Where to Live in NJ?

Well,
this all depends on how much money you have to spend. I live in Union and it is a good town. If you are looking for a good place to live with excellent school system it's up in Bernardsville. I checked them out when we were looking for a home but their prices were a little too high for us. You can also go south, they have a good school system as well.
There are a lot of nice places in NJ, up west the towns are nice and the school system is great.
Hope this helps a little. :)

It depends what kind of area you are looking to move to...urban like Jersey City, suburban or more rural. I worked in Jersey City and live in the Rutherford area (near routes 3 and 17). Bergen county has great schools in most communities but is more expensive. East Rutherford has reasonable schools and lower property taxes. You might also check out communities in Union or Middlesex counties. We had friends who lived in Cranford (Union County) and were happy there. I also know a few people who bought in North Plainfield (just over the county line west of Union county off I 78, almost an hour west of Hudson county). My sister is in Highland Park which is one town over from Rutgers University in Middlesex county. I have heard many communities in that area are more affordable but you would have to check on the schools. I have heard that central, south and western NJ are far more affordable but I don't know about schools and they are a long way if you have friends and family in Jersey City.

Montclair is delightful. Lots of things for adults and children and decent school system.

I also like South Plainfield or the Sleepy Hollow section of Plainfield. Easy access to NYC, loads of things for children to do and lots of trees for shade.

Cranford and Springfield have beautiful homes with plenty of space between the houses and loads of land around your house. If you want the personal touch in your search check out this site www.abeautifulneighborhood.com

Tell them K. sent you.

You should look into Rutherford. I live close to there and would live there if I could afford it! It sounds like it is in your budget though. Close to NYC and has great schools and I have a great pediatrician to recommend if you need one. Good luck house hunting!!!

If you don't mind the taxes, Montclair is a very nice town for families. Currently there is a magnet system for elementary schools and middle schools. Of course, the current economic situation has hit Montclair hard so I don't know how it will affect the schools in a few years. It is on the train line to NYC and also several bus lines. Montclair State University is here and is a nice addition to the town. In general, Essex County (where Montclair is) has very high taxes.

I know someone suggested Rutherford. I used to teach there and personally would NEVER send my kids to school there. Just my two cents.

As another poster said, Middlesex County has some lovely towns -- East Brunswick has excellent schools and Highland Park is a nice small town with a walkable downtown area.

Good luck!
B.