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I personally love South Orange/Maplewood. Taxes are high, schools are good. I have several friends that put their kid through public schools and loved it. Others that did private, there are a lot to schools from.
I'll throw this out there (as many have already covered towns I would suggest).
Are you strictly wanting your kids to enroll in public schools? I ask because Jersey City has become the hip, trendy liberal city that has a Brooklyn feel (downtown has a mix of Williamsburg, Park Slope feel) with access to public transportation (light rail) that allows kids to travel out to well-regarded private schools in the suburbs. And certainly you have access to Path that would lead to a short commute to Downtown NYC. Many Brooklyn residents have moved across the water and settled in downtown JC area over the last five years.
If you are thinking a pure suburban play, then you have options like Montclair/Maplewood that are socially left-leaning & have respectable public school systems. You also have higher-end suburbs like Livingston/Millburn/Summit that have shifted to the left during the Trump years. They are probably moderate-left more than progressive left, and are in the top tier of public schools in the state (Millburn especially).
Curious as to why you aren't thinking Middletown, like everyone else who ever moved to NJ from Staten Island or Brooklyn and commutes downtown. . (But seriously, Middletown has the distinction of having lost more residents on 9/11 than any other NJ town.) Definitely a little more than an hour, but within the 1.5, and you'll find the school system and property you want, plus quick access to the shore and the benefits of the excellent Monmouth County park system for the kids.
@Mightyqueen801.. Now you are talking! Great schools in Monmouth County, lots of green space, and close to beaches.. what else is there
Monmouth County is great place to live and go to school but its a red county/Trump land. Seems like OP knows more about 'SOMA' then most people on the board here and thats what they want. As someone else said thats probably your best bet and Montclair.
Monmouth County is great place to live and go to school but its a red county/Trump land. Seems like OP knows more about 'SOMA' then most people on the board here and thats what they want. As someone else said thats probably your best bet and Montclair.
Red? The area is split despite what you might think there are plenty of liberal types who have been escaping NY and Northern NJ for the past 40 or more years. For that matter what is the difference who voted for who it doesn't permeate day to day life. This isn't 1760 Whig/Tory ffs.
Monmouth County is great place to live and go to school but its a red county/Trump land. Seems like OP knows more about 'SOMA' then most people on the board here and thats what they want. As someone else said thats probably your best bet and Montclair.
There are a lot of Republicans in parts of Monmouth, but there are a fair amount of liberals and middle-of-the-roaders or people who don't hold fast to one party, as well.
To the OP. I went to Maplewood Jr. mid 1960's. At that time the schools were very good now not as good but at the least decent. SO doesn't have the same cache it did many years ago but overall the SO Maplewood area is better than decent as long as you stay away from the Irvington and Orange borders.
Went to Livingston HS the area is very nice schools still pretty good.
If you want to be near the beach Monmouth is a better option. There won't be any night life that will come close to New York City. Always preferred grass over concrete myself so for me Hoboken and the areas near the Hudson are out for me. Lived in Manalapan for years think it might be the best all around option for a fam with kids.
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. (But seriously, Middletown has the distinction of having lost more residents on 9/11 than any other NJ town.) Definitely a little more than an hour, but within the 1.5, and you'll find the school system and property you want, plus quick access to the shore and the benefits of the excellent Monmouth County park system for the kids.
