Looking for diverse areas near trains, buses and shopping North/Central NJ (Newark: affordable apartments, rent)

[Urbanhouse72]

Hello All,

I've been digging around on the threads to find a new area for me in NJ. I am originally from Queens, near the Long Island border. Work type - Administration remotely. Budget $1870 - up to $1930 will all utilities. Looking for vibrant, friendly area thats middle & upper middle class. Diverse Black/White/Latino (decent amount black american pop if possible). Is walkable to needed stores like a pharmacy, supermarkets, good number of eateries. Low crime, somewhat walkable come night without a car for a woman. I'm low-key, and nyc subways have done a number on me the last 4 years! * Transportation is a must, because I don't have a car presently, but would like to work on it within next 3 months. Train ride/bus to Manhattan 25 - 45 minutes max - so my recent grad daughter can visit me. Not looking to be in the city other than that really anymore. Areas I've been reading threads on that might be my style/ promising are: Downtown Montclair, South Orange, Union County, Weehwaken, Piscataway, Teaneck, Cliffside Park. Please let me know if these might be a good fit based on your knowledge, and based on info I've stated above! Any tips on nice apartment complexes would be most welcome too. I like to shop - troll the aisles sometimes, lo
ok at lovely things, listen to lectures, the arts, dance performances, a little comedy, eat out once in a while.

[zhelder]

Your budget’s too low for those areas. Consider Clifton or Bloomfield, although the budget still might be right there.

[foodyum]

Englewood or maywood. The GWB bus terminal is half an hour.
Teaneck also, but I don't like the downtown as much.

[Retriever]

Aside from the rent issue, Piscataway--like so many towns in Central NJ--has no discernable downtown, and it also lacks a train station.

[Karen59]

You sound like a fun person.

I want to ask others on the forum, does anyone know about Harrison? I work in Newark and sometimes I walk across the bridge to Harrison and always find it so warm and charming. The people seem nice and down to earth. It seems to be diverse. It had blocks with just regular houses, so it doesn't have a complete city feel. Maybe the OP would think it is too urban, too much like Queens.

It's close to Newark's iron bound, which has a lot going on. It is close the the Military Park section of Newark, which has constant really good cultural events. Certainly it is close to New York. I just don't know the particulars. No one ever mentions Harrison. There seems to be affordable apartments.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/23/r...t-hoboken.html

[HudsonCoNJ]

Originally Posted by zhelder

Your budget’s too low for those areas. Consider Clifton or Bloomfield, although the budget still might be right there.

This. Montclair fits everything you’re looking for except budget. Choose one of the many surrounding towns that are more affordable.

[foodyum]

Originally Posted by Karen59

You sound like a fun person.

I want to ask others on the forum, does anyone know about Harrison? I work in Newark and sometimes I walk across the bridge to Harrison and always find it so warm and charming. The people seem nice and down to earth. It seems to be diverse. It had blocks with just regular houses, so it doesn't have a complete city feel. Maybe the OP would think it is too urban, too much like Queens.

It's close to Newark's iron bound, which has a lot going on. It is close the the Military Park section of Newark, which has constant really good cultural events. Certainly it is close to New York. I just don't know the particulars. No one ever mentions Harrison. There seems to be affordable apartments.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/23/r...t-hoboken.html

Harrison seems to attract a very young demographic. It really is a great place for commuting.
Newark itself may work.

Honestly, Englewood is where I’d look first. Large black and Latin community, Bergen pac for top entertainment, large public library has lectures every night, good restaurants, new shoprite, Spanish food stores and bakeries, city runs from poverty to extreme wealth so very economically diverse. Great hospital, Balthazar main bakery. And it is in your price range.

[Urbanhouse72]

zhelder Thanks for your response. I will look into those two!

[Urbanhouse72]

Karen59 Thanks for your response and helpful info. I will look into your suggestions! Blessings

[Eristic1]

Why don't you just look for a nice place and not worry about people's skin color?