I live in norther NJ because I really wanted to live in New York City but I could never afford it with 3 kids. This is one of the closest locations with many choices of transportation to the city - and anywhere else you want to go.

I can walk less than 3 blocks and get on an express train and be in the city in about 25 minutes - if it isn't express it's about 40 minutes. That takes me to Penn Station at 34th street. I can also take a bus from the corner which will take me directly into Port Authority Bus Terminal at 42nd street - but the bus timing depends on the traffic.

I practically never drive there - parking is a fortune unless you get good at finding street parking which is very frustrating.

I can quote some house prices since my son is in the final negotiations to buy a house in Westwood, NJ. It's 15 to 20 minutes from where I live. It's about 1 1/2 blocks from a small town downtown (bookstores, restaurants, art galleries, movies, bars - a very nice downtown) and about 1 block from the train station. It's a typical quiet suburban neighborhood - 3 bedroom house with a detached single car garage. When all is done he will be paying about $325,000 for it. It needs some work but it is mostly cleaning and cosmetic type work. Keep in mind that this area is one of the most desirable in this country. I think Westchester County in New York, Bergen County in New Jersey (where I am) and Marin County in California are rated as the most desirable places in the country - also the most expensive though. One of the reasons they are desirable is the proximity to the city - both Westchester and Bergen are close to New York City and Marin is close to San Francisco.

Go to google maps and you can check out a lot. Then you can go to google earth and actually look at the neighborhoods you might consider.

Feel free to ask me any specific questions - I'm happy to answer. If you are interested in southern New Jersey - nearer the shore (the beach) ask Mousebounce (Brooke) she lives down there.

There is nowhere else like New York City though - it spoils you for anywhere else in the world. I am so used to assuming that I can get hungry at 4 in the morning and I'll find an all night deli or place to eat that is open. There are clubs that are open all night if you want some music or excitement. I'll be in Boston this weekend and I know from experience that they roll up the sidewalks at 9:00 pm. It always comes as a shock LOL.

Kathleen