Pros and cos of Westfield-Scotch-Plains Vs Edison-Princeton (Newark, Scotch Plains: hair salon, real estate)

[ravindrabsutar]

I need more information about these two areas..
Westfield, Scotch-Plains and Edison-Princeton.. Which area is good for first-time buyer who is looking for better schools, community, a lot of outdoor, plus commute to NYC. My wife will stay at home for next 2 years.

What are pros and cons for these two areas.. Can anyone shade some light?

[Mayvenne]

Just so you know, "Edison -Princeton" would be a huge huge area to cover so maybe if you can narrow that down a bit ?
Westfield and Scotch Plains ( of course Westfiield is generally considered nicer but both are nice) are right next to each other. Edison and Princeton are separated by more towns than I can think of.

[ravindrabsutar]

I should have said Edison or Princeton.. and wants someone to compare against the school and community that Westfield, Scotch Plains offer.. How different these two types of town in NJ? Commute to NYC also need to be considered..

[Suluki11]

I can speak to Westfield and Scotch Plains (and you should add Fanwood to that list). These are all phenomenal towns!!! If you are commuting to NYC, Westfield is just a couple of mins closer; however, all three offer both bus and train options. They also all offer real town villages, excellent school districts, young families and many children's extracurricular activities.

Although my family and I will be moving to DE soon to be closer to my aging parents, I have a personal bias to Westfield. Having lived here for 12 years, I have to say that I LOVE THIS TOWN. Wonderful shopping (I havent been to a mall in a couple of years) right in the middle of town, excellent restaurants and lots to do. It is very easy to make friends and everyone is very open.

If there are any specific questions, feel free to ask.

[JackieSafran]

As a Realtor working both areas, Westfield and area is prettier with a great school system and a downtown and more expensive than Edison. As far as commuting goes, you have to change trains at Newark if you are traveling to Manhattan. Edison is a good community with a cheaper housing market. J.P. Stevens is the high school in North Edison and that always gets good reviews. There is a train direct to Manhattan (Metro Park) and the property taxes are quite a lot cheaper.

[ravindrabsutar]

Jackie, Many thanks for your response. Does Scotch Plains schools have Indian students? We are South-Asian Indians and want to know some facts

[lbarbosa]

In regards to your question, you should google the population of the towns where you will often get a break down of the different races. This may be helpful in your search. I also live in Westfield and own a real estate office here and I love it. I never leave this town as my shopping for food is 2 blocks away with a trader joe's and a stop and shop almost next to one another. I have a 3 year old and 1 1/2 year old and I find it so kid friendly. My daughter asksLord and taylor is in town, doctors, pharmacies, chain stores, banks, hair salons, ice cream shops, extra activities for kids and adults, it's all in town. It never gets boring, it's fun and convenient. In the summer, there are concerts on Tuesday nights and people are strolling the streets and eating outdoors so we go downtown with the kids and listen to the bands and get an ice cream and we and they just love it! I never thought I would love a town so much. I grew up in a town that had none of what I mentioned so this was like a new life for me. I wish you happiness where ever you end up but I hope it's in Westfield and we can be neighbors!