Moving to West Paterson area (Jersey City, Clifton: apartments, rental market, condo)

[xcheck24]

Hi everyone. . .I just landed a job in West Paterson, and I'm moving to the area from Connecticut (Bridgeport area). I'll be renting an apartment.

I've targeted three potential places to live: Clifton, Garfield and Lodi.
Can anyone tell me anything about this area? Are these good places to live? Is it culturally active (I'm a writer and need some creative types around me)? Is it younger (I'm 30)? How is the crime? And the diversity?

Thanks for any help people can give me.

And this forum is great! I'm glad I found it.

[The Brunette]

Welcome to the area! I actually live with my parents in Hudson County (); my plan is save up so I can keep up with mortgage payments on a condo. A lot of unmarried people in their 20s and 30s here live with family (including my lawyer friends!), but I'm assuming you don't have that option.

There were times I considered moving out and renting, though, so I think I may be able to help. I didn't even look at the towns you mentioned! The rental market is practically nonexistent on this side of the Hudson.

If you're going to be working where I think you'll be working, quite a few people there commute in from Manhattan and Brooklyn because they already were living there when they got the job. But you'll need a car to get to this job, and you probably already know it's quite pricey and impractical to have one if you're living in NYC.

Clifton is a very diverse "urban suburb." A lot of families, but there's not much there for young professionals.

I'm not as familiar with Garfield and Lodi. As far as I know, they're working-class old industrial towns, but again, there is little to do for someone like you.

For culturally active, Montclair can't be beat. Nutley also is worth a look. However, both towns are pricey. Check out the Baristanet blog for coverage of that area's shopping and events.

You may want to consider Little Falls, but the town is prone to flooding.

Some people here like Morristown, but I personally think it's too far away; I'm sure you'd love to be close to the city as well as work. Along the Hudson, Fort Lee and Cliffside Park have easy access to Route 80, which takes you right to West Paterson in 20 minutes without traffic.

Hoboken and downtown Jersey City are also options, though traffic makes it very difficult to get out of them if you're driving.

I realize practically all the towns I recommended are on the pricey side. This is why I still live at home.

[xcheck24]

I already live in a pricey area (and I have the at home discount now because of it), and the apartment prices I've looked at in those areas aren't THAT bad to me in comparison to lower fairfield county. $1,000 is starting in lower fairfield county, and that's not even in the nicer areas.

[mead]

Clifton is nice. I'd reccomend Rutherford, Kearny, North Arlington, and Lyndhurst as well.

For young professionals though you're probably going to have to look towards Jersey City or Hoboken. Most of these areas out by West Paterson are mostly family areas. Montclair is another option you should look into.

[Ghostcannon]

I live in West Paterson area and I would recommend it to you. It's a nice and quiet area..others around are: Totowa, Wayne, Clifton.
Mead is right about professionals or Family areas....West Paterson is more for Family Living than Working Places...Just tour these towns before making a decision.
Good Luck!

[findinghope]

hi
i lived in west paterson and grew up in the area. definately not what you are looking for --trust me. it's all families and older. you sound like you need nightlife and people your age. i would look ino monclair or hoboken. montclair is closer to WP. the rent is about the same, actually more choices in montclair. Lodi floods ALOT, and garfield is cute, but not sure about the night life...

[aguilaal]

I live in W. Paterson. There are numerous apartments you can get into in West Paterson and you are 4 minutes away from a lot of night spots on Rt. 46..Sushi Lounge, Lounge 46, Pub 46, Docs Bar n Grill, etc...you get the best of both worlds in this area...quiet burbs and night life although you will have to drive there, unlike some others (hoboken, montclair) where you can just walk from one place to the other...

Alfredo

[nj973jersey]

I can speak of Lodi and Garfield since i've lived in Lodi all of my life. First off Lodi is actually very diverse with alot of Hispanics and a substancial Asian Indian population. Very hard working middle class families. Garfield has a descent polish population and alot of hispanics as well. Lodi does have alot of floods especially around Passaic Ave by the Boys and Girls Club. Its about 20-25 mminute commute to NYC and is in close proximity to all major highways Rt. 17,46,80,Turnpike,Parkway,4,3,21 all within 10 minutes from Lodi.