Where to live if relocating to work in Manhattan? (Union: condos, low crime)

[Gamma1]

Hello,

I am planning to move from Georgia to NY in April 2009 for work. I have been doing some research but I really need some help in deciding where to relocate to.

My question is where would be the best place in the tri-state area for us to move to if working in NY? I will be working in Manhattan.

My requirements are:
Good non-private schools (I have a baby just over a year old)
Decent commute from NY City (60 mins)
Surburbian feel (I currently live in one of the suburbs in ATL - Alpharetta)
House prices between $350K and $450K (preferably 3 bed 2.5 bath) or a 2 bed condo with parking,
Safe and diverse neighborhood
Low Crime

I'm sure you've heard this question over and over, but I couldn't find a post that had all of my questions in it. I am sorry if this is a re-post.

Thank You very much,
Seyi

[BobKovacs]

Getting all of what you're looking for will be tough. We made the reverse move of what you're talking about doing last year- we moved from central NJ to Holly Springs, GA.

To get an area similar to Alpharetta, you're going to need to head out into the western suburbs along 78. This will either give you a commute of 1.5-2 hours door-to-door, whether you're looking at driving or taking the train.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by Gamma1

Hello,

I am planning to move from Georgia to NY in April 2009 for work. I have been doing some research but I really need some help in deciding where to relocate to.

My question is where would be the best place in the tri-state area for us to move to if working in NY? I will be working in Manhattan.

My requirements are:
Good non-private schools (I have a baby just over a year old)
Decent commute from NY City (60 mins)
Surburbian feel (I currently live in one of the suburbs in ATL - Alpharetta)
House prices between $350K and $450K (preferably 3 bed 2.5 bath) or a 2 bed condo with parking,
Safe and diverse neighborhood
Low Crime

I'm sure you've heard this question over and over, but I couldn't find a post that had all of my questions in it. I am sorry if this is a re-post.

Thank You very much,
Seyi

Colonia has much of what you are looking for
but it might not be as suburban as you would like

[mandmrossi]

Hi, may I suggest Rutherford NJ... I have lived there may years, rasied my children and the provate schools are very good along with public as well. Busses int eh city for $3.00, 20 minute commute and you have hte Rutherford Train station there as well.

If you need an excellent realtor, pls send me an email. He is one that sold my home. He is a broker/realtor and above all a good friend that knows just about everything about the town. His agency is the second oldest in Bergen County.

Regards,
Mike

[Spincycle]

MORE SPECIFICS NEEDED.

Originally Posted by Gamma1

Good non-private schools (I have a baby just over a year old)

Why not private? GREAT private schools in NY/NJ metro.

Originally Posted by Gamma1

Decent commute from NY City (60 mins)

Upto 60 mins on mass transit- door-to-door or enroute? upto 60 mins via automobile - door-to-door or enroute? More specifics, preferences?

Originally Posted by Gamma1

Surburbian feel (I currently live in one of the suburbs in ATL - Alpharetta)House prices between $350K and $450K (preferably 3 bed 2.5 bath) or a 2 bed condo with parking

Why on earth would you pay that much for a condo when you could get a TownHouse? Am I missing something?

Originally Posted by Gamma1

Safe and diverse neighborhood, Low Crime.

Again very vague here. Define diversity as you see and desire it? Are you willing to gain a little more diversity at a trade-off with good public schools/crime stats OR would you accept a "white toast" community with top notch public schools and no crime?

[Feenick]

Hi Seyi, There are some great communities along 1-78 that offer what you are looking for. The further you travel west, the more likely it is that we can find you a home in your price range - but the trade off is that the commute to the city increases.

Since you are receptive to townhomes/condos as well as single family homes, I'd suggest Bridgewater which offers a variety of housing options, a diverse community and very good schools. There are also some nice newer townhomes in Green Brook (also Somerset County - good schools) and Scotch Plains (Union County - closer in toward the city) that fall in your price range.