What is Plainsboro like? (Edison, East Brunswick: apartment, homes, transfer) - New Jersey (NJ) - City-Data Forum

Spongedaddy · 12-22-2006, 02:16 PM

Due to a promotion (and my wife wanting to be closer to her family) we are moving to NJ in Feb. I will be working in Basking Ridge and we were able to get an apartment in Plainsboro. Can someone tell me what the are is like (parks, restaurants, kid stuff, shopping, etc.) for families? Also, are the elementary schools good?

At this point we are trying to take our best shot in the dark and then after a year go where we want when we know how everything is.

Thanks.

BobKovacs · 12-22-2006, 03:54 PM

Plainsboro is generally a nice area. I'll let those with more intimate knowledge of the area comment on shopping/schools/etc.

However, I've got to ask- have you looked at what you're commute is going to be like from Plainsboro to Basking Ridge? You're looking at probably 1 1/2 hours minimum unless you leave at 5am. You've either got to take Route 1 to 287, 1 to 18 to 287, or 206 all the way (1 lane most of the way). Best of luck to you on that one.....lol.

Bob

jerseyj · 12-22-2006, 05:55 PM

Plainsboro is in Middlesex Co. but shares the schools with West Windsor. The West Windsor-Plainsboro schools are among some of the top rated schools in the State (up there with Princeton). The area was quite rural not too long ago, but because of the popularity of the schools, people are moving in at a high rate. They are just completing a Town Centre including SF homes, town homes and small shops. They have several lovely little parks (and close to Mercer County Park- 2 golf courses, a lake, ice skating, tennis courts, ball fields etc) and are close to Route 1 and a plethora of shopping opportunities. There is a train station (Princeton Junction) in West Windsor but parking there is a huge issue. Hope this helps! If you need more info-just ask!

emanon · 12-22-2006, 06:16 PM

I hate to be a downer but I have to agree with Bob and say you could not have picked a more difficult commute.

PradK · 12-23-2006, 07:04 AM

I agree with other posts here...and I have been driving to work in Basking Ridge from Plainsboro for almost 2 years now. While it doesn't take 90 mins every day more like 75 mins is average, each way. And, if you can leave a little early, 6.30ish you may be able save another 5-10 mins or so.

mb919 · 12-23-2006, 07:47 AM

I did a Plainsboro/Hillsborough commute for a year, and it took about 45 minutes each way, taking mostly back roads. Going as far as Basking Ridge, you are probably going to have to take major highways, which won't be a lot of fun.

I loved Plainsboro itself, though. It had a mix of farm areas nearby and shopping/restaurants, etc. that I really liked. I felt like I was never too far from anywhere I wanted to go, and I always felt safe there.

wjcheng · 12-28-2006, 03:39 AM

During my job hunting trip, I have found my brother's town, Piscataway, is much better, especially commute to Basking Ridge than from Plainsboro, 1/2 or 1/3 ...

Besides, Piscataway has two schools got Blue Ribbon, according to my brother. and his son's Biology Science League won over most of 176 high schools in NJ, last year, his son's Chemistry Science League also got the plaque for Piscataway High School and he himself got a personal one.

His SAT-2 on Biology and Chemistry are full score! So, Plainsboro and West Winsor are good of the past, and Piscataway/Edison area is great for the coming future! Besides, geographically location, Edison/Piscataway/East Brunswick is more central, much easy to commute to almost any places in NJ or NY ...

Oh! if you like football, Piscataway is top! Metuchen Saint Joseph just got an alumni play NBA. If you like parks, Piscataway has 26 nicely renovated park with hocky ring, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball fields and was elected at "Sports Town" of NJ by Sports Illustrated ... I saw all the info from my brother's collections ...

By the way, my brother's sons also play at Rutgers Sinfonia Orchestra since they are 8th grade, with music major students! So Rutgers Univ is another advantage of Piscataway and Edison ...

If you really move down to Plainsboro and commute to Basking Ridge, you want to avoid Rt 1, that is top 10 busiest highway in the US ...

Spongedaddy · 12-28-2006, 04:05 PM

Thanks for the info. My only other choice at this point is to live in Bethlehem or Easton and take I78 and that seems even worse. I am hoping I can learn some back roads and avoid the interstate.

royceb · 12-28-2006, 08:02 PM

I went to school at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA while my family lived in Princeton, NJ. The trip took me about an hour and a half each way.

I now live a couple of towns over from Basking Ridge and sometimes have to commute to Princeton about 4 times a year. The rush hour ride takes about 70 minutes, so I think that is your best choice between the two. Of course, I think you should explore more options as there are plenty of better ones out there.

Spongedaddy · 12-29-2006, 12:40 PM

One of the reasons for Plainsboro is we are doing a coast to coast transfer with the mgt commuinity we use now and there will be no penalties.

I was looking at a map and it looked like I could take 533 up to 22 and then to 525 which goes to where I would be working. Any input on this route?

Thanks for all the help.