Update: Starting work in NJ, need help fast (Edison, New Brunswick: apartment complexes, lease)

[LisaBarry]

I posted this thread a little while ago //www.city-data.com/forum/new-j...need-help.html. I have now visited NJ and wanted to share some of my thoughts with you.

New Brunswick- I visited some of the high rises in the area (around Rutgers) and I have to say that I thought they were pretty nice. I did not feel they were crime ridden and felt very safe. But it really is a college town and after spending some hours there, I have realized that I want something that has more post college professionals.

Carteret, NJ- I found this city just driving around. I had never heard of it before and I came across some brand new apartment buildings, with new appliances at great prices. I was close to signing a lease, until I researched the area (here on CityData) and found that it used to be industrial and that there might be some issue with pollutants in the air, possibly cancer causing and it made me want to weep. I feel like I could live in Carteret but I don't want my health compromised. Should I be worried?

Rahway, NJ-Saw some nice spots there. Couldn't check them out since they were closed.

Saw some cheaper apartments, less than $1,000 in Edison but they looked really dumpy.

I am not done yet with my searching. Overall though, I'd say most places in NJ are diverse which I like. I have relaxed the criteria that I must live in a walkable city. I am open to driving now but I still want a commute that's less than 30 minutes to my job.
Any other tips you guys can give is always appreciated. Also, if you can give specific recs for apartments, even better. My limit again is $1,500

[DarkWolf]

Look in South Amboy , Metuchen , try Rahway again ....or even Harrison if you don't mind a modest commute.

[GiantRutgersfan]

I would look at Rahway more. It seems to fit what you are looking for and you would only be a couple miles from work.

Has very good access to NYC too which I am guessing you would find desirable

[Mightyqueen801]

I agree with the others who say Rahway. Rahway is a town that wasn't too nice a few years back but is being revitalized with new construction and professional types starting to move in because of its location and easy access to the city. The train station has been redone in recent years, and that seems to be becoming a sign that an area is upgrading. It's definitely a diverse area, which I understand is part of your criteria. Just FYI, there are still a few pockets of areas in NJ where you don't see many black people, and of course we've got some outright racists, but they're becoming few and far between. If someone has an issue with living around African-Americans, New Jersey is not the place for them.

You'll find that most of the time these days, communities are grouped by economic and professional levels more than anything else.

[captne76]

There are a lot of very nice residential areas in Rahway, yes, and it's located well.

[Rowen]

I agree with all the other posters go back and look at apartment complexes in Rahway. It is an up and coming city with fairly quick access into the city. It is also a diverse town with and many young prossionals moving in. There is a walkable downtown with some good restaurants including pizzerias, chinese take out etc. All the shopping you'll want is nearby. My nephew and his wife who are young professionals just moved there and are renting an apartment and they love it.