Leaving Hoboken & Searching for Walkable Downtowns like Westfield/Cranford (Orange: middle-class, renting) - New Jersey (NJ) - City-Data Forum

shannon23 · 05-01-2008, 01:57 PM

Hi Everyone,

I am new to using this site, but have been recently perusing everyone's comments (thank you!). All of your helpful suggestions to other posters led my husband and I to discover Westfield and Cranford, in our quest to find a town to move to from Hoboken. We are now interested in having a home and looking toward starting a family. We love their downtowns and that they are close to trains that would be needed to commute into NYC, as that is where we both work.

While these towns seem great, and we have visited, I have read that there are really long waits for parking at their train stations (and in other towns as well). I am also aware that they are on the pricey side, even for being in the already expensive commutable zone to NY.

So, my question is whether there are some other towns similar to Westfield/Cranford that have close-by downtowns, allow for less exclusive train commuting to NY, good schools (for future) and might be less expensive. I realize this may be a difficult combination to find, but thought those who really know NJ better than we do could help us come up with some options that we don't know (originally from Saratoga, NY).

Thanks so much!!

AJGIANTS · 05-01-2008, 02:36 PM

My wife and I love Saratoga! Travers weekend is the best, Although I'm sure locals do not like it as much.
So I can see why you would like a downtown. There is nothing that similar to Saratoga but I would say Morristown NJ has downtown area you would enjoy. Restaurants shops bars. There is a nice neighborhood along James street that is walking distance to downtown. You would probably want to go to the Convent Station Train stop. The parking there seems ample but I can not guarantee it.

Good Luck!

kalim2008 · 05-01-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shannon23

Hi Everyone,

I am new to using this site, but have been recently perusing everyone's comments (thank you!). All of your helpful suggestions to other posters led my husband and I to discover Westfield and Cranford, in our quest to find a town to move to from Hoboken. We are now interested in having a home and looking toward starting a family. We love their downtowns and that they are close to trains that would be needed to commute into NYC, as that is where we both work.

While these towns seem great, and we have visited, I have read that there are really long waits for parking at their train stations (and in other towns as well). I am also aware that they are on the pricey side, even for being in the already expensive commutable zone to NY.

So, my question is whether there are some other towns similar to Westfield/Cranford that have close-by downtowns, allow for less exclusive train commuting to NY, good schools (for future) and might be less expensive. I realize this may be a difficult combination to find, but thought those who really know NJ better than we do could help us come up with some options that we don't know (originally from Saratoga, NY).

Thanks so much!!

1. Cranford has a new and very large parking garage next to the train station, so now even westfield people go there.
2. Cranford ain't that pricey.

There is a Craft and Street Fair going on May 4...you can visit at that time and take a gander at the place:
Cranford.com · The Official Website of Cranford, NJ 07016

Town website:
Cranford.com · The Official Website of Cranford, NJ 07016

Sergio M · 05-01-2008, 02:48 PM

There are resonably priced homes in Cranford. Are you looking for a starter home or something larger? I would be glad to send you the listings that we have.

shannon23 · 05-01-2008, 02:48 PM

Thanks both of you for your responses! I had not specifically heard that Cranford had a parking issue, but assumed b/c Westfield did. I will check that out for sure. I will also take some time and look into Morristown as an option.

Saratoga is beautiful and we love heading upstate to visit our families and even check out the race track.

paddy205 · 05-01-2008, 02:57 PM

From many parts of Westfield, you can just walk to the train. I see people coming from all over town every morning. Also, if you have proof that you live in town (dr license with address, deed, etc), just take that to the police station for an on-street parking pass. With that you could possibly park on a street closer to the station and walk from there. I am not sure if the passes are zoned accotrding to where you live though. I am currently renting an apt right across the street from the station.

While its a beautiful town and great for shopping and dining, there is no nightlife to speak of for younger people. There are a few wine and cheese bars, but the crowd is older (my husband and I are 31, no kids) and sometimes snooty. I am much more of a beer girl. We go to Cranford most of the time, that is more our thing.

We are looking to buy now and are looking at Maplewood and South Orange. Much more affordable than Westfield/Cranford. They too have really cute downtowns and train stations. I have no idea what the schools are like though. Good luck!

shannon23 · 05-01-2008, 04:44 PM

Thanks to all! I think we might refocus our efforts on Cranford instead of Westfield and they are so close we can always walk/drive over if we want. What are people's thoughts on how Berkeley Heights stacks up?

Paddy205- I had not thought about walking to the station, that would make sense to plan around. My husband and I are in about the same boat as you, 28 and no children yet. We would still like to have a couple of nightlife options that, while I enjoy wine bars, are casual pubs to have a beer or two.

MaverickDD · 05-01-2008, 07:30 PM

Don't dismiss Garwood! It's a great option for a young family needing a convenient commute to New York; sandwiched between and less costly than Cranford and certainly than Westfield.

Also, along the Boonton Line there are a number of nice middle-class towns -- Little Falls, Lincoln Park, and Boonton. Time on the train might be a little bit longer though.

NYmama · 05-01-2008, 09:47 PM

I'm following this thread as I'm also looking into Westfield and Cranford. One house I looked at in Westfield had a bus stop literally at the corner on North Avenue. The owners said it's the bus to NY (the 113). I understand there's an express 113 that goes to Port Authority, and I'm trying to find out whether it does stop in the mornings at regular bus stops around the town, like this stop that's a short walk from the house, or if that express bus picks up right near the train station only. Can anyone shed some light?

kalim2008 · 05-02-2008, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYmama

I'm following this thread as I'm also looking into Westfield and Cranford. One house I looked at in Westfield had a bus stop literally at the corner on North Avenue. The owners said it's the bus to NY (the 113). I understand there's an express 113 that goes to Port Authority, and I'm trying to find out whether it does stop in the mornings at regular bus stops around the town, like this stop that's a short walk from the house, or if that express bus picks up right near the train station only. Can anyone shed some light?

http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/bus/T0113.pdf