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I'll be relocating to Bayonne from the Chicago suburbs soon. I'd like to hear more about the city from those who live there. I will have a junior in high school, working and living in Bayonne proper, have a dog (any dog parks?) and making $85,000 plus...probably closer to $95,000. I already have a place so that is not a concern. Please tell me about the school, the people, restaurants, traffic in the town itself...and whatever else you think a newcomer should know. Places you would recommend..would be awesome (groomer, vet, nails, hair salon, mechanic etc. Thanks everyone!!!!
I'll be relocating to Bayonne from the Chicago suburbs soon. I'd like to hear more about the city from those who live there. I will have a junior in high school, working and living in Bayonne proper, have a dog (any dog parks?) and making $85,000 plus...probably closer to $95,000. I already have a place so that is not a concern. Please tell me about the school, the people, restaurants, traffic in the town itself...and whatever else you think a newcomer should know. Places you would recommend..would be awesome (groomer, vet, nails, hair salon, mechanic etc. Thanks everyone!!!!
One of the first things on your agenda, and I mean even before you unpack you possessions, is to find and register your child in a private school. The public schools in Bayonne are abysmal. Severely under performing, gang and violence filled. Don't take just my word on it, greatschools.org rates violence in Bayonne's school as a 5, on a scale of little/no violence is a 1, and 5 bring the worst. We are talking so bad that there is a history of shootings and death in the schools. (although the latest death was a few years ago) As far as academics, the schools are severely under-functioning, check out the NJ DOE school performance reports here, New Jersey Department of Education | 2012-2013 Performance Reports as well as here Interactive Map: High School SAT scores - NJ Spotlight In a state where the average SAT score is 1550 (and remember that includes some really bad schools, like Newark, Camden, Patterson, Jersey City, etc) Bayonne HS's average SAT score was 1361. For reference, a good school district in NJ, of which there are many will see ave SAT scores of over 1700. In the latest NJ Monthly school rankings report, Bayonne was ranked 317th out of 328 schools statewide (almost last in the state) I am not kidding with regards to the urgency in seeking out a private school, as the public schools are so bad, spots in local private school are coveted and much in demand. Many schools turn down more applicants then they accept, due to space limitations.
On the good news front, Bayonne does have a good dog park, “Sirius” Dog Park | The City of Bayonne, NJ and some wonderful restaurants, I love the Broadway Diner it's a solid version of a classic NJ Diner. There are quite a few excellent ethnic restaurants in the area too, my favorite being El Aguila Dorada El Aguila Dorada Restaurant - Bayonne, NJ | Yelp There are a number of good italian deli's and pizza joints scattered all over town. There is also a huge wealth of restaurants in nearby Jersey City.
Traffic is pretty congested in all of Bayonne during rush hour, and things have gotten worse since the closure of the Pulaski Skyway. That being said, since you are working and living in town, you should be alright.
As far as grocery shopping, I find c-town to be kinda a pit, and Stop and Shop is way overpriced. ShopRite IMHO is the place to go, and the prices are good. Fairly new too. If you want quality meat, head up to Hoboken and hit up Kings or one of the independent butchers. I recommend Truglio's Meat Market in Hoboken. Great old school Italian butcher. Been in business forever. Excellent customer service, well stocked with most everything you need, and their ground beef is the best! While you are there pick up their home made dried pasta too! There are several good Asian food markets for fresh fish on Tonnele Ave in JC.
Marist is the only one in Bayonne. In JC you have St Doms (girls), and the school far and away the best private - St Peters Prep (boys). OP can try for MacNair, public school in JC and rated one of the best in state, but it's admission only. I'd take those 3 over Marist.
Marist is the only one in Bayonne. In JC you have St Doms (girls), and the school far and away the best private - St Peters Prep (boys). OP can try for MacNair, public school in JC and rated one of the best in state, but it's admission only. I'd take those 3 over Marist.
Wouldn't the OP have to be a resident of JC in order to have his/her child attend McNair?
