I live with my parents in the Hackensack/Lodi area right now and commute into Manhattan on the NJ Transit 163 local bus. On paper it sounds fine, but in reality it takes 1 hr 15 min to 1 hr 30 min depending on traffic. It’s a one-seat ride and I’m one of the first stops so I always get a seat, which is nice but the length is starting to get to me. I’m thinking about moving out, but I’m trying to be realistic. I don’t want to pay way more rent just to save like 10–15 minutes.
So I guess my question is:
Is there actually anywhere in NJ where the commute into Manhattan is consistently under an hour and not miserable?
Or is this just… what everyone deals with?
I’m open to anywhere in Jersey (not just Bergen County). I’ve heard people mention Hoboken/Jersey City (PATH), Secaucus (train), Fort Lee (express bus), etc. but I don’t know what’s actually a noticeable improvement vs just different.
Would especially love to hear from people who moved and saw a real difference in their commute. Trying to figure out if I’m being dramatic or if this commute actually sucks.
Edit: I work in the Upper East Side, specifically Lenox Hill. My commute is super quick once I get to 42nd (Port Authority). I hop on the Q train for 2 stops.