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Hi! I’m debating accepting a job in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, but living in the city—and not sure where to look! (I’m currently in Washington, DC.) My job would be a two minute walk from the NJ Transit train station.
I’m a gay white guy in my late-20s, and I’d prefer to live in the city, rather than the suburbs. I’m a little past the age where I need the hippest restaurants and bars outside my doorstep, and I like the idea of a transitioning neighborhood. I don’t want to live in a war zone, but being in a super safe area isn’t too important to me. Being a short walk to a train (subway, PATH, etc.) is, however.
I’d love to take public transit to work, but realizing it’s out in the suburbs, I’m fine with driving too. (I own a car that’s paid off.) Ideally, I’d like my commute to be an hour or less on transit, or under 35-40 minutes by car (on a regular day.)
I’d also like to spend under ~$2000 for rent (studio or 1br) and monthly transportation (either train, or tolls and parking.)
My family who lives in northern NJ suggested Hoboken; my friends who live in the city suggested Washington Heights. But I’m not really sure where to begin—so I figure I’d put it to a group.
Is your job near a train station?
What hours is your job typically?
Off the bat I'd recommend Washington Heights and driving. Pick somewhere close to the bridge.
Yeah, if you are driving and want a 35-40min commute living in NYC to Ho-Ho-Kus, you're looking right around the GWB, period. Washington Heights would definitely work. Hoboken probably wouldn't make your drive requirements, and there are a lot of potential traffic problems between you and work. I wouldn't do that, were it me. You could hit <1hr on the train there, although beware of limited train service in that direction IIRC. Weehawken might be a driving option for NJ, people seem to be moving there and liking it. I would still be wary of the traffic though. As far as other NYC neighborhoods that would hit <1hr to Ho-Ho-Kus on transit, I think that may be difficult. If you want to push that hour up a little higher, anything that can easily reach PATH or Penn is in the mix, but once again, be wary of infrequent train schedules heading the direction you'll need, both AM and PM.
You could live in Washington Heights in Manhattan, which is right by the GWB bridge that leads into Northern NJ, however, you won't be able to keep the car in the city, it's just too expensive and commuting to HoHoKus via public transport will be nightmare as GWB traffic during rush hour is horrendous, and so are routes 4 and 17 in NJ. HoHoKus is a highly suburban town in the Bergen county in NJ. I think your best bet would be a rental in Fort Lee, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs or Cliffside Park-lots of singles and couples with no kids live there, it has a city-like feel, tons of shopping, restaurants, very urban in nature, this way, you get the best of both worlds-reasonable rent and commute to your work, NYC is just a stone throw away, in fact, a lot of people walk over the bridge or bike, and also, you are close to nature such as Bear Mountain is an hour away, excellent hiking there. Also, don't forget, living in NYC, you will be paying resident tax of 4% and state tax of 8% or more. Living in NJ, you pay state tax of 7%, and there is no city tax, so you are saving money this way.
Yeah, if you are driving and want a 35-40min commute living in NYC to Ho-Ho-Kus, you're looking right around the GWB, period. Washington Heights would definitely work. Hoboken probably wouldn't make your drive requirements, and there are a lot of potential traffic problems between you and work. I wouldn't do that, were it me. You could hit <1hr on the train there, although beware of limited train service in that direction IIRC. Weehawken might be a driving option for NJ, people seem to be moving there and liking it. I would still be wary of the traffic though. As far as other NYC neighborhoods that would hit <1hr to Ho-Ho-Kus on transit, I think that may be difficult. If you want to push that hour up a little higher, anything that can easily reach PATH or Penn is in the mix, but once again, be wary of infrequent train schedules heading the direction you'll need, both AM and PM.
^This. Weehawken and Hoboken are both traffic nightmares at rush hours, removed from major highways and hemmed in by the river. You're doing a "reverse commute" from over the GWB, so you should be able to sail out to Ho-Ho-Kus pretty easily. It's Route to Route 17, and HHK is right along 17.
The only other suggestion if you do choose Hoboken is that you just hop on the Bergen County Line train. Hoboken has a large rail terminal, and that line runs into it. Less control, though, and since you are doing the reverse commute, you're not going to get express trains during the rush hours in the direction you are going.
Since the job is by a train station, living by Hoboken and taking the train sounds the most convenient rather than fighting traffic everyday. It'll be reverse commuting, but still unpleasant. GWB either direction won't be fun during rush hour. Hoboken has lots of young people built up kinda like Brooklyn, very pedestrian friendly and a short subway (PATH) ride into Manhattan. Plus you wouldn't get NYC income tax
I'd just give it up and live in NJ. You commute would likely be better and you'd take a huge tax hit if you live in the city. Just live somewhere near an NJT stop, so you can take the train into the city if want to recreate there.
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