Which town to choose: Warren vs Westfield, etc (Newark, Union: budget, work)

[EmmaMom]

I stumbled upon this forum when I was googling about commute information. Want to ask for advice about choosing a town for our next house.

We currently live in Middlesex county, husband works in NYC mid-town and I drive to Jersey city every day. We have two kids: 4.5 and 2. I actually can't complain too much about current commute and house, the reason we want to move is for better schools.

So far, we have visited some open houses in the following towns: Summit, Chatham, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Livingston, Westfield, and Warren. Since our budget is 700k-900k, and we'd like to get a newer house (we both are busy and husband is not handy), it seems Summit, Chatham, Livingston are out of reach. I kind of reduced my list to Westfield and Warren. I really like Warren because I feel for 800k-900k, you can still get a good house and decent lot. For Westfield, if the house is new (or renovated), it will be in south portion of the town, and with small lot. I read from this forum that north side people looked down on south side residents, don't know how true is that. But my husband likes Westfield more because he thinks commute will be better from WF. He wants a total door to door commute time of 1.5 hr.

How long will be the commute from Warren to Mid-town? And what do people usually take for commute? We have a friend in Warren who drives to Summit then take train. But Summit train seems infrequent. Any other viable options?

Also, we are Asian, I'd like to find a town more open/diverse, so my kids will not get picked at or feel singled out when they go to school. For this reason, I like Warren more.

Any comments about these towns (or other possible candidates) are welcome. Your help is greatly appreciated.

[tahiti]

Let's assume (and I think it's a pretty good assumption) schools in both towns are practically the same.

I think you need to make a weighted list of your priorities. These 2 towns are sufficiently different that once you make your list, the choice will become obvious. For instance, if a larger house is your absolute top priority weighed much more heavily than having a downtown, Warren becomes the choice. If having a train station in town and the "downtown feel" is much more important than having acreage, Westfield's the way to go.

I can't comment on the commutes or racial diversity, but just wanted to throw out how I think you should go about determining the right fit.

Good luck!

[NYmama]

Like you I'm just a shopper right now, but have been looking into Westfield pretty closely. One thing about the south side that would be in your favor, I think, is one of the elementary schools there, McKinley, is known for being more ethnically diverse (don't know how much) than the others. It's a great school, though I believe they all pretty much are.

I've heard the same north vs. south stuff, and there must be some truth to it, because one agent pegged me as a north-side type (!) and only sends me listings there. Not sure why, as if we end up in Westfield, our budget more likely puts us on the south side. I see advantages to that, like being on the same side of town as the pool and the high school.

Also, I'm trying to keep in mind every town has its "best" parts. In Westfield there are many million-dollar homes on the south side. The north side overall may be more uniform in terms of classic architecture, i.e. colonials, has the more attractive shops int he downtown, and has the library and the Y. But it all seems pretty well within reach no matter where you are. Have you driven around town? Some parts of the south side are gorgeous. Good luck!

[EmmaMom]

tahiti, thanks for your reply. I think the issue in the end is my husband and I have different priorities, but again, I am not the one who will suffer long commute so I can't push him too much either.

If somebody can provide more information on Warrent commute, that will be wonderful!

[MaverickDD]

1) Consider Watchung and Springfield instead.
2) Westfield: Is it really north/south or more of an ethnic issue? My experience is that the general area of suburban Union County has a higher sensitivity to ethnic and racial issues than the rest of New Jersey on the whole.
3) I've spent some time in Asia so I understand the importance of "Guanchi" and appearances. But really, unless you're blatantly doing something that brings shame, why care what the people across town think? You're not running for office, right?

[CuCullin]

Originally Posted by EmmaMom

If somebody can provide more information on Warrent commute, that will be wonderful!

Well, the simplest answer is that in Warren, your option is to drive to NYC, or drive to the Dunellan train station. Commuting by train to NYC is MUCH easier than driving. The later in the morning it gets, your commute time when driving goes up exponentially.

From Westfield, you can drive (though you're already a bit closer than Warren), or take the train in town.

The Dunellan station and Westfield station both are express stops (ie: all trains stop at each). Westfield is about 10 minutes-ish closer train-wise.

Personally, I could never drive either commute.

[EmmaMom]

NYmama, thanks for the info on the elementary school. I don't really care about north/south difference, I drove by some areas in south and feel it's nice. I am just a little bit concerned about the low Asian population in Westfield in general.

MaverickDD, thanks for the advice. But I don't think Springfield school is as good as the other towns mentioned (our main drive of moving is school). Watchung is nice, but for our price range, I find most are older houses. What does Guanchi mean? Sorry, I am Chinese and I don't really understand this word.

CuCullin, thanks for your reply. I am not a big fan of Westfield line train since it needs switch at Newark Penn Station, and my husband tends to nap on train. A direct train/bus will be ideal. But almost every town with that plus a great school will price us out...

[tandcookies]

I am not a big fan of Westfield line train since it needs switch at Newark Penn Station, and my husband tends to nap on train. A direct train/bus will be ideal. But almost every town with that plus a great school will price us out...[/quote]

Have you considered Metuchen? That would be a direct commute on the N East corridor. Great schools and many beautiful homes. While most of the homes are older sometimes you might find new construction.

[CuCullin]

Originally Posted by EmmaMom

CuCullin, thanks for your reply. I am not a big fan of Westfield line train since it needs switch at Newark Penn Station, and my husband tends to nap on train. A direct train/bus will be ideal. But almost every town with that plus a great school will price us out...

There is also a bus from Westfield, same spot as the train station, near the parking lot, on the north side (near downtown).

[EmmaMom]

tandcookies, thanks for your suggestion. Yes I know Metuchen, I just think its school is not good enough (sorry if I sound snobbish, but if not for school, I wouldn't consider moving).

CuCullin, thanks for the info. That's why my husband favors Westfield It seems pretty clear Warren is a bit farther, so commute will be a bit longer...