Looking for 1st home in NJ - easy commute to NYC (Montclair: houses, safe neighborhood)

[Raft2013]

My husband and I have started research on buying our first home. Looking for advice on suburbs in NJ. Here is a breakdown of who we are/what we are looking for. MUCH appreciated!

- in our early 30s
- starting a family
- we both work in NYC
- train ride under 45 mins to Penn Station
- want a 3 bedroom with at least 1 & 1/2 bath
- good public school system (at least up to middle school)
- nice downtown/walkable areas
- safe neighborhood
- budget up to 500K (can we get anything in the area for this??? I've seen some nice homes on Trulia, etc. in this range. Totally understand we'll need to do some work on the home)
- any info on the attitude/vibe of the towns
- any info on the parking situation at the train stations

So far, we are interested in Maplewood, South Orange and have started some research on Rutherford.

Thanks!

[HalfFull]

Maplewood seems like a good fit.

I like Rutherford a lot too. Be aware that trip to Penn requires a change in trains at Secaucus (not horrible, but does add a little hassle and maybe 5-10 minutes)

You could also stretch your time on the train a little (you mean 45 min on the train, right? not 45 min total commute?), and try for Madison or Morris Township. You won't have newer or fully updated houses at your price, but I think you could still find decent options.

[JK84]

45 min commute and good schools are gonna contradict. most of the better family towns are a bit further than 45 min

on NJT pascack valley line. such as oradell, river edge

[Praxis]

My friend lives in South Orange (shares schools with Maplewood). Her commute to midtown is very good and fits your criteria and you can definitely find a home in 500k range. She seems to like the school system, I am not as familiar so I will let others who live there chime in.

[zap02]

If you like Maplewood and South Orange, you would probably like Montclair and Glen Ridge, as well. You can find homes in your price range in these towns, which are on the Midtown-Direct Train line, but you may have more competition with other buyers because there is usually more inventory in Maplewood in the $400-$500k range.

If you would like more area information, you can direct message me.

[isaar]

Just popping in to add Fair Lawn to the list- OK commute and budget fits the town.