Area commutable to Oradell and Newark (Paterson, Elizabeth: rentals, house, best schools)

[king3780]

Okay, so I previously posted about a job I was starting in Elizabeth. However, I got a last second offer for a job in Oradell I like better. Now I need to figure out where to live that I can get to Oradell for work in the morning, the Newark for Rutgers Law at night. I've done lots of research as far as what areas are nice, schools are good, etc., but it's hard to tell what's the best actual commute. I can drive or do bus and/or train as need be. I've got young kids in elementary school, so school districts matter. And our budget isn't too high (I'd like to get a 3 bdrm for $1500/mo or less), so I know that cancels some places immediately. I know that's not much of a budget, but it's what I can afford. Any suggestions?

[TigerLily24]

Oradell is nice, why not just look there?

[king3780]

From the research I've done, it seems out of my price range.

[zhelder]

$1500 for a 3BR rental in Bergen County is going to be a major challenge, at best, especially in a district with good schools. Oradell is definitely out of the question.

You might be able to find an older place in Fair Lawn, Dumont, or New Milford for that money. Rutherford, Hasbrouck Heights, and Wood-Ridge in the southern part of the county might also have some stuff. Fair Lawn and Rutherford have the best schools, but would also probably be the most expensive. Other towns within your budget would either be too expensive or have schools that are nothing to write home about.

This is going to be a rough one. Good luck!

[EEEPNJ]

Zhelder gave excellent advise. Can you make due with 2 BR, you'd have better luck...

Waldwick is a possibility too, but again, won't be easy.

Lyndhurst may be more in your budget and although the schools did not perform well historically, they are not really that bad if you look at current test scores.

Another option is the Fairmont section of Hackensack. Schools are not good, but you can see if your children could get into the Bergen Arts & Science Charter School in Garfield (open to students in Hackensack, Lodi & Garfield, then other Bergen towns IF they don't have enough from those 3 first) or you could consider private school.... but there goes your savings in rent.....

You may want to look out of Bergen County.... parts of Passaic county perhaps? Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) or maybe Little Falls?

[Kevin1975]

I looked up 3 BR rentals in Bergen County in your price range. Not alot out there. Nothing in Oradell. There is a 3 BR house for rent in Westwood for $1700. There is a 3 BR home in Fair Lawn for $1500. That might work. There might be another possibility or 2. Check Craig's List too.

[EEEPNJ]

Westwood is a good choice....

[king3780]

Originally Posted by EEEPNJ

Zhelder gave excellent advise. Can you make due with 2 BR, you'd have better luck...

Waldwick is a possibility too, but again, won't be easy.

Lyndhurst may be more in your budget and although the schools did not perform well historically, they are not really that bad if you look at current test scores.

Another option is the Fairmont section of Hackensack. Schools are not good, but you can see if your children could get into the Bergen Arts & Science Charter School in Garfield (open to students in Hackensack, Lodi & Garfield, then other Bergen towns IF they don't have enough from those 3 first) or you could consider private school.... but there goes your savings in rent.....

You may want to look out of Bergen County.... parts of Passaic county perhaps? Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) or maybe Little Falls?

If it was a 2 bdrm with some sort of spare room like a den, we might be able to make it work... there's four kids, though, so a 4 room apt would be a bit too cramped. How does the charter school thing work? It's like a public school you apply to? Also, I don't mind looking out of Bergen County, I just don't want a crazy commute where it takes an hour to go 10 miles because I'm going against the grain. I told my new boss I was looking at Bloomfield/Montclair area and he told me that would be a ridiculous commute.

[king3780]

What do you guys/gals think of Englewood? It looks decent and it's in my price range. Anything i should know about the area?

[Kevin1975]

There are pockets of Englewood which are less desireable, schools aren't rated highly.