Born & Raised in So Cal...now living in NJ - help? (Westfield: rentals)

[jacksmom701]

My husband recently started a job out in Bridgewater. Both he and I were born and raised in Southern California and that's about all we know. We've only visited NYC - but just as tourists.

We are currently temporarily corporate housed in Cedar Knolls and have about one month left before we have to find permanent housing on our own. Everything is so spaced out and not like So Cal - we could use some help. We are trying to do this on our own since realtor fees are so expensive.

Here's some of our criteria...
-We have a 3 year old looking to start preschool as soon as we settle on a place to rent
- I am 3.5 months pregnant so I want to find a house near good hospitals, good doctors/pediatricians and the like
- Husband doesn't mind up to a 30 minute or so commute from Bridgewater
- Looking to rent first...possibly 3 bedrooms, 2 baths at no more than $2K a month -- family will be visiting from So Cal a lot when new baby is born so we need the space
- Ideally we would like to have a house...with a rambunctious 3 year old and a crying newborn on the way - I doubt anyone sharing walls with us will be happy
- Either before or after baby I'm hoping to find work in NYC (work in Advertising) so hopefully something easy to get home before 10pm
- We are looking at Summit and someone told us to look at Morristown - but another person said Morristown is good for singles looking at a bar scene?
- We have a dog in Cali - but will give her up if we can't find space for her

Any and all helpful pointers are much appreciated. There are so many towns and cities - we've been driving around but are overwhelmed.

Thanks.

[Ellwood]

Suggest Whippany, E. Hanover areas as they are near 287. New preschool at the corner of Parsippany and Whippany Rd. There are several buses that go into the city in the area. Overlook is a good hospital. If you want an honest realtor for renting or buying in the area, send me a PM.
If you are interested in Bridgewater/Raritan area, good ob/gyn is Dr. Parlavecchio, Women's Health Center in Raritan. 908-252-1522

[midagegirl]

I think Bridgewater is a pretty nice area to live in you can also look into Hillsborough.

[jacksmom701]

Hi Ellwood - are you a realtor?

[AnthonyB]

This website lists rentals:

GSMLS

You don't need to pay any realtor fees, the landlord pays them.

Bridgewater/Hillsborough isn't good for commuting to NY if that is what you want.
You could try Scotch Plains, Westfield or Cranford. Summit is good, Morristown not so much for families. Berkeley Heights, New Providence etc are nice too but might be an awkward commute.