I’m looking to move to North Jersey from Phoenix

Submitted by rkellyskiddiepool t3_116zp6i in newjersey

Hey, I’m tired of living in a hot hell hole and after visiting JC and Hoboken on a work trip I’m convinced that Jersey is the shit and after looking at schools, safety, cost of living, and politics it checked all the boxes. Being a work trip I got to see some places, but not as much as I wished I could’ve. I’m planning a trip back in June with my fiancé to sell her on it and will most likely start planning a move from there. Which brings me to my locals plea for information :

What are some good safe areas that your wives/girlfriends/partners would fee ok to walk alone? Obviously nowhere is 100% safe but you know what I mean.

Of those areas which of those places could you live without a car? (Not a deal breaker but would be nice)

Of those areas where could you realistically find a 2B 1B at or sub 3,500 a month base?

Lastly, where do y’all look for apartments? I’ve never heard of a broker with rental real estate so I’m a bit green on how to approach that.

Thanks whoever contributes.

13

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

bgar91 t1_j9a4lvz wrote

Montclair could work.

18

rjam710 t1_j9cs2b4 wrote

Upper Montclair definitely fits the bill for being able to walk around and feel safe. Although these days downtown JC is pretty fun if you're young and enjoy the night life.

12

rkellyskiddiepool OP t1_j9dsn90 wrote

That more or less matches our description, I like the New York Neighborhood on prozac vibe.

2

rjam710 t1_j9dv1m3 wrote

Lol Morristown is pretty chill too if that's the vibe you're after. I saw you're in IT, there's a huge IT bubble in the Morristown/Parsippany area of NJ. A lot of banks have offices there. Another good area is Princeton, with a great downtown and IT roles supporting big pharma.

3

bgar91 t1_j9f0l1l wrote

Funny was going to recommend both Morristown and Princeton. But saw that OP really liked JC. I like North Jersey because there is more outdoor related stuff going on. More mountains. Closer to NYC.

2

vc1914 t1_j9a6dj1 wrote

You’ll want a car after a while regardless of where you live. There are places to visit you would have a hard time getting to without. It just makes life way easier.

12

aTribeCalledLemur t1_j9bqz61 wrote

Plenty of people live in North Jersey close to NY and don't have a car. Just like tons people live in NY itself and don't have a car. It's very doable if you don't want to have one, which not everybody does.

5

Johnsonburnerr t1_j9ccmkn wrote

Nahhh USA is so car centric outside of metropolitan cities like NYC that its quite miserable imo

5

aTribeCalledLemur t1_j9d480l wrote

I was in Louisville recently, I flew in and rented a car. Not owning a car doesn't mean you can't drive one, just that you can get by without one for your day to day life so why throw unnecessary money at it.

3

iberian_prince t1_j9dvdfa wrote

As someone from north jersey who had no car and now has one, not having a car is not it. Its a miserable way to live in nj and people cant always only go to manhattan. Not having a car in ny only works because its a big city.

2

vocabularylessons t1_j9ampgg wrote

You can find a 2bd/1ba <$3,500 easily in JC Heights. Would suggest living near the 9th St light rail or near Riverview Park. It's also possible in Downtown but in an older (but nice) building. All the new construction in DT, JSQ, and the waterfront in JC is fairly expensive. Hoboken is all around expensive. The Heights isn't as well-connected as Downtown but it's got it's own vibe and plenty to do, and you can always take the light rail around Hoboken/JC/Weehawken or transfer to the PATH to go into Downtown/Midtown Manhattan.

In terms of safety, JC Heights is very family oriented. Obvs keep your wits about you, don't be careless in any city. But I've had no issues and often see young families walking at 8pm/9pm and people walking their dogs until 10pm. I've had no issue on the light rail and walking from 9th St to Riverview.

