Best value town within 20 mins. Bridgewater? (Edison, Plainfield: best town, home, to buy)

[pamann28]

My husband just got a new job in Bridgewater. We are moving from Westchester County in NY and don't want too long a commute back to Westchester as my elderly parents still live here. Would also like to drive or take the train into Manhattan for pleasure once in a while.

We are looking to buy a home with at least 3 bedrooms as we have 2 college kids who come home often, esp for the summer and breaks. We are looking for a town with a walkable downtown, shops, recreation, and good opportunities to meet new people who are friendly. Not sure of price, but would want to keep it below $650,000.

So far Basking Ridge and Bernards look good, but expensive. School district not an issue as our kids are in college. Also looked into Westfield, Cranford, but these are 30 mins away from BW and in flood zones.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[PDD]

The best town that meets all your criteria is Westfield. Otherwise Bridgewater and do your walking in the mall at Bridgewater Commons.

[HalfFull]

Bridgewater would be a decent fit and you can just go to neighboring Somerville for a bit of a walkable downtown area.

[JerseyStrong1]

Originally Posted by pamann28

So far Basking Ridge and Bernards look good, but expensive. School district not an issue as our kids are in college. Also looked into Westfield, Cranford, but these are 30 mins away from BW and in flood zones.

It would be very difficult to drive from Westfield (and virtually impossible from Cranford) to Bridgewater in 30 minutes at any time of day. I'd say an average of 45 minutes from Westfield and almost an hour from Cranford during normal working hours.

Also, I'm not aware of flood zones in Westfield (Cranford, yes). As much as I like Westfield, it really does not seem like a good option for you because of the price, distance, and your kids already being in college.

Somerville might be an option as it has the only walkable downtown near Bridgewater.

[TonyStarksNJ]

Somerville?

[davenj08]

Very few towns in NJ have downtowns. If good schools are not a requirement, towns within 20 mins with good shopping and recreation are Bridgewater, Piscataway, Somerville, Hillsborough (norther section) and Greenbrook.

[RobRiguez]

What Daven said as well as Highland Park, South Edison, Piscataway, even South Plainfield.

[boater1]

Somerville would be a choice fitting your wants.
Also Raritan borough. smaller than Somerville but right next door.
Both have walkable downtowns

Bridgewater wraps around Raritan and Somerville.

Avoid Bound Brook at all costs

Manville and Dunellen are an option, but are pretty much in between Somerville/Raritan and Bound Brook value wise

[NJpoliticiansarecrooks]

Originally Posted by pamann28

My husband just got a new job in Bridgewater. We are moving from Westchester County in NY and don't want too long a commute back to Westchester as my elderly parents still live here. Would also like to drive or take the train into Manhattan for pleasure once in a while.

We are looking to buy a home with at least 3 bedrooms as we have 2 college kids who come home often, esp for the summer and breaks. We are looking for a town with a walkable downtown, shops, recreation, and good opportunities to meet new people who are friendly. Not sure of price, but would want to keep it below $650,000.

So far Basking Ridge and Bernards look good, but expensive. School district not an issue as our kids are in college. Also looked into Westfield, Cranford, but these are 30 mins away from BW and in flood zones.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Friendly and New Jersey? Good one! Seriously, though the suggestions others gave are good.

[SkyNinja]

Clinton. Direct bus service to nyc, away from the craziness of anything east of 287. Nice people and downtown with shops and restaurants.