kosb]

If you work in downtown NYC.. you still have to deal with the "competitive seating contest" in PATH from Newark. Otherwise Metuchen has transformed a lot in recent years, close to Rt1, NJ27 and I-287 (all of them are packed during rush hour). With your budget try a town which has a direct train to Hoboken. Hoboken - WTC Path is lot nicer than Newark-WTC Path.

[SonorityGenius]

Originally Posted by kosb

If you work in downtown NYC.. you still have to deal with the "competitive seating contest" in PATH from Newark. Otherwise Metuchen has transformed a lot in recent years, close to Rt1, NJ27 and I-287 (all of them are packed during rush hour). With your budget try a town which has a direct train to Hoboken. Hoboken - WTC Path is lot nicer than Newark-WTC Path.

Thanks! I looked at Chatham and Oradell but too high taxes - at least Metuchen most were under 10k

[Mightyqueen801]

I had no idea about Metuchen, especially that it had that lovely little Main Street area, until October of this year. Met friends for dinner at the Greek place.

[EdGuitar]

I take it that if you work in Downtown NYC, then traffic is irrelevant. Unless, you live so far form the train station that you are forced to drive. Most people I know in Metuchen walk to NJT Station on Main St or bike it all the way. It is a gorgeous town and tranquil. On weekends, however, traffic may be a nightmare as you need to drive around for errands. Not a overly hyped town so for its good qualities, it is still very affordable. $800K budget will be enough to buy a nice home without the crazy taxes from Essex or Bergen counties.

[SonorityGenius]

Thanks all! Going for our first showing this saturday (sans snow of course)

[latinlady]

Have you look at Maplewood? Cute town easy commute into Hoboken hop on the path.