NY or NJ, which one an why (Union, White Plains: relocate, property taxes)

[jjmmgott]

Anyone out there that has lived in both, or chose one over the other? Moving to the area for husbands job in NYC near Grand Central. I know CT and NY are an easier commute from Metro North, but a lot of people he knows do it from New Jersey. My question is: If you could live in one of the top three towns of your choice, money was not an option and your family was close by (or not) which State would you choose to live in if you were working in the city? I guess taking into consideration proximity to easily traveled highways, access to the beach, general attitude of people living in cities near NYC, schools (we do have kids), is it better to be near CT? Are they pretty much the same? I have to live there and like things about both, but am very torn on which one to focus my house hunting on. Thanks for any opinions or experiences you can share.

[Kevrltr]

I am a native of NYC and have lived in Westchester for 25 years.
Rye, White Plains or Larchmont sound perfect for you.

All the best!

Kkevin O'Shea

[NJGirl12]

I am a NJ native about to move to Westchester. It really depends where in each state your are looking. Some people think that NJ is more affordable, but that definitely is not the case in Essex County - Essex and Westchester are somewhat comparable in prices, but in NY it seems like most people qualify for a Star deduction on their property taxes. Schools too, from what I can tell, are fairly comparable. What other things are key for you?

p.s. No real knowledge about CT, but from what I do know, generally less expensive, but longer commute, even to Grand Central.

[doghead]

Hi, I understand your dilemma. I've lived in both places and my impressions are that while Westchester is prettier, NJ is friendlier and shopping is better. Today, for the first time in over two years, I actually spoke to someone on Metro North. Back in NJ, I always spoke to people on the NJ Transit buses while commuting to Manhattan. Of course, Metro North is dependable and offers a better ride in NY. I don't know if it was just luck, timing, my age then or what, but I was happier in NJ, for whatever it's worth. Good luck.

[fyrisle]

If money wasn't an issue I would look in Scarsdale or the surrounding areas such as Larchmont, Rye and Chappaqua. They have some of the best schools, 30-40 minute commutes to Manhattan, nice villages and nearby parks and beaches.

[jjmmgott]

Originally Posted by NJGirl12

I am a NJ native about to move to Westchester. It really depends where in each state your are looking. Some people think that NJ is more affordable, but that definitely is not the case in Essex County - Essex and Westchester are somewhat comparable in prices, but in NY it seems like most people qualify for a Star deduction on their property taxes. Schools too, from what I can tell, are fairly comparable. What other things are key for you?

p.s. No real knowledge about CT, but from what I do know, generally less expensive, but longer commute, even to Grand Central.

I am looking at Bergen, Union, Essex and Morris, but only Westchester in NY.
Key things for me would be family-oriented community and people willing to make new friends, I guess that means an area with some transplants. Access to beach activities, they both have that - Jersey Shore versus the Hudson and LI Sound. Both have good parks (NY seems more prevelant). I guess my problem is, is that they both have a lot of pluses and too many great towns to choose from. Guess I will gain a perspective after our trip, we will look at both!

[MomOfToo]

I know a family that moved from Westchester to NJ and all 3 of their children developed asthma...I am thinking it has to do with the air and smog.

[doghead]

If you look at the American Lung Association survey of air quality in the US, you will see that both Westchester & Putnam Counties, surprisingly, have air qualities with "D" ratings, no better than NJ.

[fyrisle]

doghead - do you have a link to the air quality study?

[greenburghsista]

I lived in the White Plains area for 17 years and relocated to central NJ with my job 4 years ago. Westchester is far better in my view in terms of proximity to everything and commuting wise. Metro North outperforms NJ transit and Long Island RR in on time performance and reliability - NJ transit is SLOW (speed of Mid town Direct on NJ transit compared to Metro North) and there is NO comparison between Grand Central station waiting area and gate information (EXCELLENT, gate information is available about 1/2 hr before trains depart and you can wait on the platform, whereas NJ transit gate information is announced five minutes before train leaves and you CANNOT get down to the platform before then, so EVERYBODY stand around in the center and it's huge crowd then dash to the platform when i'ts announced. Also, it's a long walk or 1-2 subway rides from Penn Station to the East side so that should be taken into consideration. Best bet is to live along the Metro North Hudson (blue) line where trains are most reliable - New Haven (red line) trains are less reliable because of the overhead wires on the train coming from CT. I suggest Hartsdale, Scarsdale, White Plains area - commute is 30-35 m inutes and 2 stops at most during rush hour.