Jobs in Newark and NYC - best place to live for our respective commutes? (Ridge: middle-class)

[miablueiii]

Husband's looking for work in NYC and I work in Newark. We each have cars right now that we're leasing so I'm not sure getting rid of one or both is possible. And paying for them just to have them sit at home during the week is not happening. My job requires me to live in the state of NJ - are there any cities that could work for both of us? Obviously mass transit is ideal for both cities, especially NYC, but suggestions for "drive-able" (note the quotes) commutes are appreciated. We're looking for a place that's safe, no concern for schools, willing to spend up to $2,000 a month.

[citylove101]

Do you areally need two cars? One of you will probably commute to Newark by car and the other to NYC by mass transit. Maybe you can sell one.

At any rate, I'd be looking at one of the many towns near Newark since you seem to want suburban or will need it if you keep those cars. South Orange, West Orange, Montclair, Bloomfield, Verona and Glen Ridge are all in Essex County on the NJT line into Penn station, well-served by buses into Port Authority, and a very short drive to Newark. Each has its own distinct vibe, but you don't say what else you're looking for beside two parking spots and each town has its own sensibility and different vibe. Maybe someone in the NJ forum can help you a bit more. And since schools arent a consideration, there no reason not to consider Newark itself. It has a bad rep, but God know its not just one big slum. There are very nice middle-class areas there.