I'm having doubts about Roseland (Essex County) (Caldwell, Mendham: houses, middle school)

[STrapani1105]

Don't get me wrong from the title of this thread, Roseland is a very nice town. I've driven through many times, it seems like a nice cute little town. But what makes me skeptical is that the population is only about 5,000 which is the same number as my current location, which I am very dissatisfied with.

Growing up where I am is very, very boring. If I were to move to Roseland, I wouldn't want my kids to grow up the way a did. Small town blues, boring old town. However, the houses are closer together than where I live, so I figured they could walk to places and stuff, and it seems like a safe enough town that a young middle school kid could walk around there safely. Any thoughts or comments from residents or people local to that area? All input is appreciated, thanks.

[gichicago]

Well, even though Roseland is 5k people, its adjacent to so many other towns and populous areas so I wouldn't say its a small town per se. I lived in Caldwell (right next door) and it was fine but not the lifestyle i was ready for. I wont say its walkable; you're still spend most time in the car.

I ended up moving to NYC, since I wanted more of an urban atmosphere.

[kalim2008]

Originally Posted by STrapani1105

Don't get me wrong from the title of this thread, Roseland is a very nice town. I've driven through many times, it seems like a nice cute little town. But what makes me skeptical is that the population is only about 5,000 which is the same number as my current location, which I am very dissatisfied with.

Growing up where I am is very, very boring. If I were to move to Roseland, I wouldn't want my kids to grow up the way a did. Small town blues, boring old town. However, the houses are closer together than where I live, so I figured they could walk to places and stuff, and it seems like a safe enough town that a young middle school kid could walk around there safely. Any thoughts or comments from residents or people local to that area? All input is appreciated, thanks.

new jersey towns in general, and especially in places like essex county, are usually squeezed together, so it's not like you'll be stuck with 5000 people surrounded by emptiness - it's amazing to go to places like Cali or AZ and have huge barren areas in between towns

[STrapani1105]

Originally Posted by kalim2008

new jersey towns in general, and especially in places like essex county, are usually squeezed together, so it's not like you'll be stuck with 5000 people surrounded by emptiness - it's amazing to go to places like Cali or AZ and have huge barren areas in between towns

that's why Jersey is #1

[sahm22nj]

Also consider that when your child hits the middle school, they will make friends with others in the surrounding towns as the middle and high school are regional. My sister raised her family in the town all 3 did well and had alot friends. It is the one thing I remember my sister complaining about, always driving them to other towns to friends houses. But its short lived.

[STrapani1105]

Originally Posted by sahm22nj

Also consider that when your child hits the middle school, they will make friends with others in the surrounding towns as the middle and high school are regional. My sister raised her family in the town all 3 did well and had alot friends. It is the one thing I remember my sister complaining about, always driving them to other towns to friends houses. But its short lived.

yep, i was in middle school too once. i knew kids from the surrounding towns. i ended up going to high school with most of them though. i think thats the same for Roseland, i believe they attend West Essex. we used to play West Essex back in high school, I went to Mendham. they're not in the same division anymore, I don't think.