It gets a lot of hate because of the college kids, half the downtown they avoid though. There is also a not great part of town there which is between one of the college parts and the more professional hang out down town.

I live across the river in highland park and go to New Brunswick all the time. It is fine, it has bars and restaurants, an escape room, a smash shot place, but you will need a car 1000%.

You aren’t going to get everything in a downtown ticket in NJ, make sure you look at a wider area around where you are thinking of living. It has to be more than just a down town. Good luck! And when you get here make sure to check out other areas!