South River/Bound Brook/Piscataway/Highland Park (New Brunswick, Middlesex: apartment complexes, rental)

[dogmomNJ]

Okay, on the hunt for an apartment. I work in New Brunswick and own a large dog. So far I've found options in the following towns: South River, Bound Brook, Piscataway, and Highland Park. Any opinions on these towns - good, bad, or indifferent - would be greatly appreciated. Looking for a safe area where I can walk my dog after dark without worrying too much. Currently living in Plainsboro, but looking for something closer. Thanks in advance!!

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by dogmomNJ

Okay, on the hunt for an apartment. I work in New Brunswick and own a large dog. So far I've found options in the following towns: South River, Bound Brook, Piscataway, and Highland Park. Any opinions on these towns - good, bad, or indifferent - would be greatly appreciated. Looking for a safe area where I can walk my dog after dark without worrying too much. Currently living in Plainsboro, but looking for something closer. Thanks in advance!!

I lived in Bound Brook for years. I really liked it there but I just cant remember any apartment buildings. South Bound Brook was never thoght of as the nicest place in the world. Lots of ex Johns Manville retirees, older population. There are a couple apartment complexes right on the main street right next to 287. Piscataway went thataway has a whole lot of apartment buildings scattered about.

Either of these towns you would have to tollerate a very slow frustrating hair pulling commute down River Rd and all the Johnson & Johnson employees trying to make it down that ol Horse and buggy trail one lane road.

South River I know nothing about at all.

Highland Park might be a real nice quick commute for you. Lots of college kids live there to escape the New Brunswick rents. A fantastic little choclate store I used to frequent called The Confectionars Shop sells the most expensive chocolate in the world. $20 per ounce. Sure you can tell the difference. They also have a 1930s ice cream float counter with the big levers on the fountians. And across the River is a great little ice cream stand called Thomas Sweets. Always college kids but never any baggy pants thugs wearing their hats crooked.

Hope that helps some.......

[dogmomNJ]

Are you familiar with Main Street? It looks like I could take that instead of River Road if I were driving in from Bound Brook. Or is the traffic just as bad? Thanks for your input!

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by dogmomNJ

Are you familiar with Main Street? It looks like I could take that instead of River Road if I were driving in from Bound Brook. Or is the traffic just as bad? Thanks for your input!

Without looking at a map but based on my memory I dont think they connect. There are some trick routes but I can assure you they all have been discovered by those desperate to escape the forocious traffic.

Take a work day off and grab a map. Take some different roads and explore. Besides the driving I did on those roads are outdated being gone for awhile.

Im surprised no one gave you some up to date advice cause I know a few of our regulars live right in that area. But good luck to ya.

[geoffm]

Of the 4 I would rate Highland Park best followed by Piscataway and Bound Brook. The problem you will encounter is competition from students at Rutgers and RWJ medical school in Piscataway for a relatively small number of rental units. Also, the large dog may be a problem. I do not know anything about South River. You should also look at Middlesex Boro and Dunellen, both are small, towns, family oriented and safe. Dunellen (where I live) is nice because you can walk to the train station. Milltown is also a possibility.

Geoff (22 year resident of the area)