Suggestions for towns to move to - single, on a budget (New Brunswick: apartments, for rent)

[NYemmy]

Hi all
I am a New Yorker who moved to NJ in 2011 for a job. Moved to Frenchtown for the affordability and have happily rented a large apartment for $945 plus utilities. I work in Branchburg. (Commute about 23 miles each way)

Just found out two things - my place of work may change to South Plainfield, and that I need to vacate my current place by September.

I still do not know NJ well enough to know where to start looking. I'm a woman, I'm single, and I live on a tight budget. I need help regarding towns/boros that are generally safe (I dont mind a LITTLE riff raff) and would be within about 15 mile radius of either South Plainfield or Branchburg/Somerville.

My budget situation may hopefully change, but i'm unfortunately limited to the 900-1100 range for rent (with or without utils)

Can anyone suggest anything for me? I am open to private houses, garden apartments, etc. I would like to be in an area with a lot of activity/shopping as i found Frenchtown and the surrounding areas a bit too sleepy for me. Driving 10 miles to Shoprite got pretty old. I am 27 years old.

Thanks !!!

[slope95]

Originally Posted by NYemmy

Hi all
I am a New Yorker who moved to NJ in 2011 for a job. Moved to Frenchtown for the affordability and have happily rented a large apartment for $945 plus utilities. I work in Branchburg. (Commute about 23 miles each way)

Just found out two things - my place of work may change to South Plainfield, and that I need to vacate my current place by September.

I still do not know NJ well enough to know where to start looking. I'm a woman, I'm single, and I live on a tight budget. I need help regarding towns/boros that are generally safe (I dont mind a LITTLE riff raff) and would be within about 15 mile radius of either South Plainfield or Branchburg/Somerville.

My budget situation may hopefully change, but i'm unfortunately limited to the 900-1100 range for rent (with or without utils)

Can anyone suggest anything for me? I am open to private houses, garden apartments, etc. I would like to be in an area with a lot of activity/shopping as i found Frenchtown and the surrounding areas a bit too sleepy for me. Driving 10 miles to Shoprite got pretty old. I am 27 years old.

Thanks !!!

i'd try somerville (279 East Main Street, Somerville NJ - Trulia or 150 South Bridge Street, Somerville NJ - Trulia) which is just down 287 from south plainfield and is close to branchburg.

[NYemmy]

thanks slope! somerville is at the top of my list, but only because its the only area i am slightly familiar with.
ive noticed somerville seems to have affordable rents as compared to other areas closeby yet it seems to have a lot to offer and is desireable.
i do wonder why that is...

[KoalaNJ]

Originally Posted by NYemmy

thanks slope! somerville is at the top of my list, but only because its the only area i am slightly familiar with.
ive noticed somerville seems to have affordable rents as compared to other areas closeby yet it seems to have a lot to offer and is desireable.
i do wonder why that is...

Somerville is a good option for you, some areas of Somerville are a little rough, but on the whole the town seems to be on the upswing. Just be careful, as there are some areas in town that do have flooding issues, and you'll want to avoid them. These flood zone maps should help. http://www.ready.nj.gov/pdf/mitigati...i_somerset.pdf http://www.somervillenj.org/filestor...pfinal1207.pdf


KoalaNJ

[NYemmy]

anyone else???????????

[ScarletKnightJet]

New Brunswick may have some places in that range- not in the fancy downtown area but closer to the student area.

Highland Park- right across the river- definitely does. And you can walk to restaurants and shopping. My friend was paying $900 something, walking distance NB and parking.

Depending where you work in South Plainfield, it could be a 15-20 minute ride.