House on Scotch Plains/Plainfield Border (Westfield, North Plainfield: neighborhood, good schools, live in)

[tf33]

Hi everyone,

We are looking to move from NYC to NJ and saw a house on Cushing Road in Scotch Plains that looked promising. However, we noticed that Cushing Road seems to border Plainfield. Should we be concerned? Is any area bordering Plainfield a no-go?

Any insight is appreciated!

[BobKovacs]

That's not the greatest area of Scotch Plains, but the area of Plainfield that it's near also isn't the worst part of Plainfield. You'll really have to spend some time in the area at various times/days to see what you think.

[plaindan]

As someone who moved from NYC to Plainfield over 25 years ago, I am flabbergasted. I am white, live in a racially mixed single-family neighborhood of big old homes that have been restored (tho not one of the city's Historic Districts). We have been safe, sound and active in the community all this time. I wonder what you must have heard about Plainfield that makes you so nervous. Certainly couldn't have been first hand. As for the poster who said Cushing Road is 'not the best area of Scotch Plains', where does he get off? And what is 'best'? Maybe you should talk to a realtor who really knows the area -- I have two friends you can call: John DeMarco is a star agent with Coldwell Banker in Westfield and lives in Plainfield (908) 233-5555 and Joe Burris is broker/owner of Sleepy Hollow Realtors (908) 822-0550. Either one would be happy to answer your questions, I'm sure. Tell them Dan Damon referred you (C L I P S). Good luck!

[diva360]

(A caveat: I recently moved to NJ). Scotch Plains should be fine. I have been driving around exploring the different towns in these parts (Springfield, Westfield, New Providence, Scotch Plains, the Plainfields), and it's hard for me to imagine Scotch Plains being dangerous. I have heard negative things about Plainsfield, but I get the feeling that this info is hearsay. I know that white faculty members I work with live in both Plainfield and North Plainfield.

[NEWARK MAGIC]

The west end of Plainfield is the area of town people usually refer to when they say Plainfield is dangerous. However, I visit my sister who lives on the west side of Plainfield regularly, and if anything, the area has gotten safer. As far as I know, there are no dangerous areas of Scotch Plains.

[jerzeegrl77]

Even though that area is not a bad area it still has the Plainfield stigma to it. That house has been on a for over a year so be sure to do your research.

[NEWARK MAGIC]

Originally Posted by jerzeegrl77

Even though that area is not a bad area it still has the Plainfield stigma to it. That house has been on a for over a year so be sure to do your research.

You are claiming that the west side of Scotch Plains is not a bad area but still "has the Plainfield stigma to it." What does that stigma contain?

[plaindan]

If that house has been on the market a year, the issue no doubt is P-R-I-C-E, not neighborhood! BTW, Scotch Plains is not talked of as having a 'West End'. The common division in people's minds is north/south. The northern part of the township, which has its 'downtown' is often looked down on by the folks who live in the southern part, with its one-acre zoning, and miles of substantial 60s ranches, sprinkled here and there with the acne of McMansions.

Also, I forgot to note in my original post -- as if it mattered -- that I live in Plainfield's 'West End'

Hoping you get over your jitters.....all best wishes!!!

[tf33]

Hi all,

I appreciate all of your replies and insight. For me, what is most important is a safe and friendly community. Good schools are also a must as we have two young school-age children. Your posts give us a jumping off point about the area and we'll need to drive around some more to explore that section of town and others.