12

My_user_name_1 t1_j99gacn wrote

You are aware the NJ is more than just JC and Hoboken? I actually did the opposite I moved from NJ to Scottsdale. If no car JC or Hoboken would be best, but they feel more like neighborhoods in NYC than NJ

9

rkellyskiddiepool OP t1_j9bicd8 wrote

I’m aware, Central and South Jersey don’t have the same offerings that having NYC in your back pocket does especially in the IT or Banking department. Scottsdale is nice, I’m over in Goodyear and I’m just bored and tired of being here.

7

Chaiteoir t1_j9ao5il wrote

> but they feel more like neighborhoods in NYC than NJ

Totally agree with you on this one, and what's more Hoboken and JC will be adversely affected in coming years by climate change, worse than most other parts of the state.

4

BigBusinessBureau t1_j99gvg0 wrote

Be aware taxes and cost of living will increase dramatically. Being you are WFH there are maybe better options in the US before NJ. NJ is great but it has its own unique problems you don’t notice until you’ve lived there for a while.

9

rkellyskiddiepool OP t1_j9dxqb2 wrote

I’ll keep that in mind, the move is more for our out-of-work life. I liked the amount of stuff to do there and the community feel, it would probably add some much needed excitement to both of our lives.

1

iJayZen t1_j99e8ez wrote

Where will you work, where will she work? Is it a hybrid schedule?

5

rkellyskiddiepool OP t1_j99fbhq wrote

We are both WFH, she needs the office. I’m more of a Networking/ IT callgirl so my work is where whatever equipment I’m working on is.

7

srddave t1_j9a6ymr wrote

All of Hoboken and a good portion of JC are safe enough that most people would feel good about walking alone in the evening. In JC, there are a few neighborhoods with drug and gang reputations on the southwest side of the city, such as Greenville.

Having said that (and not knowing what type of place you are coming from —urban, suburban, rural—you are moving to a place that is decidedly urban. You can live anywhere in JC (and really in North Jersey) without a car. We have one of the best public transport systems in the US. Hoboken and JC are well-wired with extensive light rail, commuter rail, multiple bus systems and a subway that links with NYC (PATH). Plus there are Citibike stall in JC and Hoboken.

And yes, there are many, many real estate brokers with rental experience in North Jersey. My company has moved people from all over the world to NJ and they contract with real estate brokers to find them rental properties all the time. Good luck!

3

aTribeCalledLemur t1_j9brdi9 wrote

If you plan to go to the NYC regularly, you want to be walking distance to the PATH train. It's the same price as the NYC subway and it runs 24/7.

If you liked the vibe of Jersey City and Hoboken and want that urban living, that's where I would pick. Look for apartments close to the Grove St, Newport, or Exchange place PATH stops in Jersey City or anywhere in Hoboken. It's all very safe.

However if those are out of budget, Harrison is also off the PATH train to give easy access to NY and Jersey City and is more affordable and safe. That's where I live because it is more affordable.

Journal Square and Newark are the other PATH stops but are a bit grungier, might not be what your girlfriend is looking for.

3

rkellyskiddiepool OP t1_j9dt986 wrote

Thank you I was curious about JSQ I’ll take a look at Harrison. Any thoughts on Communipaw or Bayonne? I know the rail runs through there also.

1

aTribeCalledLemur t1_j9i8q6f wrote

Bayonne and Communipaw aren't path stops, you take the light rail to the path. Which might be fine for your needs, but something to keep in mind you do have to transfer if you plan to head into the city.

And there is nothing wrong with JSQ, but it is urban gentrifying area where you will see homeless people hanging around and the like. Same with Communipaw. However both neighborhoods offer more urban amenities within themselves than Harrison does.

1

Icy-Formal975 t1_j9a1hw5 wrote

Yo while you don’t need a car to get around in jc or Hoboken the rent is insane. You’ll get more fir your value anywhere else in the state and in jc or Hoboken you might still need a car if your doctor is grocery store is out of town. If your planning on your new job being in nyc there is public transportation to get there but it is unrealible. Taxes are much more in Nj. Your cost of living will go up as necessities are also much more expensive in this state. Don’t get me wrong nj Is a beautiful state and great place to live but it will cost you.

