Relocating to NJ (work in NYC) (Trenton, Union: for rent, safe area, safe)

[jhuang15]

My girlfriend and I are thinking about moving in together. She works in Cranbury, NJ (30 min north of Trenton) and I work in Midtown NYC (right by penn station). She would drive to work but I would need to commute by train/bus. Does anyone know a good area in NJ that would be under an hour commute for both of us?

[joisy jim]

Union,Essex, and maybe Middlesex county

[jhuang15]

Any specific towns that are a nice area?

[HalfFull]

see sticky on front page of NJ forum, budget & other info needed for meaningful advice

[jhuang15]

Thanks! Didn't see the sticky.

Budget would be under $1600 /mo for rent. Looking for a peaceful/safe area. Since I will not have a car (but my girlfirend will), possibly a town that is not too car dependant (some stores, bars and train station in a walkable distances).

Some other criteria things:

parks
younger neighbor
easy parking

[KoalaNJ]

Originally Posted by jhuang15

Thanks! Didn't see the sticky.

Budget would be under $1600 /mo for rent. Looking for a peaceful/safe area. Since I will not have a car (but my girlfirend will), possibly a town that is not too car dependant (some stores, bars and train station in a walkable distances).

Some other criteria things:

parks
younger neighbor
easy parking

The first place that comes to mind for your situation would be Metuchen. Nice, safe Walkable downtown, and a train station. The train from Metuchen to NYC Penn is 50 min, and the drive to Cranbury is about 30 min. (though during peak rush hour times it will be longer, more in the 45-50 min range) You'll def. be able to find a nice place to rent for your budget. Great quiet family oriented town.

Highland Park may also be an option, if you stick to the western side of town, you are a short walk to the New Brunswick train station, though the train from NB to NYC Penn is slightly longer at around 55-60 min. The commute from HP to Cranbury would be good, about 25 min, non rush. Like Metuchen, HP gives you the safe, quiet family town, walkable downtown, but also the closeness to New Brunswick, so you can take advantage of the nightlife close by when desired.

HTH
KoalaNJ