New job in Manhattan, moving from Texas (Montclair, Orange: rental, crime)

[TexasMK]

I have received a great job offer with a hospital in Manhattan. All the interviews have been done over the phone or video, and I plan to make my first trip to NY area to find a place to live. I am not afraid of a culture shock because I have lived in a large Eurpean city before I moved to a small Texas town 10 years ago. That was a shock, but I have adjusted well. I am a little scared moving across the country with the whole family, but I can not pass on this great opportunity.
All of my searches for relocation possibilities have been done on this forum. I know I won't be able to afford a rental in Manhattan with my $110,000 income. Husband will find a new job sometime after we move to help with the income. My criteria for finding a rental place to live:
1. Good public schools (kids are 6 and 11)
2. Easy commute to Manhattan GCS (up to 60 minutes on a train)
3. Walkable town with parks (for taking a walk with kids)
4. Diverse (I am in a biracial marriage)
5. Small town feel
6. Dog friendly (we have 2)
7. At least 2 bedrooms on my income

After reading many, many posts on this forum I found some towns that I want to look into: Hastings & Mamaroneck in NY, or Montclair and Madison in NJ.

I would appreciate any helpful suggestions and comments. Am I wrong with these areas? Any others I need to look into?

[KoalaNJ]

One thing you should note about trains from NJ into NYC is that they go to NY Penn Station, not GCS.

Now as to your list, it is a good start, but I'd recommend adding a few towns. While Madison is a wonderful option, since it is a small town you should also include neighboring towns such as Morristown and the Chathams. I'd also add Westfield and Cranford as possibilities.

Montclair is nice but be sure to avoid the seedy sections of town. There are some areas that have an issue with crime and drugs. (I'd avoid the area around Lackawanna Plaza, Glenfield Park and the Pathmark which is a bit sketchy and has drug trafficking issues. Lots of car break-ins and drugs/gang activity and the associated crime that brings. While it may look a bit seedy but "ok" in the light of day, you def. do not want to be in the area after dark)

A lot also depends on what type of work your husband will be looking for, I assume you'll want at least on of you parents to work close to home to be available should the need arise. (ill child, school closing due to weather, etc.)

HTH
KoalaNJ

[KoalaNJ]

OOPS forgot to add Summit as a suggestion for your short list. It's another great town that fits all of your criteria. An added bonus is that Summit is a main transfer station for NJ transit, so you'll have plenty of access to trains into and out of the city.

KoalaNJ

[EBWick]

Montclair or Rutherford.

[TexasMK]

That is very helpful. Thank you.

[veuvegirl]

If you are looking for diverse, try Maplewood/South Orange. Great commute, good schools. Montclair I would put a step above, diverse with great schools.

I am making the reverse move, out to Texas!

[ieee488]

Originally Posted by veuvegirl

I am making the reverse move, out to Texas!

Just hope you don't find yourself in need of women's healthcare there.

[TexasMK]

Originally Posted by veuvegirl

If you are looking for diverse, try Maplewood/South Orange. Great commute, good schools. Montclair I would put a step above, diverse with great schools.

I am making the reverse move, out to Texas!

Let me know if you need any advise on Texas. Thank you for those suggestions on NJ.

[HalfFull]

What is your estimate for rental budget?

[TexasMK]

I think $2500/month would be realistic on my salary. My husband would probably stay home with the kids until we get more comfortable in the new enviroment.