One of the first things on your agenda, and I mean even before you unpack you possessions, is to find and register your child in a private school. The public schools in Bayonne are abysmal. Severely under performing, gang and violence filled. Don't take just my word on it, greatschools.org rates violence in Bayonne's school as a 5, on a scale of little/no violence is a 1, and 5 bring the worst. We are talking so bad that there is a history of shootings and death in the schools. (although the latest death was a few years ago) As far as academics, the schools are severely under-functioning, check out the NJ DOE school performance reports here, New Jersey Department of Education | 2012-2013 Performance Reports as well as here Interactive Map: High School SAT scores - NJ Spotlight In a state where the average SAT score is 1550 (and remember that includes some really bad schools, like Newark, Camden, Patterson, Jersey City, etc) Bayonne HS's average SAT score was 1361. For reference, a good school district in NJ, of which there are many will see ave SAT scores of over 1700. In the latest NJ Monthly school rankings report, Bayonne was ranked 317th out of 328 schools statewide (almost last in the state) I am not kidding with regards to the urgency in seeking out a private school, as the public schools are so bad, spots in local private school are coveted and much in demand. Many schools turn down more applicants then they accept, due to space limitations.
On the good news front, Bayonne does have a good dog park, “Sirius” Dog Park | The City of Bayonne, NJ and some wonderful restaurants, I love the Broadway Diner it's a solid version of a classic NJ Diner. There are quite a few excellent ethnic restaurants in the area too, my favorite being El Aguila Dorada El Aguila Dorada Restaurant - Bayonne, NJ | Yelp There are a number of good italian deli's and pizza joints scattered all over town. There is also a huge wealth of restaurants in nearby Jersey City.
Traffic is pretty congested in all of Bayonne during rush hour, and things have gotten worse since the closure of the Pulaski Skyway. That being said, since you are working and living in town, you should be alright.
As far as grocery shopping, I find c-town to be kinda a pit, and Stop and Shop is way overpriced. ShopRite IMHO is the place to go, and the prices are good. Fairly new too. If you want quality meat, head up to Hoboken and hit up Kings or one of the independent butchers. I recommend Truglio's Meat Market in Hoboken. Great old school Italian butcher. Been in business forever. Excellent customer service, well stocked with most everything you need, and their ground beef is the best! While you are there pick up their home made dried pasta too! There are several good Asian food markets for fresh fish on Tonnele Ave in JC.
ShopRite is my go-to supermarket as well. Also we probably have the best parks in Hudson County, the county park is pretty great.
The murder of a high school kid you refer to happened in the 90s and security has been highly ramped ever since. I wouldn't worry too much, Bayonne is a very safe town/city, especially in comparison to what surrounds it. I feel safe all hours of the night here.
The murder of a high school kid you refer to happened in the 90s and security has been highly ramped ever since. I wouldn't worry too much, Bayonne is a very safe town/city, especially in comparison to what surrounds it. I feel safe all hours of the night here.
And I totally agree with JCampo13 that there are some terrific restaurants in Bayonne, a couple of which I mentioned. Good to hear there is also a good butcher, I was unaware of them, so I recommended the wonderful butcher I was aware of in nearby Hoboken.
As far as private schools in Bayonne not only is there Marist, there is also Holy Family HS (also a Catholic school) and Yeshiva Gedolah of Bayonne which is of Jewish affiliation. One could also look at all the other private schools in nearby communities of JC, Weehawkin, Hoboken, etc.
As far as private schools in Bayonne not only is there Marist, there is also Holy Family HS (also a Catholic school) and Yeshiva Gedolah of Bayonne which is of Jewish affiliation.
Holy Family Academy closed a few years ago, as I recall.
Holy Family Academy closed a few years ago, as I recall.
Retriever, you are correct, Holy Family apparently closed last June. I was unaware of that, and they are still listed in greatschools, as well as other lists of private schools in Bayonne. Thank you for the update! (It's true, once it is on the web, it never dies....)
KoalaNJ
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