Princeton or North Brunswick (Jersey City, Edison: apartment, renting, daycare)

[prinbrun]

Folks,

We are planing to move to suburbs from Jersey City downtown. I am torn between Princeton and North Brunswick, though I dont know much about either. I have a wife and a to and a half year old son. We are thinking of renting an apartment since we dont know how our lives would change with the move. Can someone help by giving their opinion about both Princeton and North Brunswick. Our decision is dependent on
1. Kid friendliness - Abott program, pre-k 3, cost etc
2. We realized you get more square footage in No Brunswick than Princeton for same price, how does lifestyle change?
3. Commute to NYC - Downtown Manhattan precisely
4. Safety/ Security
5. Things to do - our life revolves around our son

Thanks

[anatk1]

Here I go! Both areas are great. N Brunswick was/is considered the most diverse community in the state according to the Star Ledger. If you look in the Hidden Lake area, which is really nice, you'll find an established community of apts, townhomes and single fam houses...there a small shopping area that has a dry cleaners and a daycare...probably much more,someone can help me with this. Its close to NBrunsiwick with a train to NYC/Philly and off Rt 27 and clost to Rt one. Of course, you can't beat Princeton. Plenty of places there, maybe pricey but if you look, you will find!!!

[Viralmd]

I would say that the commute from Princeton would be much more of a challenge than from New Brunswick. Not every train stops at the Princeton Junction station (and that's a ride from the Princeton station on the dinky), and parking at Princeton Junction has a waiting list that's years long. I would vote for New Brunswick or Edison...

I used to live in Princeton, now in Manhattan, and I didn't see any difference in cost of living between the two. Princeton is expensive.