I'm starting a new job in downtown Manhattan in mid-January, and I need to locate a residence-type hotel where I can stay for a couple of months.
I'm hoping to find one far enough out of the city that it's less expensive (yeah, I know, dream on) but with a fairly straightforward commute on the train.
Is there anybody out there who can make some suggestions? Long Island? New Jersey? Connecticut?
Any advice will be gratefully appreciated.
Comments
New Jersey
Try using this map to find towns on the rail line. I have seen appartment for rent signs in Trenton withing walking distance of the Train Station.
http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/Rail_System_Map.pdf
Zip
That map is a good
That map is a good reference. I think that Trenton would be a bit far even by Train, for commuting to New York, though South Jersey is definitely less expensive then North Jersey.
Keep in mind that there is also an extensive bus network for commuting to New York, I know my Sister-in-law goes by bus, daily.
I used to live in Little Falls, that was a nice place and had a train station. There are apartment frequently for rent at the Mill at Little Falls, but I have no idea what they are fetching these days, as that was years ago. There are also garden apartments in town.
Most of the towns along the train stations have apartments. Not sure what you are looking for, or what kind of town you would be comfortable in. But I'm certain you can find something. Keep in mind though that if you live in NJ and you work in NY you will have to deal with NY state and city income tax, and will also have to file in NJ, though the taxes paid in NY will be credited towards you NJ taxes and are higher, so you should not end up owing NJ taxes. It does mean filling out extra forms each year though. If you have a spouse it gets even more complicated (My wife works in NY state, its a PIA and it bugs me that the Tax rate in NY is based on our combined income, even though it is only applied to hers.)
Anyway, good luck, whereever you end up.
Hugs,
Kristy
A very useful web-site...
For commuting, Hop Stop can be very helpful. Key in the address of abode you may be considering, and put in the destination (Port Authority Bus Terminal & New York Penn Station are both recognized)... And, it'll let you know your commuting options. (It's also useful for planning subway runs.)
I've known folks who commuted up to NYC from the Princeton area - daily... Look at the train schedule, to find out how much time you'll spend on the train - and decide if it's worth it. Trenton's even longer.
Anne
OMG!
Hop Stop is awesome! Thanks!
Jersey Coaster
Rather than Trenton, consider communities served by the Jersey Coaster, part of the New Jersey Transit. I use it all the time to go into New York Penn Station. From South Amboy it is a one hour run, with trains leave every hour or less during peak hours.
Nancy Cole
"You may be what you resolve to be."
T.J. Jackson
Other train lines...
The Montclair-Boonton line - at least from Montclair State University area - is under 45 minutes, if memory serves. So, don't restrict yourself to one line - look at each of the NJ Transit lines.
There's also a NJ Transit Light Rail line that goes up into Bergen County (NE NJ) that terminates in Jersey City - a block from the PATH station.
Take a look...
Take a look in Jersey City and/or Hoboken. Easy Path train to Manhattan.
Commuting to Manhattan, from most of northern or central New Jersey is fairly easy. When you're looking, compare commuting times, price and schedules. For example, A friend lives in a town that gives her three choices to get to NYC:
1) Bus into Midtown (Port Authority Bus Station 42nd & 8th)
2) Train (NJ Transit Midtown Direct) into New York Penn Station (34th & 7th ish)
3) Newark Light Rail -> Newark Penn Station then Switch to either a Midtown Direct Train to New York Penn, or the PATH train to New York (several stations between 34th Street & World Trade Center).
So, your choices are "legion"... If you'll have a car, you have more choices, as you can live further from Public transit.
Good Luck,
Anne
(P.S. I've commute into Manhattan fairly regularly over the past 20 years... Using most of those options plus driving in & parking - yuck - so, if you have specific questions. shoot me a PM.)
Thank you!
I've settled on an inexpensive long-term hotel in Woodbridge NJ for the time being, till I get my feet back under me. I think that's on the rail line Nancy mentioned, at least the commute is under an hour to Penn Station.
For more long term locations, I'll probably be house shopping (rental, initially), but I'll be looking for a comunity with a decent high school. I'm still interested in all your suggestions!
Thanks again!
Misty