Hi! My boyfriend and I are gonna be moving to NJ in a year or 2, and I mostly researched everything, but there is something I want to ask people that is kinda hard to research without visiting. We will visit prior to making a final decision, do an apartment haunt and stuff, but there are some things I need to figure out so that I can prepare.
So, we essentially wanna live either super close to NYC (like Jersey City), or in NYC itself. It works out for us financially, but what doesn't work (mostly for me) is public transit. Don't get me wrong, public transit is amazing, cheaper and easier than owning a vehicle, and I actually come from a country that is very public transit developed, but after living in Minnesota for 2+ years I am just so used to driving a car and to some benefits from it, that I am probably not ready to give it up. And if anything, when I do decide to do so, we could always sell the car and move closer to NYC or in NYC. And I guess driving is just one of my hobbies, and I am not the biggest car person, but I would say I have a thing for cars. Plus I would have a lot of use for a vehicle, such as traveling to specific places/stores in NJ, having Walmart around, doing car trips (visiting some New York parks, visiting neighboring states, and my friend also lives in Northern New York that I'd love to go see, etc.).
With the basic research I've done, it doesn't seem like a fun time driving anywhere near Jersey City. Driving in NYC is out of question, of course, except maybe late at night. So, we have been thinking to live somewhere in a town like Maplewood, Arlington, Montclair, City of Orange etc. I am sure eventually there is a high chance I will stop caring for driving and we will move closer, but for now I am just not ready to give it up. Financially owning a car and having cheaper rent in our case is pretty identical to paying more expensive NYC rent and not spending money on car expenses. Job wise, more remote towns look a little better for us for the job market. Also, I am personally considering becoming a paramedic, and as much as I love NYC, I would never work there as an EMT. Traffic is just crazy.
Some aspects I have trouble deciding on:
- People that also like NYC very much and that don't live on the island, does it get annoying that it feels like you are so close but at the same you are not? Or am I just being silly?
- What city would you recommend for me that would accommodate my requests?
- Is it possible to find an apt/house with a parking garage deeper into the suburbs? Is there the best time for apartment haunting, and any tips at all?
- I will appreciate any advice and criticism for being so specific, so if you wanna try to talk me out of owning a car, you can go ahead, but I probably won't change my mind. Thank you!
Apt budget: 1800-2000/month without utilities and parking fees. If no car, probably up to 2500. Tiny studio is fine with us for the beginning, we just need a big kitchen countertop.