Best of Both Worlds: Living in NJ and Working in NYC
Do you love living in NYC, but think it’s time to see what else is out there? As amazing as the city is, living there is not for everyone. You may be sick of the congestion, loud noises, and high rental costs for such tiny living spaces. Maybe living in the city was perfect for you at one point in time, but not anymore. If this sounds like you, keep on reading.
I always thought it would be so cool to live in the city at some point in my life... and hey, maybe I still will one day. You see, I have this sort of eternal love affair with New York City. Its beauty, energy and resilience never ceases to amaze me. Growing up right across the Hudson River in Union City, NJ, the city was always easily accessible to me. I remember being able to walk a few blocks to the bus stop, pay $1.50, and be at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in 15 minutes. It was a breeze. I no longer live as close to the city, but it still only takes me about an hour to get there by train and I highly prefer the train over the bus anyway.
After living in NJ and working in the city for nearly 10 years, I have learned that this scenario was actually giving me the best of both worlds and here is why.
top three reasons why you should consider moving to nJ, especially if you still work in nyc:
Easy Commute to NYC
Commuting from NJ to NYC is so simple. Now, this will depend on whether you drive or take the train, but overall, you can get to the city from most areas in Northern Jersey within 60 minutes. I’m not talking about areas right on the Hudson River like Hoboken and Jersey City because at this point, I consider them extensions of NYC. You can hop on the ferry or the Path train and be in the city within 10 minutes. There is way more to NJ than Hoboken and Jersey City. I am talking about the numerous towns in northern NJ with easy commutes — many of which have train stations, which makes commuting a breeze.More Bang for Your Buck
In NJ, you get way more bang for your buck. You can get a garage, a backyard, a deck, and maybe even a pool for a fraction of what you are paying in the city for a 1 bedroom apartment. Price points vary depending on what area you’re interested in, but for the most part, no matter where you end up in NJ, you will have more space than what you have now in NYC, and it will cost you less to have it.Better Views
Let’s face it — the views are always better from the Jersey side of the Hudson. You can start a new life in NJ and still admire the city’s beauty from the other side. You would be surprised how beautiful the views can be, even when you’re farther away. In Hawthorne, NJ where I live, about 28 miles away, there are still beautiful city views on the elevated part of town. It’s pretty spectacular and quite the treat.
I love the fact that I can be in and out of the city whenever I want. I no longer work there, but it calls to me every now and then. Whenever I miss it, I can hop on a train and be there in less than an hour. Whenever I need a break from it, I can leave it behind and know that it will always be there waiting for me to return. It truly is the best of both worlds! There is WAY more to Jersey than what I have mentioned here, but this is just a little glimpse.
If you’re currently living in the city and thinking about moving to Jersey, you’re not alone. I hope this gives you a better idea of what it is like to live here and how easy it is to go back and forth whenever you please.
For questions about any specific areas in NJ, feel free to reach out here and I will be happy to guide you.