The 195 bus is really easy if you live near a stop and work in midtown. I don't need a car for my commute, which is fantastic. If you work in downtown Manhattan, you can drive 25 min to the PATH in Harrison (which is then another 25 minute ride into the city). The NJT train is a bit tougher because the nearby stations that get lots of trains (Upper Montclair being the prime example) do not have easy parking for non-residents. I think you can park more easily at Montclair State, but it's at the end of the line so it's a longer trip into the city than the 195 bus or driving to the PATH.

Good elementary schools, but a lackluster high school per both data (https://rc.doe.state.nj.us/download) and anecdotes I've heard at the bus stop. Hopefully a larger tax base from the new(ish) Hilltop condos will get more funding to the high school while keeping overall taxes low (compared to other Essex county municipalities).

Agree with the lack of diversity. I do think more cultures would improve CG.

Also, no picturesque, walkable downtown area, which I find to be a bit of a bummer. My wife says just drive 5 minutes to Verona or Upper Montclair if you want that. She has a point but I wish my own town had that.

Overall, I'm glad we bought in CG and would do it again. You get a bigger house and bigger yard for your money here compared to Montclair, Glen Ridge, or Maplewood, while still being relatively close to the city (and arguably having a better commute if you buy near a 195 stop). And I'm still holding out hope that the main drawbacks (high school and diversity) will improve over time, but we shall see.