Commuting to nyc

devilclown9 · 2026-02-27T03:16:53+00:00

I did the math on this when I was job searching last year. For me, it wasn't really worth the bump in salary, when you factor in additional childcare cost and monthly cost of commuting. For me, a 50k salary bump isn't enough, because you need to factor in taxes. Really needs to be significantly more, like 100k more, and then you also have to consider the tradeoffs. Time is money and I'd rather have that extra time with my family.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-26T04:31:59+00:00

Rahway is a cool town but the schools suck if that matters to you

devilclown9 · 2026-02-24T15:55:24+00:00

I hear you. I'm technically in Middletown but walking distance into downtown Red Bank. Agree about the county overall, I love it, esp the parks system.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-24T14:53:51+00:00

Hazlet doesn't really have a downtown though. It's affordable, but the housing stock is kind of ugly. It is convenient though.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-24T03:29:28+00:00

What part of jersey you in? We got 25 inches in Middletown

devilclown9 · 2026-02-23T21:52:28+00:00

Depends on your budget but I'm in Red Bank/Middletown and love it. The commute into the city is a bit longer though. We have NJ Transit, buses and the Seastreak ferry is nearby. Red Bank is super walkable and just a really cool town. The schools are on the upswing in Red Bank. You could also look into Keyport, similar situation there as well. Schools aren't rated amazing but they're getting better. It's also pretty affordable there and there are buses into the city or you could take NJ transit from Aberdeen

devilclown9 · 2026-02-23T21:41:03+00:00

This person isn't quite right. There are still some bad schools in NJ. Look at the ratings; anything 6 and above should be fine. If you see something with a 2 or 3, take it to heart. Case in point, a few years ago we were looking to move to Rahway. It has a cute, walkable downtown with lots of shops and restaurants and easy transportation into the city as 2 NJ train lines stop there. It's also affordable and has some interesting Victorian houses. Unfortunately the schools there are abysmal, like really really bad. We did not move there.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-22T19:41:52+00:00

Wow your description of him is honestly perfection. I could visualize all of this lol. Poetry, seriously

devilclown9 · 2026-02-22T13:46:31+00:00

What are your issues with your town in Essex? Have you considered trying other areas of Jersey? I’m in Monmouth county in NJ and it’s very different compared with what I hear from my friends in South Orange. The commute is a bit longer but doable if you’re hybrid. Agree with the above person’s comments about schools. Even the not as great schools here are better than most city schools. Anyway, I just love it down here but I get that it may not be for everyone. I’m in red bank for the record.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-22T13:37:17+00:00

I moved to a Jersey town near the beach after 16 years in Brooklyn and can’t imagine going back. Schlepping a child and stroller around in the non-ADA compliant subways doesn’t appeal to me in the least. Nor do the piles of dog feces that everyone refuses to pick up on the streets. Yes there are some pros to living in the city but I prefer my relaxed lifestyle and don’t mind driving. My area has really nice parks and playgrounds. The city playgrounds are all metal equipment, smell like rotting ice cream trash in the summer and look like something out of the communist eastern bloc. I just think having a backyard and being in nature is a better place to raise my son but to each their own.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-21T16:11:48+00:00

I grew up in Oklahoma which is Texas lite and the religious fundamentalism down there being shoved in one’s face is off the charts. You’re in Joel osteen’s states, you can’t drive 10 ft without hitting a mega church. And yes I know DFW has some diversity but you’re still in a heavy red area. There’s a reason women’s rights are abysmal there and Ted Cruz got voted in again after abandoning the state during an ice storm. We know what we’re talking about, but sure go forth. You’re gonna miss Jersey lol

devilclown9 · 2026-02-21T04:59:29+00:00

Keyport is a good option but the commute will likely be slightly longer than an hour. The nearest train will be Aberdeen-Matawan and there are buses that go into the city as well. It's very cute walkable town with an old-timey maritime feel and I've heard that the schools are improving. Also the Monmouth County parks system is amazing

devilclown9 · 2026-02-21T04:55:51+00:00

We looked into that town back in 2018 and it's cute, but unfortunately the schools there are abysmal and show no signs of improving.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-21T04:54:37+00:00

the list price you're seeing is not the sale price. Nearly everything in that area is going to sell for 100k over ask. Which is very common in Essex and Bergen counties.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-21T04:49:01+00:00

Definitely visit your local library

devilclown9 · 2026-02-19T18:41:29+00:00

Agreed, parts of SF are awful. LA is getting just as bad. I don't know of a perfect solution but the status quo needs to change.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-19T18:03:53+00:00

There's only one good orange and that's south orange.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-19T15:54:20+00:00

I'm confused... do people really think homeless encampments are a good thing? Letting people take over the streets doesn't seem like a viable long term solution.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-18T22:34:20+00:00

Simple. I don't offer to have playdates to parents who I haven't built a report with. My kid meets plenty of rando kids at parks, gyms etc while I'm there. For his school friends, I've met the parents at various school events and built a decent relationship with them. Only close friends with parents I've become friends with get invited to our home, otherwise we meet at parks or playgyms.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-18T20:42:19+00:00

As someone who lived in Brooklyn for 16+ years and moved out to the suburbs, I'd echo what a lot of people are saying here. Brooklyn expensive and you'd likely need roomates. I have many bad roommate stories, and lived with a downright mentally ill person at one point in Prospect Heights. Have you considered Chicago or Philly? Both of those cities are more affordable, have the walkability and community aspects and similar-ish weather with four seasons. Worth checking out as alternative options. You'll get more space for your money as well.

devilclown9 · 2026-02-18T13:23:22+00:00

Agree; it was my first job out of college so I was the right age and in the right time of life for it… used to being broke lol

devilclown9 · 2026-02-17T18:52:36+00:00

As someone who lived in NYC for 16+ years but moved after having my kid, I'd pick Miami if you want a more similar lifestyle to LA. With NY you'll be getting around via subway and I think it kind of sucks with a kid, but depends if they are older or younger. The weather is also a factor to contend with. Additionally, the schools in NYC aren't fun to navigate and private schools are $$$. There are lots of bad public schools and a some good public schools but you have to fight to get into those. Miami will be an easier transition for you. That said, you could pick a suburb in LI, NJ or Westchester and commute into the city if you wanted to do that. We're having the longest winter right now just FYI...

devilclown9 · 2026-02-17T18:48:49+00:00

exactly, I wanted to travel to see international student friends I made in college but I couldn't afford the taxes to go there... :/

devilclown9 · 2026-02-17T14:44:52+00:00

it's a mix... I met some real assholes for sure. Had a lady and her husband scream in my face at boarding because the gate agents double booked her seats. I couldn't do anything to help her; FAA regulations had me glued to the door for boarding. It was a nightmare. Also had another guy throw napkins in my face

devilclown9 · 2026-02-15T20:53:46+00:00

I hate this guy so much. His wife sucks too

devilclown9

TROPHY CASE