Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I am currently evaluating my options on whether I should rent in Queens or other areas for my commute to work in Midtown (Park Ave x E51st) during regular hours. One of the options that I am considering is NJ, given that there is a possibility of some savings to be gained, among other reasons. I am married in early 30's and we have an 8 months old son. Pretty settled family life. I will be commuting to work by public transportation.
My key requirements are:
* safety (night and day) - around the neighborhood and walking to/from station
* up to 45 minute commute (about 10 minute walk on both ends is fine); around 30 min will be ideal
* relatively quiet (at night at least)
* 1 bedroom, at least 650 sq. f.
* Ease of parking - we will have one car that will be parked most of the time, but will be used occasionally
1) What areas in NJ would you suggest that meet my requirements (the more specific, the better)?
2) For these areas what are the going rates for a 1 bedroom?
3) Any areas I should stay away from?
It'd probably be easier to live in Queens since you will be working on Manhattan's East Side. It's totally doable from NJ, but probably easier from Queens.
It'd probably be easier to live in Queens since you will be working on Manhattan's East Side. It's totally doable from NJ, but probably easier from Queens.
Queens is another area that I am looking at. With NJ there is the possibility of some savings compared with NYC, granted the rates are comparable.
Astoria Queens is pretty gentrified and might work. Take the N, Q subway to 59th and Lex, transfer to 6 downtown. Shouldn't take more than 45min door to door to get to work, depending on how far you live from the subway stop.
Have you figured into your budge the cost of NJ Transit? Take a look at www.njtransit.com for some sample routes & prices. You may get sticker shock when you find out how expensive it is to travel on NJ Transit.
You also have to figure in time / money to get from your house to the NJ Transit station.
If you live in NJ, you do not pay NYC income tax which is 2-4% depending how much you make. Check NYC finance site for 2012 or 2013 rates.
If you are new to the whole NJ/NYC area, rule of thumb is that public school is NYC are bad while many in NJ are good. There are exceptions but you can find out very easy for NJ. Not the case for NYC.
Parts of Queens has completely urban lifestyle, where as some parts are completely suburban. For example, if you live in Little Neck you pretty much have suburb life even though it is Queens. If you live in Jersey City, although it is NJ you live urban life.
Overall, if suburb life and 'sense of security' is important as well as good public school district. You will need to make the sacrifice of long commute and live in suburbs with good public schools and train or bus access to Manhattan. This could be NJ, Long Island, Westchester, etc. Basically...out of NYC.
Sense of security is important to note because as someone who grew up mostly in Queens. I don't find living in parts like Jackson heights or Union City insecure in safety level. My spouse who grew up in burbs in PA does.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
