Livingston/Montville/N. Caldwell (Newark, Westfield: transplants, how much, house)

[CaliKT]

We're relocating to NJ from CA. People we know in the area have recommended these three towns to us. Thoughts on how the personality of each town compares? Schools? Overall quality of life?

From what we've been able to see online, it seems like Livingston's schools are better... but how much better? We'd be able to get a little more bang for the buck in Montville. (Commutability to NYC is not a factor.)

Any other nearby towns you prefer? We're a family with small kids, so we're looking for a nice town with great schools and a family-oriented community.

[Obrero]

What is you budget? I like Mountain Lakes much better than Montville. I like Madison better than Livingston. But I like smaller towns with smaller schools.... YMMV.

[CaliKT]

Ideally somewhere in the 700s.

[IanErikson]

All 3 of those are great choices- Montville has a beautiful HS campus. Its also real easy to hop on 287 or 80, 46 to rt3, which are great for commuting. North Caldwell is a nice somewhat secluded on top of a plateau. North Caldwell and Montville are probably pretty close as far as school quality, the house you will get for the money. Livingston is another good choice, but you will probably not see as much house for the money- probably 15-20% more expensive. You are also in South west Essex county, so your commute might be different.

[NJdweller]

You cannot beat Montville!! Probably why it has been on the Best Places to Live In listing forever!! Schools are fantastic (better than N Caldwell - reference to previous message from IanErikson). Plus - you get more land for your money and taxes than N caldwell - that's the difference between Essex county and Morris in most cases.

Montville has great community offerings, excellent public library, superb recreational program, beautiful parks (even a dog park) .. the list goes on and on. Certainly not as crowded as the other areas you mentioned.

Note: Montville TWP is made up of 3 sections: Pine Brook, Towaco, and Montville (proper). I prefer Montville, then Towaco. But it really depends on each individual person. I like the Valley View elementary school - which is in the Montville section of Montville Twp - but they are all great.

One big factor in choosing your town would be commuting. I know you said it is not a factor - so I am assuming no one will commute to Manhattan. But even commuting within NJ can be challenging. So keep that in mind when choosing your town to reside. I have moved around a bit - and yes, commuted to Manhattan as well - I have found Montville to be the best place!!

[CaliKT]

Thanks for the information, NJDweller! I might send you a message later if I have any more questions.

[twista6002]

I recomend Livingston. It's got some of the best schools of the 3 cities you mentioned, it's very safe, and it's within reasonable distance from the city, and the TPK and GSP, so you have easy access to go visit anywhere you please.

[tceffo]

Im just south of NorthCaldwell> (caldwell)- -
That and Essex Fells next door are some of the top of the line towns in essex cty-
Montville(Morris cty) is a bit too rural for me ,and Livingston is nice but its near rt.280 and a lot of Newark traffic comes thru there , the Eisenhower Parkway & RT10- - However>>>
Given a choice Id take N.Caldwell-(I think the Sorprano House is available)
All big time area$- best of luck

[NJdweller]

CaliKT - No problem - reach out any time and send a message with questions - I'll answer as soon as I can. It is so hard to make these decisions and the more information you can get first hand the better.

[snuffybear]

I'd consider Chatham, Madison and Westfield also. These towns have more transplants than Livingston (I think) or N.Caldwell (pretty sure on that one, that it is mostly Jersey people). Housing is pricey though, but may be doable for someone coming from CA.

Where is the job?