Maplewood/South Orange or Rumson/Fair Haven (Red Bank: school rankings, taxes)

[jrsegrl]

We currently live in Maplewood and we have been considering a move to Rumson/Fair Haven area. My husband and I both grew up in Monmouth County and would love to move back to the area (We love the beach!). My husband works in NY and will commute via train or ferry. The commute is longer, but we feel the schools are a better choice for our kids. My older child just started South Orange Middle school. Any opinions on such a move??

[elflord1973]

Originally Posted by jrsegrl

We currently live in Maplewood and we have been considering a move to Rumson/Fair Haven area. My husband and I both grew up in Monmouth County and would love to move back to the area (We love the beach!). My husband works in NY and will commute via train or ferry. The commute is longer, but we feel the schools are a better choice for our kids. My older child just started South Orange Middle school. Any opinions on such a move??

Your husband had better commute by private jet or helicopter if he lives out there. The commute would be over 2hrs. Does he want to see you or his daughter on week nights ?

Did you check the school rankings ? South Orange is a pretty decent school. There are other towns with excellent schools that would be a much easier commute.

[jrsegrl]

There are MANY people who commute from the area to NYC. There is a train in Red Bank - 75 min into Penn station (he works close to Penn) and the ferry is 45 minutes to downtown.

[elflord1973]

Originally Posted by jrsegrl

There are MANY people who commute from the area to NYC. There is a train in Red Bank - 75 min into Penn station (he works close to Penn) and the ferry is 45 minutes to downtown.

You need the door-to-desk commute time, not the train ride. I'd say 75min is about a 1:45 to 2hr commute. All the inner ring suburbs (like South Orange) have train rides in the 30-40min area, and door-to-desk is about 75 minutes if you live in such a place.

If you don't catch that particular train, that adds another 15 minutes. I'm bringing this up, because many people don't really know what they're getting themselves into when they choose these long commutes.

[jrsegrl]

I know - I hate when people say they have a 40 min commute from here in Maplewood - that is only train time. He has been commuting for 11 years, so he knows the drill. His former boss lives in Rumson and has done the commute for years via ferry. He already has tried the tain and the ferry. The train via Red bank - door to desk was about 1 hr 35. not great, but his commute now is about 1 hr 10, from Maplewood. We are past deciding about the commute alone and are looking at the whole picture. Thanks!

[elflord1973]

Originally Posted by jrsegrl

I know - I hate when people say they have a 40 min commute from here in Maplewood - that is only train time. He has been commuting for 11 years, so he knows the drill. His former boss lives in Rumson and has done the commute for years via ferry. He already has tried the tain and the ferry. The train via Red bank - door to desk was about 1 hr 35. not great, but his commute now is about 1 hr 10, from Maplewood. We are past deciding about the commute alone and are looking at the whole picture. Thanks!

Check nj monthly for school rankings.

[ansky]

Originally Posted by elflord1973

If you don't catch that particular train, that adds another 15 minutes. I'm bringing this up, because many people don't really know what they're getting themselves into when they choose these long commutes.

Not to mention all the typical NJ Transit delays...

[Hal Jalikeakick]

This would be a no brainer for me, I'd pick Rumson over Maplewood or South Orange in a heart beat.

A ferry commute is much more relaxed then the grind of a crowded train or bus commute.it's definitely not a 2+ hour commute, i know a few people who do it.

[jrsegrl]

Yes, have heard the ferry is nice - but very expensive. Ferry is one option, but not that great when you work mid-town as you have to schlep to mid-town from ferry. Other reasons you would pick Rumson/Fair Haven??

[Hal Jalikeakick]

Originally Posted by jrsegrl

Yes, have heard the ferry is nice - but very expensive. Ferry is one option, but not that great when you work mid-town as you have to schlep to mid-town from ferry. Other reasons you would pick Rumson/Fair Haven??

rumson and fair haven are both beautiful towns, with a less hectic pace then north jersey. they just have a more laid back feel to me which i like, and great schools as well.

access to the beach; proximity to red bank are a couple of more reasons.
lower taxes (relatively speaking).

also, with respect to the ferry, i thought that some of them do go to mid town, maybe the one from the highlands??? not sure. agreed that the ferry is expensive, but worth it from what i'm told if it is in the budget.