Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?

carolbee

Hello - FI and I are starting to look to buy a home and are having huge sticker shock!  We prefer to find a town that we can stay in for the longer term, so are considering schools, etc.  Any thoughts on Rahway, Linden or South Plainfield?  We can find something nice here but want to be sure it is a nice place to live!

Thanks for your help!

peaches178

I don't know anything about Rahway or South Plainfield, but I'd avoid Linden. FI's family lives there and his little brother is in middle school.  There are some sections of the town that look nice and there's cultural diversity (which I like), but overall the schools aren't that good, traffic/congestion is awful, and most of the surrounding towns aren't all that nice either.

I hear you on the sticker shock... FI and I have been dealing with that as well.

NJhousewife22

We are too! The prices are insane! It's so depressing!

cutiepie12702

I know people who live in Linden, and want to get out. As for the other two towns, I don't know anyone who lives there, but personally, I'd never want to live there. They aren't known for being the best of areas to live in. I work in Piscataway, right near the HS, and about two years ago we had a lot of cars get stolen from our parking lot...the people were eventually caught, they were HS students from So. Plainfield....

michellemac14

if you are considering those towns, you might want to look into Scotch Plains and Fanwood as well. They have excellent schools and not super far from the city. Taxes might be a bit on the higher side though.

goaliegirl

Yeah, I would try and stay away from those 3 towns.  I know they aren't the nicest areas on the whole and I know the schools in Rahway and Linden are not that good.  Not sure about South Plainfield.  Unfortunately, house prices are ridiculous everywhere. 

Have you ever thought about going a little more south to ocean county?   My sister lives in Jackson and she has a beautiful home and paid a ridiculously low price for it and her taxes are low and they have some of the best schools in the state.  I wish my husband and I could move down that way but our jobs keep us up here.

Good Luck with the house hunting it can definetely be overwhelming at times!

peaches178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:a2ea4777-f0c2-4489-b81f-3dbb5540a9cf">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]if you are considering those towns, you might want to look into Scotch Plains and Fanwood as well. They have excellent schools and not super far from the city. Taxes might be a bit on the higher side though.
Posted by michellemac14[/QUOTE]
Yeah, house prices and taxes in those two towns are kind of high.  Maybe Cranford, though?  Still a bit on the higher side compared to the towns the OP mentioned, but a bit cheaper than other towns in the area like Scotch Plains, Westfield, etc.

goaliegirl

Unfortunately, the towns with the best schools tend to have the highest home prices and highest taxes because that is where people want to be so the houses tend to be priced a little higher.  

 Thankfully it is still a buyers market right now, so don't be afraid to look at something a little above your price range and try to negotiate the seller down.    If someone is desperate to sell they are likely to budge.  This happen to us and we were able to get them down about $50,000 from where they had it priced to get our house into our price range!    

maddie7

How about the town of Middlesex? I also think Green Brook is a great buy because the kids go to Watchung HS which is the best! Another good buy is Dunellen, small town feel, nice!  I am recommending these towns because the best towns in Union Co. are Cranford and Westfield.  If you really want Union Co. try the towns of Garwood and Kenilworth. Both are nice towns but less taxes, $.  So. Plainfield is okay too. Its kind of like the town where people are born and never leave. Our priest actually referred to it as scary because the people never leave and there isnt much culture. But overall it is nice. Fanwood/Scotch Plains taxes are insane and some parts arent that nice (near rt. 22) Clark can also be a good buy because the taxes are low. GL!

cindyn9178

I know multiple people that live in South Plainfield and they love it. The town has some really nice areas.  Their houses are all really nice (and big) and when I heard how much they paid and how much their taxes are, I couldn't believe how cheap it was. If I were you, I'd definitely check out South Plainfield. When we bought our house, we tried to find a house there, but unfortunately, weren't able to find one that we liked at the time.
The only thing to note about South Plainfield is that while the taxes are extremely low compared to other towns in NJ, there is a chance they could go up drastically, because the taxes haven't been raised in years and years.

I grew up in Scotch Plains/Fanwood and I am very familiar with it. If you don't mind me asking, what price range are you looking at, and where do you want your taxes to be at? Also, what size house are you looking for.
I have multiple close friends who bought houses in Scotch Plains & Fanwood, and personally, I think their houses are tiny and they were over priced, and the taxes are very high. But the schools are good (I went to them! lol).

