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Hello, My family will be leaving Farmington Hills, MI headed for Northern NJ in a few months. My husband's new job will be in Warren, NJ and we want to be in commuting distance from NYC for work-related and weekend trips into the city. We think we're finally getting over the sticker shock related to housing prices and have accepted the fact that we'll pay at least twice as much for a house in order to maintain a similar standard of living.
So, I need the real deal on where upper middle class Black families can live in this area and be comfortable that our children will be in school with kids from diverse backgrounds. Our current town is 83% white, 7% black, 7% Asian, and so forth and we are quite happy here. We would like to be able to consider public school as an option, for various reasons. So far we've come up with the following shortlist:
-Montclair, Maplewood, South Orange (Note: Still very unsettled re: the less than flattering things that all local chatboards seem to say about the Maplewood/S. Orange school district. So if you can help dispel the myth that the schools in this area are less than mediocre, then please don't hesitate)
Should we even consider Westfield, Cranford, Fanwood, West Orange? What other little gems might we be missing because they may not be as 'popular'? Anything further South (closer to Warren) that we should also consider? Only requirement is that we don't want to live out in the middle of nowhere -- need a good town center nearby.
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice you can give. Yes, we'll be using a corporate relocation specialist, but I want to hear the 'real scoop' from local residents.
** Pls hold the NJ bashing that seems to be prevalent on these chatboards as I've already heard it a thousand times (expensive homes, high taxes, yada yada ya). We are definitely moving and need to make an informed decision about where to live.
Just to be clear, you're talking about Warren Township in Somerset county?? Not Warren County itself, correct?
Somerset County itself is a dredominately white area, I don't know if it's the best place for racial diverseity. So I think you'd be better off in Union County if you want more racial diversity. Although Watchung in Somerset may be an okay choice.
Have you ever heard of springfield, nj? That's a cute town for familes. Access to Route 22 and 78.
I like Westfield and Cranford a lot, but be aware that those areas are really expensive. Cranford has a really cute town center.
West Orange has good and bad parts. Montclair is diverse, but would give you a further commute than Springfield-Cranford area.
Thanks for your response. To clarify, I'm referring to Warren in Somerset County. No, I haven't heard of Springfield, NJ. Definitely looking for a family oriented town. We have a 4 year old and 6 year old.
So, we should definitely consider Westfield and Cranford, huh? Is there a part of Westfield to steer clear of? Or, are the schools generally good all over town?
There's really no specific part of Westfield to steer clear of. Summit is pretty nice and diverse too. I'm surprised no one has mentioned it. Just look at greatschools.net if you're having any further trouble.
Thanks for your response. To clarify, I'm referring to Warren in Somerset County. No, I haven't heard of Springfield, NJ. Definitely looking for a family oriented town. We have a 4 year old and 6 year old.
So, we should definitely consider Westfield and Cranford, huh? Is there a part of Westfield to steer clear of? Or, are the schools generally good all over town?
Yeah, if it's in your price range I would definately consider it. A long time family friend of mine lives there, I always enjoy visiting Westfield, the homes are older, but gorgeous over all. Her son goes to public school, I don't know too much about the school, but it's supposed to be good and she hasn't had any complaints.
The Joke in Jersey is that you never ask what town they live in ('cause they all blend together), you ask: "What Exit?"...My response would be "Exit 10 off I-287", or "Exit 153 off the GSP". If you know New Jersey's highways, you know exactly where I live. (BTW - we never say "Joisey" - that's a NYC/Brooklyn accent).
Given that, NJ is broken into several areas by what side of the interstate you are on.
Below I-195 is distinctly South Jersey. They commute to Philadelphia & root for the Phillies & Eagles (pronounced "Igles"). Its possible to live in South Jersey & easily commute to New York via NJ Transit (Train) or Greyhound (Bus)- they just take the Turnpike (west side), or Garden State Parkway (Shore Side) north.
South of the Atlantic City Expressway is literally & figuratively below the Mason/Dixon Line. Its farm country & they take their Country (music, rodeo, cowboy life etc) seriously.
I-287 surrounds New York City @ the 25 mile limit (roughly). Inside the loop is Old North Jersey; outside is "New" (relatively speaking). Quasi farm/Quasi horse farm - Its the difference between owning a farm to make a living vs. owning a farm because you can afford it.
The towns you mention are between I-80 (really Rte 46/Rte 3) & I-280. Rather than South Orange, you might try to squeeze a West Orange zip code. W.Orage & Montclair sit on top of the 1st Mountain out of NYC (we call it "The City" - ALL others are just little towns) & gives you some nice views - attracts upper middle class - expensive property & expensive taxes. Nice private School in the area though (Montclair Kimberley Academy).
** Dinner TIP: Dress up nice (Jacket & Tie) & make reservations for Highlawn Pavilian @ Eagle Rock (ask for a table with a view) - expect valet parking. (Casual dining @ Pal's Cabin w/ an after dinner drive & stroll around Eagle Rock does the same thing). You'll thank me later.
When Someone refers to (Northern) Somerset County as "High Society", they are referring to the I-78 corridor - Milburn, Short Hills, Bedminster, Chatham, Far Hills, Basking Ridge, etc. This is the Horse farm & country club culture - Blue Bloods - Old money. A note on racial diversity: I'm sure if you work hard, you can find all kinds of prejudice anywhere you go. I'd be surprised to find it in NJ, even in blue blood territory. Its class & character they're more focused on.