2

srddave t1_j9a7gfa wrote

If she lives in Hoboken, and her doctor is out of town, there is amazing rail, light rail, and bus service to get anyone most places. A car is entirely unnecessary if living in Hoboken and JC.

I also disagree that public transportation to nyc is unreliable from Hoboken and JC. The PATH train, Commuter Trains and busses are used by hundreds of thousands of commuters every day very reliably.

8

PostPostMinimalist t1_j9adp2x wrote

Commuter trains from JC or Hoboken to NYC?

1

srddave t1_j9adtz7 wrote

Sure. Change at Secaucus Junction.

3

PostPostMinimalist t1_j9ae82k wrote

How can I change at Secaucus if I live in Hoboken? Go backwards first?

1

srddave t1_j9aeawh wrote

Hoboken to Secaucus.
Secaucus to Penn

1

PostPostMinimalist t1_j9aeleu wrote

Huh, didn’t realize this was a thing? I mean costs more and takes longer than PATH though no?

1

srddave t1_j9afqsg wrote

It depends on how crowded the 33rd St train is. I used to do it cuz the Path was so crowded and also I am a bit of a train nerd. I really enjoyed the commuter train ride. (I know I am in the minority and most people are in a rush)

Plus my company would give us a monthly Transitchek stipend and Path didn’t accept it so I could only use it on NJT.

It can be slightly more time but there are always trains going to Secaucus so you usually don’t have to wait. And then once you get to Secaucus there are tons of options coming into Penn. it’s also very comfy on the commuter trains. I would do that in the morning and then Path back home in the evening.

And yes…definitely more expensive.

1

acoreilly87 t1_j9arw9m wrote

I’m going to throw my hometown of Hackensack into the mix. It’s a little farther from NYC, but still very close. It has a good mix of ethnicities and lifestyles, good food, and is safe. The fire department is top-notch, and the schools are very underrated. Rents have been rising, but are still lower than JC or Hoboken, and buying a house or condo is probably within reach if you decide to stay.

Nowhere is perfect, but it’s pretty good.

2

shtarker53 t1_j9azui2 wrote

Check out rent control towns so your rent doesn't get unfairly jacked up every year. Certain nice buildings in Morristown fit the bill... including Hamilton Court and Blair House and a few on Kemble. All are in or near downtown Mo-town.

2

rkellyskiddiepool OP t1_j9dt2i0 wrote

I was thinking get my 20’s out of the way and settle somewhere with a backyard when I have kids. Thank you for the schooling angle, it will definitely be something to look at.

2

Selenophile10 t1_j9b3og8 wrote

Please keep in mind that NJ can/does have extreme weather as well. It's very hot/humid in the Summer and can be frigid cold/snow in the Winter. And the JC/Hoboken area floods (depending on where you live). It's an incredible state otherwise.

1

New_Stats t1_j9a7ysk wrote

Just an FYI, Jersey City just became the most expensive city for rent in the entire country.

To save some money I'd suggest having one car between the two of you and living close to a train station that's a bit farther away from NYC than Jersey City or Hoboken

Look at where the train stations are on these maps

https://www.njtransit.com/accessibility/System-Map

Avoid the Raritan line, I live at the ass end of it and the train only comes during rush hour, only on the weekdays. Maybe it's more frequent closer to NYC but you'll have to check the schedule. Also check the schedule for the river line, I don't know how frequent those trains are

Then look at the towns/cities close to the train station on this site, it tells you about affordability, walkability & crime rate

https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/

0

PostPostMinimalist t1_j9ae227 wrote

Jersey City is not the most expensive city for rent in the country. It was one random article from rent.com, with no methodology, that has been multiple times debunked. They were off by thousands of dollars, and it’s insane that got published by anyone.

Or if you really believe the average 1-2 bedroom rent in all of JC is $5k I’ve got some luxury housing to sell ya.