As for Rahway and Linden, I'd avoid them if you are looking for good schools, unless you are interested in private schools.

cindyn9178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:c975daa3-9767-4bd9-bf26-c4d7acf6e29c">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]I know people who live in Linden, and want to get out. As for the other two towns, I don't know anyone who lives there, but personally, I'd never want to live there. They aren't known for being the best of areas to live in. I work in Piscataway, right near the HS, and about two years ago we had a lot of cars get stolen from our parking lot...the people were eventually caught, they were HS students from So. Plainfield....
Posted by cutiepie12702[/QUOTE]

I know there are definitely some towns that have more crime than others, but all towns have bad areas. While Scotch Plains & Fanwood are typically thought of has nice towns, they still have crime. There was a string of house burglaries in Scotch Plains recently. And there are areas of Scotch Plains that I'd never want to live in because they border Plainfield where there is more crime. The highschool is VERY diverse and some parents do not like sending their kids to it because of that.

Looking at it from a school perspective is one thing.. but unless you are considering places like Camden or Newark, its hard to say places like Linden and Rahway are "bad places to live".

LADY324

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:6f60bc12-7f90-42f1-8004-947fcd6090c7">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex? : Yeah, house prices and taxes in those two towns are kind of high.  Maybe Cranford, though?  Still a bit on the higher side compared to the towns the OP mentioned, but a bit cheaper than other towns in the area like Scotch Plains, Westfield, etc.
Posted by peaches178[/QUOTE]

I grew up in Cranford and the taxes are definitely higher there than in Scotch Plains.  Cranford is a much nicer town and great schools.

LADY324

I lived in Fanwood until 3rd grade then we moved to Cranford which is a very nice town.  FI and I bought a house in Roselle Park 2 years ago.  Roselle Park is definitely way more affordable then Cranford.  They have a pretty decent school system.  Just don't confuse Roselle and Roselle Park when searching there is a big difference you don't want to live in Roselle.

We also have friends who just recently bought in Scotch Plains and Clark.

The 3 towns that you mentioned are not nice towns to raise kids in.  Especially rahway we used to have to walk through metal detectors when we played their high school in sports.

peaches178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:f0dd125c-ec85-4eda-b339-9a146c9e4148">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex? : I grew up in Cranford and the taxes are definitely higher there than in Scotch Plains.  Cranford is a much nicer town and great schools.
Posted by LADY324[/QUOTE]
REALLY??  I read something incorrectly when we were doing research then.  Good to know!

LADY324

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:32888115-9861-403a-9ab4-9f8a5b952883">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex? : REALLY??  I read something incorrectly when we were doing research then.  Good to know!
Posted by peaches178[/QUOTE]

I mean it will really all depend on the size of the house too but Cranfords down town area is so much better then Scotch Plains and they are really building it up with good restuarants right now.

peaches178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:1560de53-7f5c-46b7-934a-c6dd559a4f7a">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]I lived in Fanwood until 3rd grade then we moved to Cranford which is a very nice town.  FI and I bought a house in Roselle Park 2 years ago.  Roselle Park is definitely way more affordable then Cranford.  They have a pretty decent school system.  Just don't confuse Roselle and Roselle Park when searching there is a big difference you don't want to live in Roselle. We also have friends who just recently bought in Scotch Plains and Clark. The 3 towns that you mentioned are not nice towns to raise kids in.  Especially rahway we used to have to walk through metal detectors when we played their high school in sports.
Posted by LADY324[/QUOTE]
Ehhh... haha, now I have to disagree with you.  FI and I recently moved out of Roselle Park and, while it is more affordable than other areas of Union County, we didn't feel it was a great place to raise a family for several reasons including the fact that the schools aren't that good and both Roselle and Elizabeth border it.  Oh, and the cops in that town are notorious for being racist and just douchebags in general... the new mayor has even admitted that the police department is in dire need of improvement.

peaches178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:1b512174-21ca-4b68-a084-1311f6668520">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex? : I mean it will really all depend on the size of the house too but Cranfords down town area is so much better then Scotch Plains and they are really building it up with good restuarants right now.
Posted by LADY324[/QUOTE]
Oh yeah, I definitely notice that.  But for some reason I recall seeing that taxes in Scotch Plains are higher.  Oh well... guess I was wrong, haha.

LADY324

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:ee4e26ac-dcdf-4e71-8f6e-91f421bfc581">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex? : Ehhh... haha, now I have to disagree with you.  FI and I recently moved out of Roselle Park and, while it is more affordable than other areas of Union County, we didn't feel it was a great place to raise a family for several reasons including the fact that the schools aren't that good and both Roselle and Elizabeth border it.  Oh, and the cops in that town are notorious for being racist and just douchebags in general... the new mayor has even admitted that the police department is in dire need of improvement.
Posted by peaches178[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't doubt anything you said.  I never said I liked it lol it is just more affordable.  FI actually can't wait to move.  We are locked in until next fall though b/c we got the Obama rebate and you have to live there for 3 years or else you have to pay the money back. 

