Top 10 Towns to Raise a Family in NJ (Union, Westfield: homes, neighborhoods)

[nykstevenyg]

I think there is more diversity in the south actually. People are more relaxed about it schools there can be 30, 40% black and its okay. Here people scream when that is the case.

[Ms.Charlotte]

Some of my faves in Monmouth County:

Fair Haven
Little Silver
Atlantic Highlands
Oceanport
Allentown
Sea Bright
Red Bank

[NewHomeHappy]

I concur. Check out Middlesex & Monmouth Counties. I can jump on the bandwagon of people suggesting Allentown Allentown New Jersey, NJ, Allentown, Allentown New Jersey, Monmouth County, Shops, Dining, Travel, Historic Allentown
It's very quaint. I love Cranbury too. Althought my castle is in Cream Ridge, we have no "downtown" so we visit Allentown for just about everything. Check out New Egypt too. Cute downtown.

Good luck in what ever you decide.

Check in and let us all know what/where you decided to plant your roots.

[NSANY]

Great thread, and one that is relevant for me, as my family is making a return soon to The Garden State from north Texas. Madison is at the top of our list, but we're concerned about the snob quotient. Before moving to Texas, we lived in Pompton Plains, a town I love more than any I've ever lived in, but a bit on the older side demographically for our current needs.

[Giantwon]

Up north I would add ShortHills/Millburn and south I would add SpringLake ,SeaGirt,Manasquan ,Point Pleasent

[APischel]

I read your response. How do you way monmouth county towns to the ones you've listed includ taxes n schools?.. I live in Hoboken i love it my husband wants to go suburban due to tax increase and the frat party. I'm trying to steer clear of monmouth county i grew up there and hated it, other than how pretty it is. I'd like to live in the towns you listed so im looking for some reasons to sway from Monmouth.

[pathfinda94]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

what kind of list is that?? Nothing south of Princeton..

South jersey is a better place to raise kids due to lower costs and less population density.. no question..

The ideal list would be town that have lower taxes while still having a tight community base and good school and plenty of things for you to do with your family.. That would leave most of th eNorth Jersey towns out as well as Morrestown..

Are you asking the best town for the well to do of the best town for everyone? BIG difference.

You are right. Guess OP has a personal agenda while promoting cities above Princeton. Its no brainer that South Jersey is desirable and for that matter perfect for family!

[pathfinda94]

Originally Posted by nykstevenyg

I think there is more diversity in the south actually. People are more relaxed about it schools there can be 30, 40% black and its okay. Here people scream when that is the case.

Rather unfortunate but better days ahead and the % would increase and compitition would be stiff as minorities tap into their potential and break boundaries to position themselves in the middle class.

[APischel]

Why south jersey? I am hearing how nice these towns are in north jersey like Madison. If there was a non ghetto suburb of hoboken i'd be happy. I mean Holmdel NJ is really nice but you cant get a decent house, and keep up with the money already there..

[VeradoDan]

Originally Posted by APischel

Why south jersey? I am hearing how nice these towns are in north jersey like Madison. If there was a non ghetto suburb of hoboken i'd be happy. I mean Holmdel NJ is really nice but you cant get a decent house, and keep up with the money already there..

If what you said about Holmdel is a major concern, I'd say most of North Jersey is pretty much out. But since you like the northern half, how about Cranford? That's a good town, good schools, totally non-ghetto. It's not THAT far from Hoboken. I personally prefer South Jersey because while plenty of people have a lot of money, plenty don't as well, and it's not as big of a deal. I can drive around in my Audi but the damn car doesn't define me as a person and I don't have to care if I have the A4 or the A8. At the same time, I could drive around in a pickup and it wouldn't be a big deal. It's a nicer mix of blue collar and white collar.