eventually moving TO northern NJ/NYC area from Ohio (Elizabeth: affordable apartments, rental market)

[moogyboy]

hey all

First post here...I am a lifelong resident of Columbus, Ohio, likely moving out your way in 1-1.5 yrs with my gf (a Union/Roselle Park native...getting restless with boring Ohio as I am), and would like to research the job and rental market in northern NJ and NYC but don't know where to start. I'm currently a graphic designer for a well-known international nonprofit organization making in the low $30k range; I'd also like to maybe pursue a sideline in other visual arts and/or music, which I also do. I'd like to eventually either work as a sole proprietor/freelancer, or for a company somewhere in NYC. We're thinking of starting out with a modest 1-2 br apt in the Roselle Park/Union/Cranford/Elizabeth area--I'm cool with less-than-upscale, as long as I don't have to dodge bullets on my way to the carry-out. :-) Our current situation, in spite of my profession, is borderline working-class, living in a small house my parents own near the state university, so it's not like I'm giving up a cushy yuppie lifestyle. I actually kinda like NJ, from what I've seen during several visits...and yes, the proximity to NYC is a big, big plus. After 33 years in the middle of the Midwest, northern NJ seems a heck of a lot more cultured, diverse, and exciting and I personally think it might be rejuvenating to live and work there...maybe I'm just being a naive hick with a romantic view of the area. However, I've seen a lot of negativity on the forum about NJ so far (everyone seems to want to leave, and to NC of all places...) and it's somewhat discouraging, but my gf tells me it's not nearly as hopeless to get by as some of you are suggesting. I dunno, I'm just rambling...anyway, I'd be interested to hear what advice or info you might have for me. Thanks in advance...

cheers

Billy S.

[Collegeguy12]

I live in Bergen County which is very expensive. I don't know much about the area you are talking about, but I have heard it is also expensive. If your girlfriend works you should be fine and definitely able to find an apartment. Oh, and I am a Jersey born and raised guy...I will never leave because this is the place to be.

[jstar41]

Elizabeth is a great starter town.. many young professionals move here b/c it's still an affordable place and within 25-30 mins to NYC.. it's an urban town.. it has it's good and bad areas.. like any large city.. the best areas are North Elizabeth, Elmora, Elmora Hills..
People move to NC b/c they can't afford living in North Jersey.. they complain that taxes are too much, housing is too expensive, etc .. so they leave to less expensive areas like SC or NC.. but they fail to realize that most of the career apportunities are in the Metro area..

good luck!!

[moogyboy]

I've been through Elizabeth a bunch of times, but I guess when I think of a specific image of that town, it's the area around the train station. Although I'm used to big city atmosphere (Columbus = 15th largest city in the USA), that may be a bit *too* urban for my tastes, but I guess it would be a good incentive for me to get with the program and learn Spanish. :-) Besides, that funky atmosphere might get my artistic mojo rekindled--lots of good photos in that urban scenery.

I'm sure the nicer areas of Elizabeth are fine for living, though. As I said, I'm most familiar with Roselle Park, Union, Kenilworth, and Cranford; those seem very hospitable...I really like the main commercial drag in Union and Roselle Park in particular, where all the shops are. They remind me of certain small towns here in Ohio (Mt. Vernon comes to mind). I would hope that there are reasonably affordable apartments or even small single family houses around there.

cheers

Billy S.

[mlalonde]

Hi, I moved from New Jersey to the Bronx and then to Akron, Ohio on the advice of a friend! Boy, what a mistake that was! Now that I bought a house here, I'd love to work in NYC again and live with my sister in Jersey. Only problem is, I don't know how I can do that with an Ohio license, and house here. If anyone knows, please let me know.

[tommyc_37]

MoogyBoy,

A) Columbus does NOT equal Big City atmosphere (too sprawled) Go to Midtown Manhattan to see what I mean!

B) The main reason people complain about NJ is it is ridiculously expensive to live here. But there is a reason for that...and it's because NJ is a very desirable place to be. Stone's throw from NYC, beautiful beaches, and farmland and the mountains!

C) Prepare yourself for an EXTREME makeover in terms of food options. The food here, and of course in NYC, is really the best you'll find anywhere in this country (truly leaps and bounds over Ohio...no offense!!!)

If I were you, I'd check out Cranford. You have pretty good access to NYC, and it's a nice suburban town with a vibrant downtown area (that's where the train station is). For graphic design, you'll want to be near the city.

[monack]

Billy: As a freelance graphic designer, I can tell you that if you are willing to work freelance as opposed to full time for a company that there are opportunities out there. Not as many as there were a few years ago - but I worked in december, which is something that hadn't happened the last two decembers I worked as a freelancer.

Best of luck to you, whatever you decide. And I agree with tommy - you are going to want to have proximity to the city if you are a designer - that is where most of your clients are going to be based.