Diversity in Caldwell (Paterson, Passaic, Bloomfield: rent, home, neighborhood)

[Hall9207]

My husband and I are a young African American couple that currently rent in Montclair. We have no kids yet, and love our neighborhood where we walk to Whole Foods, the train (we both work in NYC) and a variety of eateries and shops. We're in the process of looking for a home and want to avoid the high taxes and little yard space in Montclair, so we're looking in nearby towns. We recently looked in Caldwell and love the area, but noticed the lack of diversity. We did some further research and the statistics are certainly reflective of what we saw. Should we be at all wary of continuing our search in Caldwell? By no means do we desire an area with all one race, but some diversity -- especially when our future kids go to school -- would be nice.

Thanks

[Spincycle]

Originally Posted by Hall9207

We have no kids yet, and love our neighborhood where we walk to Whole Foods, the train (we both work in NYC) and a variety of eateries and shops. We're in the process of looking for a home and want to avoid the high taxes and little yard space in Montclair, so we're looking in nearby towns. We recently looked in Caldwell and love the area, but noticed the lack of diversity.

Thanks

I read your post a few times and now understand your concerns (e.g. diversity, walkable community). Have you considered Cedar Grove (pompton ave. area) or Verona (bloomfield ave. area)? I am not sure if their statistics are any different than the Caldwells (but they may be a bit more diverse than Caldwells). I think CG may have lower taxes w/small industrial base. Plus with CG and Verona you are neighboring Montclair (versus being out in the Caldwells) and have the advantage of faster access in Montclair.

[Hall9207]

Thank you for your feedback. We're open to all neighboring towns of Montclair -- including Verona and Cedar Grove -- that make sense financially since we're just starting out. The school system is another big factor for both of us. We question if we should just deal with the high taxes in Montclair and Bloomfield because of the good public schools or move just to save on taxes, and then have to pay tuition for private schooling.

[Obrero]

Originally Posted by Hall9207

Thank you for your feedback. We're open to all neighboring towns of Montclair -- including Verona and Cedar Grove -- that make sense financially since we're just starting out. The school system is another big factor for both of us. We question if we should just deal with the high taxes in Montclair and Bloomfield because of the good public schools or move just to save on taxes, and then have to pay tuition for private schooling.

I think you will find the schools in Caldwell or Verona are better (test scores) than the schools in Montclair and definitely better than Bloomfield.

[kelsie]

I was raised in Caldwell and went to school there back in the 70's. At that time there was no diversity at all. My parents still live there and to me it has not changed at all. Taxes are high. I agree with the other posters CG/Verona, and where you live now is lovely. We live in a beautiful southern town in a beautiful southern state and we have lots of diversity and truly love it. Good luck in your search.

[EEEPNJ]

Yeah, I'm agreeing with others on the tax/school issue...you'd probably pay higher taxes in Montclair and the schools are not as good as neighboring towns.

Do you need to stay in Essex or can you consider other counties as well?

Diversity - though quite the topic - is still not all that great in NJ.

[Hall9207]

We want to stay in Essex; close to Montclair, because we have joined a church there that we really like. It's also a quick drive into Manhattan when we go in on weekends to see friends.

It's interesting that you are all saying the schools in Caldwell and Verona are better. In my research, Watchung (Montclair) and Oakview (Bloomfield) keep coming up.

Thanks

[Spincycle]

keys: Proximity to Montclair, good schools, NYC, diversity, and lo taxes.

I wonder if Great Notch the SW sector of West Paterson and the eastern side of Little Falls by MSU would appeal to you. Both in neighboring Passaic County. But the "walkability concept" may not be there, FYI.

[EEEPNJ]

Watching is the star of the school system in Montclair. The other elementary schools are not bad (but not exceedingly good either) and the HS is not strong.

In Bloomfield Brookdale and Oak View are the better schools. The other elementary schools perform poorly and the HS is abysmal.

Caldwell has strong schools overall, and while Verona's #'s appear to be down a little in recent years, they are very strong historically. In my experience, you want to stick w/ school districts that make ALL schools performing well in their area a priority.

[EEEPNJ]

It's a little further than Montclair, but still do-able... Summit?