Berkeley Heights (Newark, Jersey City, Union: house, good schools, taxes)

[emily31]

Hi all,

My husband, daughter, and I are in Hoboken right now, and just this weekend began exploring nine or so towns in Union and Morris County that we are considering moving to. We saw a great house today in Berkeley Heights. Does anyone live in this town? What is it like? I know the schools are great, but there isn't much of a downtown area. How is it for families? Is there a Newcomers group? Family activities? Ways to meet people?

Also, the house actually has a Summit address but is "in the township of Berkeley Heights" (in the Countryside section). Not sure I understand how this works, but what might this mean for us? It is definitely zoned for BH schools and taxes, but I'm wondering how that works for the Summit train station (resident vs. non-resident), etc. Anyone know?

Thanks in advance for any info!

[tjb1970]

i grew up in berkeley heights, it's a great town. my parents still live there. not sure about the summit/bh zoning issues in countryside, but that is a great area. the downtown of bh is more functional than pretty, but it's not bad. some good restaurants (trap rock is excellent) and all of your conveniences are right there. countryside is so close to summit, that you could always visit their downtown, it's great, with lots of shops and great character. very walkable.

[royceb]

Originally Posted by emily31

Hi all,

My husband, daughter, and I are in Hoboken right now, and just this weekend began exploring nine or so towns in Union and Morris County that we are considering moving to. We saw a great house today in Berkeley Heights. Does anyone live in this town? What is it like? I know the schools are great, but there isn't much of a downtown area. How is it for families? Is there a Newcomers group? Family activities? Ways to meet people?

Also, the house actually has a Summit address but is "in the township of Berkeley Heights" (in the Countryside section). Not sure I understand how this works, but what might this mean for us? It is definitely zoned for BH schools and taxes, but I'm wondering how that works for the Summit train station (resident vs. non-resident), etc. Anyone know?

Thanks in advance for any info!

I am also zoned into Berkeley Heights now, but live in New Providence. I have lived here for four years after living 7 years in Hoboken. I am very happy with the move here as the area has so much to offer - good schools, great communities, and easy commutes to NYC. There is a Newcomer Club and I definately recommend that you joing it. If you have young children, it will be easy to meet other people - lots of young families in town. As far as commuting, if you work in NYC, you might try driving to Hoboken or Newark and parking there and traveling into NYC. There is very little parking available at the BH train station (1.5 year wait) and the drive to Newark/Hoboken will actual save you some time. Also, trains run infrequently from the BH line to NYC, so you can avoid waiting around for the next train if you just drive in yourself. I work in downton NYC and I can make it in 65 minutes door-to-door - that's really good.

[Finski]

We currently live in BH and are actually leaving the town soon and relocating to the west. Our 4-br. house will go on the market in a week (you are welcome to come see it!
We have been very happy here. It is a great small town with lots of activities. We live at a walking distance (10-15 min.) to the station so it hasn't been a problem, but after 2.5 years on the list we still don't have a parking permit... I could imagine it would be even harder if your house is closer to NP or Summit stations..

All in all, I very much recommend BH. Feel free to ask if you have more questions.

[emily31]

tjb1970 - thanks for your comments about the area (because I know nothing about it!).

royceb - great to know another Hobokenite has moved to the BH/NP area and loves it! It is great that you drive and can make it in 65 minutes! That's the commute my husband will be making, so he is more than thrilled to hear this. If we moved to this particular house, I think we'd be closest to the Murray Hill station (and next closest is Summit station). I'd actually prefer to take the train, though. Good to know about the BH wait list - they all seem to have long wait lists!

Finski - would love to come see your house! I can't believe you still don't have a parking permit after 2.5 years.

Thanks for your help, everyone!

[Finski]

My husband first drove for about 6 months from BH to Jersey City, where he parked at the Park&Ride and then took the Light Rail to the ferry. He started taking the train afterwards and said it is nicer and more relaxing than dealing with the traffic and weather. The trainride from BH to Hoboken is 50 minutes, and there is also the Midtown Direct train.
Anyway, what I wanted to say is, it might be easier to take the train because you can sleep, work, etc. So it is important either to be able to park somewhere close to the station (my hubby now parks at a side street close to the BH station for free...), or be able to walk to the train. We are currently cleaning up our house and the realtor is coming tonight (scary, I hope we are doing the right thing...).
(If you want to stop by, how do we contact eachother? Our house is not on the market yet).

[Finski]

Forgot to mention, yes, there is a newcomers' club, but I don't personally know it. Probably a good idea. I myself joined a club for mothers&kids (Mothers&More), which helped me get to know other families. Also, if your kids go to preschool/school, you'll get to know other families there, as well as in the playgrounds.

[emily31]

Finski - That's great to know about the different commuting options in BH. My husband actually likes the idea of driving to Newark, parking, and then taking the PATH into lower Manhattan (as royceb does). I, on the other hand, would side with your husband - I would much rather take the train and read, sleep, work, etc.! So, we'll have to find something that suits both our needs.

Would love to hear more about "Mothers and More." I sent you a PM as well.

[bglev]

Hi Emily - did you in fact move to Berkeley heights? My wife and I are moving from hoboken and are wondering what the drive to Newark is like during rush hour? How long does it take to get to Newark Penn Station? Thanks!

Originally Posted by emily31

Hi all,

My husband, daughter, and I are in Hoboken right now, and just this weekend began exploring nine or so towns in Union and Morris County that we are considering moving to. We saw a great house today in Berkeley Heights. Does anyone live in this town? What is it like? I know the schools are great, but there isn't much of a downtown area. How is it for families? Is there a Newcomers group? Family activities? Ways to meet people?

Also, the house actually has a Summit address but is "in the township of Berkeley Heights" (in the Countryside section). Not sure I understand how this works, but what might this mean for us? It is definitely zoned for BH schools and taxes, but I'm wondering how that works for the Summit train station (resident vs. non-resident), etc. Anyone know?

Thanks in advance for any info!