5

New_Stats t1_j9airlb wrote

Remember, the NYT has worse fact checkers than an anonymous user on Reddit who provides no proof that the report is wrong

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/28/realestate/which-city-is-most-expensive-for-renters-you-might-be-surprised.html

The absolute hubris is outstanding

−1

PostPostMinimalist t1_j9ajagf wrote

NYTimes merely cites the rent.com article. They clearly didn’t check themselves. Yes, I agree it is very frustrating.

Some people pulled the numbers and the average is like $2000 lower. It’s not even close. I challenged someone to find me a single building in which the average is that high, and not even the most luxurious luxury building has it to say nothing of all of Bergen Lafayette or Greenville etc.

Sorry, I don’t have all the discussions and data on hand. But I mean…. Anyone who lives here should know it’s hilariously painfully bullshit.

3

New_Stats t1_j9am3e2 wrote

>NYTimes merely cites the rent.com article. They clearly didn’t check themselves.

Clearly.

So where are the articles debunking the thing cited by the well respected paper of record that is the New York Times? Seems like any rival paper would be all over that

1

PostPostMinimalist t1_j9an0db wrote

Because it’s an article on Jersey City rent, not Watergate. Nobody is “all over it” because nobody really cares.

I understand respecting the NYTimes. I’m a paid subscriber. But there’s a point at which something flies so blatantly in the face of common sense and the tiniest bit of research that it’s too much. Especially when they merely cite one external article that doesn’t bother to explain itself.

Seriously though, do you actually believe the average rent in JC for 1 and 2 bedrooms is $5500? That’s insanity. Pick your favorite luxury tower in the most expensive part of JC and see if it’s true.

2

smallint t1_j9brzn4 wrote

Why are you leaving Phoenix?

0

rkellyskiddiepool OP t1_j9dw626 wrote

So I’ve got a few reasons: -Weather, it’s gorgeous 5-6 months a year nearly intolerable the rest. -Phoenix doesn’t have a localized bad areas, by that I mean you can have crack dens across the street from multimillion dollar properties. It makes finding a place very hit or miss. -we have reverse Seattle, I can plan my birthday 4 years from now and know definitively I can plan something. Sun is nice but we have no signs of any seasons it’s either summer and hot or cold and sunny.
-Schools are bad because of school choice, mouth breathers think that’s a good thing but it leads to anyone starting a half cocked underfunded charter school sucking government funding and leaving kids stupid. -Schools don’t have the funding to be safe, I was in 4 lockdowns when I worked at a rural school district because of lack of security because a bond didn’t pass. -it’s a soulless strip mall paradise with no identity other than cheaper California. -Old people have their own city states that don’t have to pay local taxes where nobody under 55 can live. (See sun city) -I’m 24 and don’t get drunk at bars because I have no way of getting back that doesn’t cost a small fortune. -corporations have bent over the younger generation here by buying up single family housing and causing a huge influx in property values. -said corporations charging a fucking stomach churning amount to live in those houses. -No co-operative apartments you own a house or you rent or if you can’t do either you get a tent and live at our states capital.

Those are a few reasons, I just feel like the west coast is a failure in policies. When I went to NYC and North Jersey I saw a few untoward things, but never homeless shanty towns lining several urban sprawled blocks like in LA SF SEA PDX and PHX.

1

Dramatic_League1849 t1_j9d67tf wrote

No car: Downtown JC, JC heights, Hoboken Share one car: Montclair, Morristown, Asbury Park

0

Theo_dore229 t1_j9ejrtr wrote

You can’t really do AP, without a car. I live in the area. Sure, you could pull off doing most of your daily errands without a car, and depending on where you live, you could walk to the train. But you wouldn’t be able to even walk to a proper grocery store, and you certainly couldn’t walk to most doctor’s appointments and all that. It also sounds much further than the city than they want to be.

3

Dramatic_League1849 t1_j9essyq wrote

I agree. I said share one car for living in Asbury/Montclair/Morristown. For some reason the formatting of my comment came out weird.

1