Military orders to Bayonne

[Dangerous-Boy]

Originally Posted by Wingapo

Just got word that we are being transferred to Bayonne. Crying as I type this lol. Military housing is on Staten Island (Ft. Wadsworth). I have 3 kids that will be in school (2 in elementary and 1 in high school). I've been looking at the high schools in both Bayonne and Staten Island and I do not want my DD going there. What are some towns you would recommend that have a good school system and a reasonable commute (tolls - how much?!) I've looked at so far at Chatham and Summit. Is that reasonable commute wise? Our BAH only goes so far but I'm willing to go over it to make sure we live in a good neighborhood with good schools. I have absolutely no idea about the area so any recommendations or advice would be very much appreciated!!!

school system aside, you need to look at the bright side. You'll have access to best pizza in the northeast, not to mention the other kinds of diverse cuisine. And you'll be close to nyc and philly. Unless, you like rural and your pallate is WASPY, I think you and your kids will have a good time if you get out on the weekends.

[Marc Paolella]

Originally Posted by Wingapo

I'm moving from Williamsburg, VA in what was supposed to be a 4-year billet but was short toured due to an unforseen circumstance with someone stationed at Bayonne. Of course I cried! I just found out that I have to uproot my family again in less than 2 years but that is the nature of the military lifestyle. It still does not make it any easier. We are planning on renting and our budget is $3400/month and looking at the very scarce rentals in those areas. It will be challenging but I'm up for the challenge!

You are better off renting in Staten Island and figuring out a private school option. Commuting into Staten Island from a Chatham or Summit is hideous. And uber expensive. Live where you work. Life is too short to spend 4 hours a day rotting in a stationary bus, train, or car. Especially when you can choose not to. Whatever perceived benefit you get by "better" schools will be erased by the energy/happiness wipeout that is inevitable with membership in the commuting ant farm. Live where you work.

[captne76]

Originally Posted by Marc Paolella

You are better off renting in Staten Island and figuring out a private school option. Commuting into Staten Island from a Chatham or Summit is hideous. And uber expensive. Live where you work. Life is too short to spend 4 hours a day rotting in a stationary bus, train, or car. Especially when you can choose not to. Whatever perceived benefit you get by "better" schools will be erased by the energy/happiness wipeout that is inevitable with membership in the commuting ant farm. Live where you work.

A bit confusing but he's working in Bayonne (the American side of the river )
I think Staten Isle was just a housing offer.

And actually I used to work in SI for about 5 years and the commute was not bad from Morris County NJ at all but it was on the western side of SI about 5 minutes from the Goethals Br. Tolls are also about half if you drive in on a regular basis.