I don't necessarily feel 100% safe in our town either.  But for now it is a good starter house :)  We live right around the block from where I met you 2 weeks ago.

cindyn9178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:1560de53-7f5c-46b7-934a-c6dd559a4f7a">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]I lived in Fanwood until 3rd grade then we moved to Cranford which is a very nice town.  FI and I bought a house in Roselle Park 2 years ago.  Roselle Park is definitely way more affordable then Cranford.  They have a pretty decent school system.  Just don't confuse Roselle and Roselle Park when searching there is a big difference you don't want to live in Roselle. We also have friends who just recently bought in Scotch Plains and Clark. The 3 towns that you mentioned are not nice towns to raise kids in.  Especially rahway we used to have to walk through metal detectors when we played their high school in sports.
Posted by LADY324[/QUOTE]

What elementary school did you go to in Scotch Plains, if you don't mind me asking? I moved there in 3rd grade, but I might know someone who remembers you :)

cindyn9178

I really can't talk much, because we do not live in what anybody would consider a "nice" town. But we feel safe in our house and have never had a problem during the two years we've been there. However, we don't plan on having any kids, so the bad school system in our town really wansn't a factor. If we did change our mind about kids, we'd have to move.

LADY324

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:9b8abf5f-c643-4228-8244-3ac3782e9989">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex? : What elementary school did you go to in Scotch Plains, if you don't mind me asking? I moved there in 3rd grade, but I might know someone who remembers you :)
Posted by cindyn9178[/QUOTE]

I went to McGinn and then Coles School.  PM me their name :)

cindyn9178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:a0f7d4a5-46aa-4602-b7e8-bb641e96ec77">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex? : I went to McGinn and then Coles School.  PM me their name :)
Posted by LADY324[/QUOTE]

I guess it would matter how old you are too, duh! lol

futuremrsdavies

I'm from South Plainfield originally and I am dying to get back.  I loved living there.  We moved from Piscataway to South Plainfield when I was 12 and it was the best thing my parents could have done. 

My parents are selling thier house in SP because its too big for them and if I could afford to buy it now i would haha.

carolbee

Good to know - we will check out SP - we are looking up to $460K at the highest and want something new or very new in absolutely great condition as we will not have too much $ left for much of any work!

kozacs

I grew up in Clark.  Schools are good and very safe.  I probably would avoid Rahway and Linden.  Cranford and Scotch Plains/Fanwood are nice. 

LADY324

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:86aa58d3-05af-425c-a78c-b295b0a69d68">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex? : I guess it would matter how old you are too, duh! lol
Posted by cindyn9178[/QUOTE]

lol sent it to you in a PM

diamondx423

I would avoid Linden and Rahway, but Clark would be nice. My family is from Linden (a few people still work for the police dept there) and we all got out and moved the Monmouth/Ocean counties. You could also try looking at Garwood, one of my uncle's lives there and says they have an excellent school district.

maddie7

I would think $460K would go a long way in S. Plainfield. I would still go to Clark or Kenilworth before S. Plainfield. I disagree with the person who said Roselle Park was so wonderful, many burglaries and crime in that town. The schools dont do well on tests, etc.

LADY324

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:92a60b87-c33d-47bc-aa1c-64156fa772b0">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]I would think $460K would go a long way in S. Plainfield. I would still go to Clark or Kenilworth before S. Plainfield. I disagree with the person who said Roselle Park was so wonderful, many burglaries and crime in that town. The schools dont do well on tests, etc.
Posted by maddie7[/QUOTE]

I guess you didn't read all of my posts I never once said it was wonderful.

cindyn9178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_towns-live-union-middlesex?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:2c284af7-6676-438d-8e96-313b82c2f7adPost:69f56e56-e514-4707-9a82-73b83ad2e972">Re: Towns to live in in Union or Middlesex?</a>:
[QUOTE]I would avoid Linden and Rahway, but Clark would be nice. My family is from Linden (a few people still work for the police dept there) and we all got out and moved the Monmouth/Ocean counties. You could also try looking at Garwood, one of my uncle's lives there and says they have an excellent school district.
Posted by diamondx423[/QUOTE]

My friend's husband is a cop in Linden :)

Denise91980

Honestly, I am not a fan of any of the three, but I would go with South Plainfield of the 3. Linden and Rahway are not great areas and the districts are not good at all. I would agree with maybe Scotch Plains or possibly East or South Brunswick. They are nicer and have better school systems.