Need advice on relocation to Parsippany (Newark: apartment, rent, house)

[kirylm]

Hi, I am currently living in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY. I got a job in Parsippany, NJ. I've been working there for several months now, and start to realize that it costs me a PENNY to drive there plus I'm not really happy spending so much time in traffic, even if it's 2-3 times a week.

So, I thought about moving to Morris county. I will rent for now. Can't buy a house in the place I don't have a clue about. I mean some place (not necessary Morris county) relatively close to Parsippany, let's say within 45 mins max (driving). So I wonder if somebody can give me some advice on where to start looking (towns, counties, agencies, etc). Here is some additional info, on what I'm looking for.

I am not 100% happy moving out of the city, but I think that I want to try to live in the countysid - maybe I will like it even more then a city, you never know... I was living in a big city all my life, it's time for a change.

School system is not that important, since my daughter is only 2.5 now, and it's another couple of years until she'll go to school. However, I am looking for a descent neighborhood, without any gangs, graffiti on the walls, etc. You know what I mean. No Newark crap (as far as I heard about it). So, my budget is limited. I am paying 1300 for 900sf 1-bedrm apt in Queens, but this is the city, I wouldn't pay as much in Jersey, unless there is more to that apartment then just regular apartment building/. I want to live there, checks things around, maybe even buy a house later.

Any kinds of advices are welcome. Thank you very much.