Recent grad looking for first condo in somewhat hip (?) town between Parsippany and Fort Lee, PLEASE HELP! (Jersey City: condos)

[Shmorgs]

Hi everyone,

I'm a recent college grad looking to buy my first condo or townhouse. Geographically, I'm trying to find something between Fort Lee (where my family/gf lives) and Parsippany (where I work). Therefore, the condo should be close to route 80, or route 4, or anything else that will get me to Parsippany. As I'm a young guy, I've been trying to find towns that could give me at least a little bit of hipness (restaurants, bars, people roughly my age). It can even be an up-and-coming town. The only towns that come up in my searches are Hoboken, Jersey City, and Morristown. As I said, Hoboken/JC is far from my work, and not really that close to Fort Lee. Morristown is too far from Fort Lee as well. Plus, the prices in these towns are definitely out of my budget.

Are there any towns that I am missing? Am I asking for too much? If anyone could suggest some towns/condo developments, I would greatly appreciate it!

More Details

Budget: Up to 250k (maybe a little higher, but not much)
Commute: I currently commute from Fort Lee, which is 30 miles away from work. I don't want my commute to get any longer.
Bedrooms: 1
Type: Condo or townhouse
Construction: I'm looking for newer construction. If not, it must at least look pretty new (nice kitchen, bath).
Amenities: Parking spot.

[tpajewski]

There are plenty of places available in Parsippany itself for $250k and under. They are not newer construction. They maybe renovated inside though. Just get out and look. It is the best way to see what is available.

[Shmorgs]

Thanks for your suggestions. However, I've looked into Parsippany, and from what I've seen, it's primarily a family town. From the year that I've already spent working there, I haven't found anything at all to do, and I don't know of any people my age that live there.

Any other suggestions/ideas?

[Kevin1975]

Hackensack could work. There are definitely 1 BR condos in that price range in good condition, easy access to highways, the hipness thing be a question. There are bars, clubs, and restaurants in the area. I have been showing my client some condos in Hackensack, PM me if you want some more specifics as far as developments.

[tpajewski]

Check in to Morris Township and Morris Plains they have a real easy commute to Parsippany and Morristown for the night life you may be looking for and also have easy access to the major highways to get you to Fort Lee. They are no farther away than Parsippany. May also want to consider some places farther east like Clifton. Other possibilities maybe in between the 2 are the Fairfild and Wayne area

[Dingo99]

How about West Paterson or Little Falls? Theres not much to do in those towns, but you have pretty good bar areas in Clifton, Montclair, and Passaic which are all about 10 minutes away.

[Obrero]

How about Nutley?