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Need some advice. I currently live on Long Island and looking to move the family. I grew up on Long Island and am just tired of it. I live on the North Shore of LI and while i can afford the area, I am just turned off by the people and the competitiveness.
I am considering all areas including NJ, Ct, and Westchester. I'm not familiar with Nj, so that's where I need some help. I'm looking for a town, no more than a hour outside the city. I work from home but do need to be in the city between 5-6 times a month. My family is Jewish, and unlike most, I am NOT looking for an area that is predominately Jewish. I currently live in a town that is, and I don't like it. I would like there to be some Jewish families, but it should not dominate (we are not overly religious), like people seem to say about Livingston. My budget is 1.1M. I'm looking for a nice downtown, good schools (not a pressure cooker or the #1 school in the state) and a somewhat down to earth feeling. Does this exist?
So quick list - starting with towns where 1.1 million will go farther then later on the list. All these towns have walkable downtowns, good schools, and are under an hour train ride to the city.
1. Maplewood
2. South Orange
3. Glen Rock
4. Glen Ridge (no downtown, but borders Montclair's)
5. Montclair
6. Ridgewood
I would make the argument that the Essex County towns on this list (Maplewood, South Orange, Glen Ridge, and Montclair) are more down to earth and less snooty than the Bergen County towns (Glen Rock and Ridgewood). Others might disagree.
There's also Westfield, but the commute will be over an hour since you have to change at Newark Penn.
The Essex county towns also have a direct train to Penn Station, which Bergen County does not.
Maplewood and South Orange certainly. Short Hills and Summit, probably not -- the OP is looking to get away from competitiveness and pressure-cooker schools. Same issue with Westfield and Ridgewood. I'd think Madison might work as well.
Maplewood and South Orange certainly. Short Hills and Summit, probably not -- the OP is looking to get away from competitiveness and pressure-cooker schools. Same issue with Westfield and Ridgewood. I'd think Madison might work as well.
Maplewood and South Orange certainly. Short Hills and Summit, probably not -- the OP is looking to get away from competitiveness and pressure-cooker schools. Same issue with Westfield and Ridgewood. I'd think Madison might work as well.
Maplewood and South Orange certainly. Short Hills and Summit, probably not -- the OP is looking to get away from competitiveness and pressure-cooker schools. Same issue with Westfield and Ridgewood. I'd think Madison might work as well.
Thanks for all the replies, someone had also mentioned Madison as well to me. Can anyone elaborate on Madison, in terms of the type of town, the high school, people, etc?
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