Need advice to rent near UMDNJ (Newark, Jersey City: apartment complex, crime rate, hotels)

[ltorres61]

Hi all, my daughter is moving to NJ from FL to attend UMDNJ. I know the Newark area is out of the question to live but how about Bloomfield, Nutley, Kearny, Harrison, or the Oranges? Any one have a suggestion to check out? We are traveling to NJ in May and staying at the Ramada Inn in E. Orange while we check out all the apartment options. Is that E. Orange area safe?
Thanks for the help

[elflord1973]

Originally Posted by ltorres61

Hi all, my daughter is moving to NJ from FL to attend UMDNJ. I know the Newark area is out of the question to live but how about Bloomfield, Nutley, Kearny, Harrison, or the Oranges? Any one have a suggestion to check out? We are traveling to NJ in May and staying at the Ramada Inn in E. Orange while we check out all the apartment options. Is that E. Orange area safe?
Thanks for the help

How is she going to get to school ? What kind of budget are you operating on ? What kind of area is she looking for ? These are very different -- Nutley is a quiet suburb, Bloomfield is a long thin strip that includes several different types of places. Harrison is less suburban; there are several students living there and it is relatively affordable.

If she's using mass transit, the best option is somewhere near a PATH station (Harrison, Jersey City).

I would recommend looking at Harrison and Jersey City near Journal Square (zip code 07306), or downtown Jersey City (07302, near Grove St station) if it's within budget.

I am not familiar with E. Orange, but the overall crime rate there is very high. But you're just staying there for a few days, so use your common sense -- don't wander around looking lost at any time of day, and keep your wits about you after sunset.

[kah735]

Check out South Orange. Quick to get to Newark and it has a train line to NYC and Hoboken.

[Shwa]

If she will have a car you may want to consider Springfield. There's an apartment complex that is reasonably priced... and nice... (The Villas)... plus I'm sure there are others.... and it's about 20 minutes (driving) to UMDNJ. Yet, it still has a suburban feel. I would stay away from East Orange.

[nofoestentoes]

South Orange Ave. is one street I regret ever having to visit. The entire layout of the Newark area is mixed. I've worked on a site in South Orange for a year (beautiful mansions), and still can't understand how anyone with money would want to live near disaster.

[hrjersey]

South Orange and West Orange are fine (just watch the areas that border Orange, East Orange, Irvington and Newark), Maplewood is another option.

Seton Hall University is located in South Orange so you may be able to find rooms to rent or apts. to share listed on campus if that is something your daughter is considering. I grew up in So. Orange and when I went to college my mom rented a room to a UMDNJ student who found the listing at Seton Hall.

Springfield is another area someone mentioned which is fine and there are a few nice apts. in the town.

As for the Ramada Inn...I have to say that I have not been to that area in years but East Orange is never a town I would have stayed in - but things can change. Unfortunately there are not a lot of options in the area. I would probably have stayed at the hotels near the airport but hopefully someone will have more info. on the Ramada Inn.