Work in New Brunswick.. Where to LIVE?!? (West Orange, Orange: apartments, crime)

[CaityC]

I'm relocating to NJ and need to be centrally located in the New Brunswick area. I've been looking in downtown NB but I'm not sure I want to live in such a college town. I'm 22 and I like to have fun and go out, but I don't really want crazy college parties all around me and I've heard that's what it can be like (correct me if I'm wrong). It also seems like most the nice apartments are in big luxury high rises which are very expensive.

Things I want in a town: Downtown area, fun stuff to do, a safe place to go running. I just want a relatively quite place to call home that is close to New Brunswick.. any suggestions?

[luckyshoes]

You could try Highland Park right across the bridge.

[dsmgvr4]

If you have a car, consider Piscataway. Its right next door to New Bruns. and you can have NB's downtown but still be far enough to distance yourself from its daily/evening living. There are apts along River Rd. which is just across the water from NB.

[SweepTheLeg]

Highland Park also has some deeply religious areas that you may want to investigate further.

The problem is, as a single woman, who wants to feel safe, you aren't going to get that kind of bang for your buck near New Brunswick. Your safer bets are North or South Brunswick. But they have no nightlife, just typical safe surburban living.

What is your price range?

[ansky]

I would highly recommend Highland Park. I lived there for 5 years and loved it. They have a decent downtown and it is a very walkable community. You are still close to New Brunswick but away from the crime and college atmosphere.

[AnthonyB]

I'll add another vote for Highland Park. Safe, close to NB nightlife (they have GREAT restaurants in NB, it's not just a college town). Walkable downtown with cafe's, supermarket etc.
Areas such as North or South Brunswick would bore you to tears. No downtown, no nightlife. They are suburban family areas.

[ReluctantGardenStater]

I know you seem to have ruled out New Brunswick itself, but it's a fairly nice area. I used to see a neurologist who had an office in West Orange, before moving it to New Brunswick. The nightlife seemed interesting, but not wild, and it always looked decent, even at night. He subsequently moved his office to northern Virginia, but the point I'm trying to make is that I'm glad I had an excuse to drive to New Brunswick, as I probably would not have done so otherwise. And it's one of NJ's nicer urban areas.

[The Michigan Man]

Originally Posted by SweepTheLeg

Highland Park also has some deeply religious areas that you may want to investigate further.

?

[PDD]

1. Highland Park
2. Piscataway
3. Franklin Twp. ( you can't beat D&R canal state park for running, New Brunswick is your down town area)

[luckyshoes]

New Brunswick is nice, but you have to be careful that you don't end up with college kids for neighbors or you'll never sleep! They tend to stay in the old houses around the College Avenus campus.