Union, NJ close to Kenilworth???? (Elizabeth, Irvington: new house, buying, school district)

[azwildcats70]

When we have mentioned that we are looking in Union, we always get this look like... "uh, I wouldn't if I were you"... but everything I have read and most of what I am seeing on here says it's a solid and relatively close-nit town. My cousin even said.. OMG, NO! If you HAVE to live in Union County, stick with Westfield, Cranford, Summit or Fanwood.

[nobi]

A lot of people think about it because its close to Irvington and most of the people look at Vauxhall section not the town. Drive around take a closer look and you will find it different then what people say. Right now Union is very very popular for Portugese people that are moving out of Newark because they see a quiet, safe, nicely located town. I do real estate and thats what they all say, it has its sections on one side of town but it is not that bad as some may say it is. Its not like Summit or Cranford because its a different class town that is in a different price range. But its better then other towns in this area of NJ for the money, but stay away from Vauxhall.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by azwildcats70

When we have mentioned that we are looking in Union, we always get this look like... "uh, I wouldn't if I were you"... but everything I have read and most of what I am seeing on here says it's a solid and relatively close-nit town. My cousin even said.. OMG, NO! If you HAVE to live in Union County, stick with Westfield, Cranford, Summit or Fanwood.

I get the same reaction when i mention Rahway

But i happen to like this town and when i take people around the different sections they always say
I had no idea Rahway was like this.

And i am pretty sure Union is the same way

Good luck with your hunt

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

If you have kids, I wouldn't do Union or Rahway ... unless you don't mind sending them to private school. Both have nice areas, but below average school districts.

Why don't you try Kenilworth or Clark? About the same price range, but nicer towns with better schools.

[jy_2007]

I'm interested to hear what "horror stories" you've heard?
It's true that there is a not-so-nice section in the northwestern corner of the town -Vauxhall. But it's not like it's newark or camden! Just some lower-class multi-unit dwellings, that's all.
If you need reassurance, just keep coming to visit. I have a feeling you may end up as confused as some of the rest of us are about these "horror stories". Especially if you stick to the livington/washington sections.
Like another poster said, it's not Summit or Westfield, but it's certainly a very nice place to live.

On a side note - the train station is only a few years old in town, coupled with the planned redevelopment for the town center, what was once a traditionally blue-collar town, is now beginning to attract the white-collar types who are looking for smaller mortgages and taxes than other bedroom communities like millburn, maplewood, etc.
When the ARC project is completed, The only towns in NJ that will have shorter commutes to Manhattan will be Newark, Elizabeth, Secauces, and East Orange. A few years off, but something to think about...

[azwildcats70]

No kids... Yuck!

[azwildcats70]

Originally Posted by jy_2007

I'm interested to hear what "horror stories" you've heard?
It's true that there is a not-so-nice section in the northwestern corner of the town -Vauxhall. But it's not like it's newark or camden! Just some lower-class multi-unit dwellings, that's all.
If you need reassurance, just keep coming to visit. I have a feeling you may end up as confused as some of the rest of us are about these "horror stories". Especially if you stick to the livington/washington sections.
Like another poster said, it's not Summit or Westfield, but it's certainly a very nice place to live.

On a side note - the train station is only a few years old in town, coupled with the planned redevelopment for the town center, what was once a traditionally blue-collar town, is now beginning to attract the white-collar types who are looking for smaller mortgages and taxes than other bedroom communities like millburn, maplewood, etc.
When the ARC project is completed, The only towns in NJ that will have shorter commutes to Manhattan will be Newark, Elizabeth, Secauces, and East Orange. A few years off, but something to think about...

I have read much about the redevelopment... looks promising!

Just people talking about crack addicts, drug dens, etc... but when I look at the crime stats and moneymagazine, etc... I just don't see that at all.

[jy_2007]

Originally Posted by azwildcats70

I have read much about the redevelopment... looks promising!

Just people talking about crack addicts, drug dens, etc... but when I look at the crime stats and moneymagazine, etc... I just don't see that at all.

Ok,ok. In general, I find it best to recommend to someone who's unsure about moving to a certain area : "visit yourself, and see what you think". I wouldn't want to skew anyone's decision with my own opinion. But I have to step in here: what you are are hearing is false, FALSE, FALSE!!

Crack addicts & drug dens?????? no way.

I was unfamiliar with the area before I moved here, so I'd suggest you do what I did - just keep visiting every weekend - get lunch at the various restaurants around town, pick up some groceries at the supermarket, and just drive around the residential neighborhoods. Look at the calendar on the town's website and come to any of the scheduled events. I believe this year is the town's bicentennial, so there should be plenty (too abd summer's almost over now)

Good luck!

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

Originally Posted by azwildcats70

No kids... Yuck!

Then Union would be a fine choice for you.

[jy_2007]

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

Then Union would be a fine choice for you.

Union has over 50,000 people. I think a few of them have children....