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My wife, I, and our three toddlers are planning to move to NJ from Manhattan. We've recenlty learned a bit about the town of Summit and have liked what we've heard about it. We would greatly appreciate any help contrasting Summit with two other towns we've heard a lot about - Westfield and Cranford. We're particularly interested to know how these towns contrast with regard to their school systems, diversity, and "overall feel." We plan to continue commuting to NYC, so we're also trying to factor this in as well.
Thank you for any advice!
For people looking for diversity, all three of those towns lack diversity. They are mostly White white collar towns.
All 3 have great commute to NYC options. Schools are very good.
Out of all 3, Westfield is probably the better one but Summit and Cranford are not too behind. Westfield is also more expensive.
Commute from Cranford will be the quickest of the three.
Thank you re_alvz. I had thought there was a direct commute from Summit, whereas the commute from Westfield and Cranford required changing trains. Can you tell me anything further about commuting from Cranford?
Summit and Westfield are pretty highbrow (although very very nice) areas. Cranford is too but it has always been a step down from Summit and Westfield.
Yes Summit is direct and Cranford and Westfield require change at Newark Penn, but the change is very easy.
Summit and Cranford by train will have almost the same commute time, Summit maybe a little quicker.
Cranford being the closest to NYC will also offer Bus options. Which maybe very good if you work midtown east as some CoachUSA buses come to 42nd and Madison.
Look at the NJ Transit schedules. Specifically, look at Summit. You will see there are rush hour trains that are frequent, and some that barely stop at all from Summit to Penn Station in NYC.
Then compare Westfield or Cranford and look at the frequency of trains to Penn Station NEWARK, then the connection on the PATH. This makes for a less relaxing commute.
However, if you work downtown, you may have to take Summit => Hoboken => Path (WTC) anyway.
All are great options with excellent schools, nice downtowns, and good NYC commutes. It will come down to your budget as summit is the most expensive of the 3 with Westfield a close 2nd. You'll get the most house for your money in cranford with schools that are on par with the others.
Thank you for all of your responses - all quite helpful. Picking up with the last reply from petenaff, is there an easy way to know the flood zones in Cranford - I heard about this problem last year.
Thank you.
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