Moving to NJ from Ann Arbor, MI - would like some advice

[openheads]

Newarkbomb.................. I have now seen you suggest Bogota, but steer people away from Teaneck.
Really?
Its public schools, commercial blocks & neighborhoods are far superior.
If you are so inclined, do explain.

[lets_hope_for_newbruns]

Try New Milford NJ.

[RJMJ1980]

Thank you all.

Based on the information I received, I have come across some really decent rentals in – Wayne, Verona, Roseland, Cedar Grove, Caldwell Boro Twp., and Millburn Twp.

The rentals are: 1-2 bedroom apt. complex, condo complex and multifamily homes.

The price range is: $1200-$1800 with heat/hot water/gas + amenities such as pool or fitness centers included.

Can you suggest me some more areas that have decent rentals, safe/very low crime, art-cultural access, access to shopping and activities but at the same time have natural or country kind of feel – In all, I am looking for something of all in the area.

Can you also comment on the areas that I have found i.e. Wayne, Verona, Roseland, Cedar Grove, Caldwell Boro Twp., and Millburn Twp.

We are in learning mode so, more the suggestions/info. the better! Thanks in advance

[clevedark]

Well, Millburn is a very nice town with trains to NYC and a thriving downtown, A plus shopping, really, for clothes. Those women take their fashion VERY SERIOUSLY. It's linked with Short Hills, which is a really rich town. Not much of a natural/country feel though. It's pretty busy. I knew someone who lived for many years in an apartment complex there and she hated it and said it was a dump. I wonder if it's the same place you're looking at. I wish I knew the name of it but I don't.

You're really not going to find a country feel in that section of NJ. I've been to Ann Arbor, and the whole swath of the state is much busier than that.

Verona is close to Montclair. You might like that. I'm assuming Montclair is out of your budget.

[joe moving]

I was thinking Montclair also.

[RJMJ1980]

Hello everyone,

Thank you for all your suggestions.

My job is in Bloomfield, NJ. We (my wife and I) want to first go for 1 BR apt., get to know the area... then go for buying.

Based on our initial search we have finalized following areas/communities.

Your suggestions and/or opinions are all welcome. It would greatly help us! Thanks in advance.

1. Wayne, NJ (community: 2 Hazen Court, Wayne, NJ 07470)

2. Cedar Grove, NJ (community: 146 Tierney Drive, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009)

3. West Orange, NJ (community: 200 Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052)

4. Lake Hopatcong, NJ (community: 1 Gerhardt Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849)

5. Hamburg, NJ (community: 45 Burlington Court, Hamburg, NJ 07419)

6. Spring field, NJ (community 1: 100 Stonehill Rd, Springfield, NJ 07081 and community 2: 4 Forest Drive, Springfield, NJ 07081)

7. Rockaway, NJ (community: 10 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Rockaway, NJ 07801)

8. Parlin, NJ (20 Pointe of Woods Dr. North, Parlin, NJ 08859)


What is your pick out of these 9 listed above? the best one out of the list? thanks

[bodhibodhi]

Given that you mentioned the arts, you might want to pick towns that New Yorkers move to when they move out of the city for a bit more room -- you first asked about Bloomfield and it's where I landed years ago after downtown (and at that point very artsy) Jersey City, previously lived in the West Village. I worked on tv commercials and we shot in Montclair so that's how I found my way here. Bloomfield was the closest affordable town with transportation to NYC that made sense -- it's a five minute drive on local streets to Montclair.
Verona is 2 towns over from Bloomfield -- all the towns are close. It has no train and the bus to NYC takes a bit longer, so it's a bit less popular. Montclair would make you very happy, but it is not cheap -- hence why we bought into Bloomfield and just drive over to go to restaurants, etc. Cedar Grove is more conservative -- taxes are more affordable though which is one reason it gets higher ratings. Forget about Essex Fells -- most of the homes are 1 mil plus and no rentals. The Caldwells are also a bit more conservative -- a bit further west too (we're talking small degrees here) but again, taxes are low, schools pretty good so it gets good marks.
If you're going to rent check out Montclair. You'll enjoy the town, be more likely to meet other artsy people, and have close access to New York. Don't expect apartment complexes with amenities and whatnot -- it just isn't what is out here -- but you can find a nice floor through in a 3 family older home with great woodwork, a fireplace and detailing for 2000 (2 bedroom).
If I sound like I know my stuff, it's because this is what I do

[RJMJ1980]

Thank you all for your suggestions and replies.

We just got back from NJ and we have finalized an apartment in Springfield. Actually, it is on borderline of Springfield and Summit - right off I-78.

Its a very nice area with a park nearby called Briant Park.

Also, it is very close to downtown Summit and close to Short Hills Mall.

Its about 30-35 min. from my job although GSP toll could be a minor issue but it balances with a nice area.

Once again thank you all.

[Newarkbomb]

Originally Posted by openheads

Newarkbomb.................. I have now seen you suggest Bogota, but steer people away from Teaneck.
Really?
Its public schools, commercial blocks & neighborhoods are far superior.
If you are so inclined, do explain.

it's funny,
I just saw this now.. and at the same time i'm moving to Teaneck in May... I didn't suggest it because it's not that big on rentals.

But congrats to the OP! hope all goes well!

[minymom]

Just wanted to say congrats on finding a place. I am a native Ann Arborite, and just moved to Summit last month with my husband and 2 children from Ann Arbor. If you have any questions regarding some of the nearby areas, and how they compare to Ann Arbor, feel free to contact me.

Originally Posted by RJMJ1980

Thank you all for your suggestions and replies.

We just got back from NJ and we have finalized an apartment in Springfield. Actually, it is on borderline of Springfield and Summit - right off I-78.

Its a very nice area with a park nearby called Briant Park.

Also, it is very close to downtown Summit and close to Short Hills Mall.

Its about 30-35 min. from my job although GSP toll could be a minor issue but it balances with a nice area.

Once again thank you all.