Westfield (Union, Woodbridge, Raritan: new house, safe neighborhoods, to buy)

[laurelgreen]

We are considering a possible move to the area and are considering either Westfield, Nj or Rye, NY. We have visited and loved both. Can anyone tell me what the differences in the towns' vibes are? Would you say one is more friendly, down to earth than the other? We have 2 young children....Where would you rather grow up?!?

[JerseyGirl3624]

Never been to Rye, NY but have lived in Westfield NJ for over 35 years and still LOVE it.
Great schools and shopping.
Good luck!

[pinksnyper]

Grew up in Westfield area, very good school system and the down-town is always on the rise - plus you're 45 from New York City, 1 hour from the beach, and near 2 major malls in Woodbridge. Extremely safe neighborhoods throughout. I think most Westfield adults are NYC commuters

[CuCullin]

Originally Posted by pinksnyper

Grew up in Westfield area, very good school system and the down-town is always on the rise - plus you're 45 from New York City, 1 hour from the beach, and near 2 major malls in Woodbridge. Extremely safe neighborhoods throughout. I think most Westfield adults are NYC commuters

Courier News Online - NJ Transit plans Raritan Valley improvements

"During the last quarter of fiscal year 2007, there were 22,450 average weekday trips on the line, 5,700 Saturday trips (a 10.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year), and 4,100 Sunday trips, Stessel said.

Westfield in Union County was the busiest stop that year overall, with 2,261 average weekday boardings."

Yes, most Westfield adults are definitely commuters

I live in Westfield now (until I get some service done at my new house tomorrow), and I love it! I'd stay, but can't afford it. I don't know Rye, NY, but I do know Westfield... and its a fantastic place to live.

[jstar41]

yes.. Westfield is very nice.. but pricey.. if you can afford it, it'll be a good choice!

[tiggywink]

We just moved to Westfield 3 weeks ago after having done a lot of research and visiting many towns in this area

Yes, it is expensive, but our main priorities were excellent public schools and useful walkable downtown. Good schools were easier to find than the kind of walkability we wanted. We have a 3 year old and another on the way (due January)there are plenty of activities and kids everywhere. Our neighbors have been so friendly, bringing baskets of goodies and visiting, asking if we need anything, introducing themselves. Everything is so close and convenient, the town is lovely. We don't plan on moving until our children have graduated high school, if ever.

I was concerned about the possible snob-factor I had heard of but have not encountered even a slight amount of that in all of our months and months of househunting and now living here. We live in a modest older house with a (comparably) small property, lots of charm everywhere.

It is a financial stress for us to live here since I will not be working anytime too soon, but worth the sacrifices we'll make--the savings on private school alone are going to be enormous.

Sorry haven't been to Rye NY.

[laurelgreen]

Thanks, We certainly loved Westfield when we vsited....and Tiggywink I may be looking you up if we end up there! we have a soon to be three year old as well! Thanks again

[S & M]

Westfield is very nice, and very desirable, but very $$$$ for the home you get, IMHO.

[AnesthesiaMD]

Yes Westfield is very nice. Rye is nice too. People mentioned Westfield as being an expensive town, but I think it is very reasonable compared to Rye.
I think the "snob factor" can be found in any affluent town but it can only bother you if you let it.

[juliann1977]

I know nothing about Rye, NJ, but we enjoy Westfield. Great town, great schools, and if you're talking a million+ to buy a home, I'd absolutely go Westfield.

You can do better moneywise in NJ, but why bother? Westfield is a great option.