North of I-195 & South of I-287 is Central Jersey. This encompasses the Southern part of Somerset County, Middlesex County, etc. This is where the NJ population (that commutes to NYC) is expanding to. Train Svc isn't as prominent, but it still has bus svc & more than makes up for in highway access. The benefit: more property for your money. Same distance from NYC, you're just angled differently. This area is incredibly racially diverse; with 1st generation Indians & Pakistani's recently settling here so you'll find some restaraunts in the area catering to that crowd (Vegetarian). Strangely: NJ Rte 27 (Parallels US Rte 1) is the dividing line between Somerset & Middlesex county - same housing on both sides of the street, but a whole lot cheaper in Middlesex county (with better schools no less), ....go figure....
SIDE NOTE: Yes, I know they're also expanding west along I-80 corridor (Lake Hopatkong & as far away as The Poconos, PA) but who needs that headache of a commute down I-80.
East of the Garden State Parkway (GSP), South south of Sandy Hook, is the Jersey Shore (Not "ocean", not "beach"). I'm sure you're summer weekends will be spent here & not in hot & sticky NYC. People living here (many seniors)are in a world all their own (they might as well live in the Hamptons). If you can swing it, this appears to be a perfect world. Served by GSP & NJ Transit (train), you only have a short commute to the beach & after school fun. If your a visitor, don't forget to buy a beach tag, or the sand police will ticket you (no kidding) for parking your butt on private sand. (note: most beaches are privately owned (municipal) in NJ & require you buy a beach tag - look for the exceptions & judge if its worth the trip). Also, Friday & Sunday afternoons, the GSP turns into the "Garden State Parking Lot" - Don't get caught in that traffic!
Yes NYC is a fun place to visit on the weekends - plenty to do there. Don't forget these easy places to visit: NJ Shore, Great Adventure (Exit 7a off Turnpike - see how this works), Philly, Atlantic City, Baltimore Inner Harbor, Pocono Mountains (Sking), Catskill Mountains(sking), DC, etc.
In conclusion: If someone in your family will be working in Warren (see comments on I-78 corridor). I suggest Montclair, the Oranges are in the "YOU CAN'T THERE FROM HERE" category & you focus on areas above or below the southwest portion of I-287, or anywhere along I-78. If you also need a daily commute into NYC, then try the Morristown / Parsippany area. One commutes south, the other commutes East (45min ea). But stay away from having to use the I-80/I-287 interchange - its a Parking Lot in rush hour too. Weekend commutes into NYC are no big deal from anywhere in Northern NJ (watchout for high parking fees in the City) - If you plan right, you drive across The Outer Bridge & take the Staten Island Ferry in - Nice Ride). You might also look in the US Rte 18 area East of The Turnpike as it will give you access to the northern shore points as well. Logistics & triangulation - they are the key to picking the best spot in NJ.
Disclaimer: Every town in NJ has their rich, middle & poor sections of town, so you might luck out & find the right house for the right price in a good section of a town with a good reputation. Happy hunting!
Holy COW!! Almost forgot weather: Storms typically follow the coast/Mountain Range up - Ohio valley & in. Its too cold for Hurricanes & Tornados are extremely rare. Snow, on the other hand..... Well, if you like the white stuff, you live North & West of The City. Northern towns, Like Montclair get more snow (& lasts longer) while towns in central Jersey get a mixture & South Jersey typically gets rain instead. Of course there are exceptions to this rule all the time.
Location: Jackson, TN until we move back home to Jersey
46 posts, read 273,352 times
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Former Farmington Hills and former NJ resident
Hi,
My family and I lived in FH for 3 years while my husband did his fellowship at Botsford and we loved living there! We now live in TN and will be moving back to NJ soon. Previously, my husband and I used to live in NJ (Clifton, West Paterson, Mahwah) and I have worked in the Newark Public school system and hospitals, Cedar Knolls, Summit, Paterson, and Middlesex/Monmouth school systems (Plainfield, Edison, Metuchen, Dunnellen, Asbury Park, Perth Amboy). I definitely know NJ! I have included a link to the NJ DOE school report cards. You look up a school by county and it gives you all the statistics for the past 3 years (languages spoken, class size, SAT scores, annual spending, teacher's qualifications, etc.). This will really tell you what the schools are like.
Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed
This gives your general information on various towns (housing prices, crime, education, health, etc.)
As for possible areas- Montclair is absolutely beautiful-wonderful older homes with great architectural details-but are pretty pricey. Great schools. South Orange and Maplewood are good as well, much more affordable. In Union County, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Garwood are great too and have great schools. My brother in law and his family live in Fanwood and love it. Check out Metuchen and Dunnellen too.
Also check out realtor.com and see what schools are zoned for the towns you are looking at and then check with the NJ DOE website.
Hello, I currently live in Westfield and it's a nice town, but very expensive. You should consider moving to the southside of Westfield, since this side of town happens to be more diverse and the homes are in walking distance to the NYC train and high school. I am black and strongly advise you not to consider Cranford and Mountside. Also, Springfield seems rather rough. I consider Fanwood and Scotch plains really nice towns and the towns are becoming just as 'popular' as Westfield. I friends that attended public schools in Scotch plains-Fanwood district and have recently graduated from U Penn, Rutgers and NJIT.
You are completely on the right track! Tho definitely cross South Orange off of your list!
All the other neighborhoods you listed are wonderful, and are quite diverse. You'll love Maplewood in particular, I think. It's very family oriented, but with lots of great little restaurants/shops and close to NYC and Warren. The main street area is adorable as well, and there's lots of professionals living there.
My boss is black, and she lives in Maplewood and our office is in Warren. Commute should be nothing more than 25 or so mins because it's a reverse commute against traffic. Our Marketing Lead also lives in Maplewood, and he's black, and he adores Maplewood. Be warned, however, that the property taxes area little high--but, I guess they are no matter where you go in NJ.
Good luck!
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Comprehensive Look at NJ
Former Farmington Hills and former NJ resident
