Advice on commute Towns in NJ (Montclair, Orange: best town, rent, buying)

[carl71]

Hi,

I am relocating into a new job in Manhattan (Tribecca area).

Family of 4 (two small kids), looking for some advice on the best options for a commute Town in NJ, not more than 1 hour away from Penn Station.

Priorities:
- Nice Community to live in
- Education (Elementary School)
- Space (large/mid size yard)
- Access to nearby Restaurants and Shops
- Not more than 1 hour to Penn Station (preference for a direct train rather than having to change trains).

I never had long commutes before, so I am prefering NJ to other commute towns in CT or NY, because I can have direct trains into Penn Station and then a short subway into Tribecca, rather than Grand Central and then having to take two additional subways... is this correct?

Thanks for any help directing me into the best town to research!

Bests,
C

[nybbler]

Budget? Renting or Buying? South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, and Summit are worth looking at; all are on the Morris and Essex line. Also Montclair and Glen Ridge. If you're willing to relax on the direct train requirement there are quite a few other options which would likely be less expensive.

[carl71]

thanks for the prompt reply ...since I am new to the region, will most likely rent for a year and then with a bit more of region knowledge start looking to buy.

Rent budget would be around 4k to 4.5k
Buying hopefully for around 700k

Hope this helps.

[curlyloca]

i would go with essex or bergen county if i were in your shoes. union city (hudson county) to penn station is about 30 minutes. just to give you an idea and its practically on the hudson river.