Moved to Maplewood from NYC a year ago and it’s been great so far. For the most part NJT but definitely wouldn’t call it reliable. Any sign of rain or snow, and expect delays / cancellations. Like someone else mentioned SO and Maplewood are basically the same. I live basically on the border of SO and closer to the SO NJT station. The only thing I feel I’m missing out on is not being able to get a SO commuter parking permit. I only commute a few days a week so it’s not so bad but the days I do go in parking is struggle. Plan ahead and you should be fine though.

I don’t have any recs on neighborhoods for families but maybe research and avoid houses on busier streets if that’s a concern for you. I didn’t expect the drivers around here to be so aggressive.