Where to live in Union County (Elizabeth, Linden: apartment, for rent, good credit) - City-Data Forum

cazattack · 01-31-2010, 11:52 AM

I'm looking to find a 2 bedroom apt in union county. My BF will be going to UCC (so has to live in union county) i work and go to school in NYC, and our roommate goes to school at rutgers in new brunswick.

What makes this an incredible challenge is we need to stick to a budget of $1500 including all utilities (so to be safe we estimate maybe $1200 for rent without utils?)

But of course we still want quality, don't really care to have our cars broken into, or feel unsafe walking home from the train at 9 or 10 pm. I've lived in the Bronx and am much more comfortable with urban that my roommates are. since we'll have two cars to use, local attractions are super important, but a restaurant or two would be nice. Location to the train is important (and the closer to NYC the better).

Does anyone have suggestions of cities/towns we should be looking into? I've been looking at Elizabeth (but dont know which areas are safe) Linden, Cranford and Garwood. Suggestions please?

Sergio M · 01-31-2010, 01:15 PM

Would this be UCC in Elizabeth or Scotch Plains?

cazattack · 01-31-2010, 02:02 PM

elizabeth. he's a nursing student and has classes at trinitas

Sergio M · 01-31-2010, 04:53 PM

It's possible to find an apartment in that price range if you have good credit. There are a few in Cranford and one in Garwood. I would also look at Roselle Park.

captne76 · 02-01-2010, 11:19 PM

I don't know the details but there are new townhouses right next to the train station near Kean University on Mo Ave in Union.

Ticatica · 02-02-2010, 12:01 AM

^^^Those places a pretty high (overpriced in my opinion). Try the Elmora section of Elizabeth. I've lived in the area for years. I've never had an issue getting off the train even around 2am. There are some nice somewhat upscale buildings in the area on Jersey ave. and on Broad st. and Old Broad st. Plenty of bus service as well to get you to Manhattan and to other burbs.

RobRiguez · 02-02-2010, 12:20 PM

Yeah I would say, due to your price range, Elizabeth would be your best bet. If you stay in Elmora section he could walk to School / Trinitas.

FWIW, when I was in Elmora (5 years ago), a decent 1 bedroom was going for $800/heat included and I would have about another 2-300 month in electricity/cable/internet/phone.