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I am a woman and got a position in the US, so I am moving to the US this fall by myself.
I have two location options, one in Central NJ (Kenilworth) and the other one in Southeaster PA (Upper Gwynedd).
For the NJ option, I get to choose to live either in Kenilworth or in lower manhattan since I can commute from penn station by train to Kenilworth.
So, among Kenilworth, Upper Gwyneed, and Lower manhattan,
where would you choose to live and why?
My budget is same for the 3 options and I really hope to get many of your feedbacks on safety, diversity, restaurants, and quality of living.
Thanks for your great help.
Upper Gwynedd is a fairly typical upper middle class suburban area. Lower Manhattan is, well, Manhattan. Two completely different lifestyles. I don't know much about Kenilworth itself but that whole area is a much denser (than Upper Gwynedd) suburban area.
Your budget will go further in Pennsylvania.
I wouldn't really recommend the commute from Lower Manhattan to Kenilworth.
Manhattan makes no sense for any commute, its crowded, expensive and you'd spend hours getting anywhere.
I'm visiting relatives in Kenilworth right now actually, a decent middle upper middle type town.
I would go for Kenilworth or the Pennsy option as they are most livable.
Manhattan is the kind of place you might visit once or twice a year for theater or something, although there are lots of county and other theatres everywhere else too.
Do you like crowded noisy places, crowds and bustling cities like NYC? Are you okay with trying to maneuver your way through crowds and tourists to make it to the train or bus on time? They say the city never sleeps and it's true. At any given time you can find a restaurant or shop open, or see people walking around.
Some of 'em you might not care to run into in a dark alley.... but there's always something to do in Manhattan day or night.
or does a slower, quieter lifestyle appeal to you like in Pa?
Last edited by toobusytoday; 04-04-2016 at 05:10 PM..
Reason: added"C" to NY.
I am a woman and got a position in the US, so I am moving to the US this fall by myself.
I have two location options, one in Central NJ (Kenilworth) and the other one in Southeaster PA (Upper Gwynedd).
For the NJ option, I get to choose to live either in Kenilworth or in lower manhattan since I can commute from penn station by train to Kenilworth.
So, among Kenilworth, Upper Gwyneed, and Lower manhattan,
where would you choose to live and why?
My budget is same for the 3 options and I really hope to get many of your feedbacks on safety, diversity, restaurants, and quality of living.
Thanks for your great help.
Best
As someone who loves the city I won't be as negative towards it as the other posters.
The issue is NJ transit is damn expensive and you'll be on the hook for NY state taxes and NYC city tax. That's easily an additional 4% of your salary + NJ Transit monthly + Metro Card + higher living costs.
Youd save more just taking the train into NYC when you want to.
It's sounds like you're coming from another country. Mass transit in the US is not like Europe. The USA unless you're actually live in a city an automobile is almost mandatory. If you live in Kenilworth your commute time will be the least, and depending on where you work and live you may be able to do it without an automobile. If you don't normally drive you have to figure the expense of an automobile and the time spent commuting which will go up in inclement weather and holiday weekends.
If you lived in Manhattan you'd have a "reverse commute" as most people go into Manhattan to work. Although there would be the time involved in the commute and connections, etc. Although a car wouldn't be necessary and you'd save that expense
Pennsylvania would be a commute and a lot of people go from PA to NJ, so there you have the time involved and the expense of car, insurance, etc.
Unless you really like the city vibes, I'd recommend Kenilworth and visiting the city, and saving your time and money by not commuting.
NYC to Kenilworth is not really a feasible commute. There isn't a train in Kenilworth (not sure who told you that), so you'd either have to have transportation from Union/Roselle Park/Cranford train stations or take a bus from Port Authority to the Kenilworth area.
I don't know much about Upper Gwynedd specifically, but if you're making the same salary regardless of location that seems like the best option to me. Your money will go further in PA and if you really want to live in a city then Philly is a lot more reasonable than Manhattan.
Unless the OP is staying with family/friends, why must it be Kenilworth. Nothing wrong with it, but there are plenty of other options.
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