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I think Glen Ridge is hands down the better choice. Montclair and Glen Ridge are both great towns. I'm sure you already know that both the condos you are looking at area not in the most desirable parts of either town, that said they are both fine places. I would go with Glen Ridge. I was a signature on a contract away from buying a condo in that same are of Montclair at the 50 Pine Street complex. After several trips we decided the area was still a little too seedy for us.
Last edited by Goldendoodle1969; 04-22-2011 at 12:49 PM..
Glen Ridge is probably the better investment, just because some parts of that area of Montclair get a little seedy. Nothing horrible but Glen Ridge is a little more of a prestige town. Although frankly, both areas mentioned are very nice places to live.
I think Glen Ridge is hands down the better choice. Montclair and Glen Ridge are both great towns. I'm sure you already know that both the condos you are looking at area not in the most desirable parts of either town, that said they are both fine places. I would go with Glen Ridge. I was a signature on a contract away from buying a condo in that same are of Montclair at the 50 Pine Street complex. After several trips we decided the area was still a little too seedy for us.
tdstyles: thanks for the reply. I know that the bay street unit is definitely not in the "prime" montclair area... (far from it!) but the sad truth is, if I want a condo that is within 5-7 min walking distance to NJ train, then the choice of location is limited.
I drove around the area today, I see what you mean by "seedy". This will be my "weekday only home" (work in NJ during the week and commute back to Boston home during the weekends). I really need to go there late at night an get a feel for whether or not it's safe to walk around by myself at night...
BTW, if you don't mind me asking, right before you stopped yourself from signing, what deal did you manage to negotiate for the 50 Pine place? Sale as a % of Ask?
Glen Ridge is probably the better investment, just because some parts of that area of Montclair get a little seedy. Nothing horrible but Glen Ridge is a little more of a prestige town. Although frankly, both areas mentioned are very nice places to live.
Just curious, what's people's definition of "seedy"?
For me, as long as the area does not have a high crime rate (car thefts, break-ins), then I am probably OK with it. Driving around I note that the area around Bay St. station is very "blue collar" (sorry, dunno how to say this without coming across as an ass or as an elitist)... I guess most of the yuppies live in The Siena or in Upper Montclair....
Just curious, what's people's definition of "seedy"?
For me, as long as the area does not have a high crime rate (car thefts, break-ins), then I am probably OK with it. Driving around I note that the area around Bay St. station is very "blue collar" (sorry, dunno how to say this without coming across as an ass or as an elitist)... I guess most of the yuppies live in The Siena or in Upper Montclair....
I lived in the Pine Street area and it was INFESTED with drugs. Lots of crack vials on the sidewalks. And the men who would hang around the corner liquor store would harrass me anytime that I walked by. The worst neighborhood in Montclair. My apartment was broken into several times, including one time when I WAS INSIDE THE APARTMENT. I was asleep at the time and when I woke up I discovered that things were missing . . .
I love Montclair, but that is not a good area to be around at night. Go with Glen Ridge!
I lived in the Pine Street area and it was INFESTED with drugs. Lots of crack vials on the sidewalks. And the men who would hang around the corner liquor store would harrass me anytime that I walked by. The worst neighborhood in Montclair. My apartment was broken into several times, including one time when I WAS INSIDE THE APARTMENT. I was asleep at the time and when I woke up I discovered that things were missing . . .
I love Montclair, but that is not a good area to be around at night. Go with Glen Ridge!
****, now you're scaring me....
When did you live in the Pine street area?
Was your apartment ground floor level?
Hmmmm... now you've given me something to think about....
Hope it is ok to list link to the condo my sister has up for sale on Bloomfield / Belleville border (close to Bloomfield Station and shuttle service available):
It is about 1 mile away from Bloomfield Station, but there is a shuttle that stops about a block or two away from condo that will take you down to station for like 0.50 / ride.
(the Montgomery and Rowe stop of Bloomfield Shuttle is about 1 - 2 blocks away from entrance to condo building. I think Bloomfield Station is maybe a mile or two down the road. It is slightly further away than the Monclair Stop, so perhaps there would be more seats on train in morning?). There is also bus service into NYC from same station, I think.
Quote:
Examples of Times for Bloomfield Shuttle from Montgomery Rowe stop:
Route # 4
Belleville Ave/Smith Street 6:52AM Montgomery Street/Rowe St 6:55AM
Bloomfield Station 7:03AM
(M) Train Departs 7:08AM
(H) Train Departs 7:16AM
Route # 5
Belleville Ave/Smith Street 7:23AM Montgomery Street/Rowe St 7:28AM
Bloomfield Station 7:35AM
(M) Train Departs 7:51AM
(H) Train Departs 7:58AM
Route # 6
Belleville Ave/Smith Street 8:06AM Montgomery Street/Rowe St 8:10AM
Bloomfield Station 8:16AM
(M) Train Departs 8:27AM
(H) Train Departs 8:37AM
Condo is 1.1 miles away from Bloomfield Station walking down Montgomery Street, but Bloomfield Shuttle Bus is 1 or 2 blocks away from condo if you don't mind spending 50 cents per ride:http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servl...&selStation=19
Last edited by mshan242709; 04-24-2011 at 02:15 PM..
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