Bloomfield (Essex) or Roselle Park (Union) (Elizabeth, Montclair: short sales, renting, lender)

[partech]

My wife and I first searched for a home in NJ around 3 1/2 years ago. We were looking in Roselle because we're familiar with that part of Union Co. having lived for 6 years in Elizabeth, and because, among the towns we could afford, it was the best fit for us. We weren't pleased with the schools but didn't have a child yet so we weren't too worried about it.

After having backed out of our search in Nov. 2006 just before the implosion, we now find ourselves ready to start again, this time with many more options. Our budget is around $250,000. We're looking for a structurally and mechanically sound 3 BR which has not been remodeled to within an inch of it's life. I'm very capable of investing "sweat equity" to improve the place.

Our first inclination is to look at Roselle Park, for reasons that are probably obvious. Here's a short list: Familiar Union county location, good schools, choice of trains (NE corridor available in Elizabeth), proximity to Mattano Park and Galloping Hill area as well as downtown Cranford etc.

Many of our colleagues and friends are recommending the Montclair / Bloomfield area, but we don't know that part of NJ very well. I'm pretty sure we aren't going to find even a fixer upper within our price range in Montclair which leaves Bloomfield. It is right next door, but the school system, while it appears to be better than our "3 years ago" choice of Roselle still leaves me wanting. On the other hand, we have been renting in Astoria for the past four years and have grown accustomed to having shops and such to walk to. Bloomfield, Montclair and the surrounding area have quite a few "downtown" areas that we like including Bloomfield Ave. and the little Brookdale section.

The midtown direct train, while running slightly less frequently than NE corridor, takes about the same amount of time to get to NY Penn Station. There are also buses, an option that doesn't exist in Union Co.

Most of my anxiety stems from unfamiliarity. I've lived in MANY places all over the country so I realize that familiarity begins to develop within a year or two, but I also realize that becoming familiar with a place is not the same as growing to love it.

This is a serious investment for us, and we hope to find a home we can live in for many years to come. I'm not interested in any town bashing comments, but I do want to hear opinions from anyone who is familiar with both areas and I'd like to hear any pros/ cons that you think I may be missing.

Thanks you for bearing with my much-too-long post.

[BrianG]

Like most of jersey , both towns have good / bad sections , take a look around both towns.
You might want to also take a look around Rahway , Besides being a friendly town we also have 2 train lines (Nj coast and Northeast corridor) also we have bus service into NYC

[Midwesterns45]

I would go with Roselle Park.

[captne76]

Originally Posted by Midwesterns45

I would go with Roselle Park.

I second that, just personal opinion, Ro Park is further away from those other urbanized places like Nerk & NYC, the Big Yapple, and for me that's a plus.

[cammyspot]

I live in Bloomfield, its a great town and I am very happy here.

[dhanu86]

They're not comparible. Bloomfield is richer and overall more appealing with all it offers. Roselle Park is much smaller as a town but quiet and nearby other towns (good and bad). I'd think of ur favorite hobbies or activities and consider from there.

[brookdaleresident]

I lived in Bloomfield for many years and loved it. The major problem is the high taxes.
Here's a listing for a 3br in your range. The elementary school is the best in town.

GSMLS

[elflord1973]

Originally Posted by partech

This is a serious investment for us, and we hope to find a home we can live in for many years to come. I'm not interested in any town bashing comments, but I do want to hear opinions from anyone who is familiar with both areas and I'd like to hear any pros/ cons that you think I may be missing.

Thanks you for bearing with my much-too-long post.

The market is finally getting to the stage where you will find some reasonable options on your budget. However, I suspect you will have more options a year from now.

I'm somewhat familiar with Bloomfield as I've visited the town on a number of occasions.

In terms of transportation: the nicer part of town -- north of Bay avenue or so, is not as close to Montclair shops or njtransit. It is still a very easy drive into Montclair's downtown, but a little long for a walk. The bus options could work if you're commuting to midtown.

I would also recommend Nutley. The town has a similar look and feel to the Northern part of Bloomfield. It may be a stretch on your budget, but take a look at the listings. If you like Bloomfield, you'll probably like Nutley.

I'm not familiar with Roselle park, so can't comment on that.

[AnnaIb]

Partek-

Ok I took a look at the available properties on the market in Roselle Park and Bloomfield. Currently there are a total of 47 Single Family Homes (SFH) available to you today.

In Roselle Park there are 15 properties with 5 being a short sale (requiring lender approval)

In Bloomfield there are 33 properties with 21 being a short sale (requiring lender approval)

The difficult task with short sales is that you are waiting on lender approval. Sometimes the answers come quick and other times you are waiting months.

Moderator cut: this is considered solicitation, which is against TOS

[nykstevenyg]

There both a lot different. Roselle Park is a solid working class/middle class town. While Bloomfield has some bad sections and sections much better than Roselle Park. Cannot really compare.