denzil75

You and Hartleyhare are making me jealous with talks of not having to sweep leaves. Doesn't help that our leaf blower just packed in either

HartleyHare

It's quite liberating being a renter again although I try not to think about what the tenants are getting up to in our house. Hopefully it will be in one piece when we return.

HartleyHare

Yeah, I would have liked to have been closer to the city - we're about on hour away. Back in the UK we could just hop on the tube and be in Baker St in 25 mins. We did look in Montclair, but I think there's some iffy areas close to where the school is.

Bigfootmum

Hello! We're on our way in the new year... Just signed a lease on a house in Summit. Spent half-term week on a recce in northern NJ and fell in love with Summit. Great town centre (or should I say downtown?) with nice restaurants and shops, not far from NYC on the Transit and great schools. Would love to meet some new faces when we arrive...

HartleyHare

Hi there,

We moved over in June of this year and we also looked in Summit. As you say, it has a great downtown (high street!) and transport links into NYC. We're further up, in Bergen County. Enjoying it so far!

Is it just you or are you moving with children/pets? If you need any info just ask - these forums were an invaluable help to us for our move and continue to be so.

Good luck with your move!

Bigfootmum

Aww thanks! So good to hear its going well - a relief to hear from other newbies enjoying it out there. There are four of us on our way: husband (whose job brings us, internal promotion with current company) and two kids, 6-year old daughter who'll be in First Grade and 3-year old son... Oh and a hamster (yes, completely and utterly crazy to bring the blinkin hamster but hey ho!) We're excited and scared in equal measure. Am really hoping that we'll settle in okay and I'll meet a few nice people through the kids and school...

I've been following posts and info on here for a while as the US move has been on the cards for many months but the reality is starting to set in now! Gulp.

denzil75

Congratulations on your upcoming move! We are in Florham Park, about 3 miles from Summit. Summit is a nice town to walk around, the kids used to love the big park by the train station. If you are in need of some British company, I meet with a few of my expat friends for breakfast every now and again. There is another lady on here, (Englishmum?) that runs quite a big expat group in the Maplewood area I think that might help you to settle in. Everyone is fairly friendly in this area and you'll meet lots of people through the kids school. I met some of my closest American friends when my eldest was in Kindergarten, he's now 10! Give any of us a shout if you need anything.

NewJerseyGirl

Good luck! Enjoy the adventure. Summit is a nice place, one of the more affluent with great restaurants. My children did a lot of classes at the Connection in Summit when they were little. We love the Huntley Tavern in Summit and stop by there when we want a fancy dinner, and always in the run up to Christmas. We are in Maplewood - just a few miles away, and yes there's a lot of British expats here!
You will meet some families through your school and kids activities. Also, ask neighbors about book clubs. Check for a Newcomers group. They might offer playgroups. Also www.momagama.com has a ton of info for moms/mums in the area! http://njexpatguru.blogspot.com has hints for new expats here too. Also Mothers and More is a national organization that has local chapters offering playgroups, coffee mornings, sports, and so much more.
All the best.

Bigfootmum

Thanks NewJerseyGirl - some great tips there. The Connection looks amazing as our youngest has special needs and they seem to do all sorts of stuff there that might suit him - thanks so much. Have also made a note of the Huntley Tavern - always good to know of good places to eat!!! Cheers.

AilsWallace

Yikes! Must make a mental note not to go near schools ;-)

UK-NJ

Was wondering if there are any expat mums in central jersey? would love to meet other mums

samjwood

Hi....

Just noticed this thread and thought I'd barge in

I am living in Hanover Township, been here for 2 1/2 years, originally from Liverpool. Came here with husband's job. We have one son, who is 10.

Would love to meet up, chat, gripe etc...

FlynSail

Hi, I am a brit living in Bucks County with my wife and 2 kids..I work in Princeton, NJ (originally from Devon and then London). Would love to meet up with you or any other brits in the area..let me know..PM me!

denzil75

We are in Florham Park so not far, I have 2 boys aged 9 and 10. I was born in Warrington, but don't hold that against me! Go to Liverpool every summer when we are back, love it there!

Would love to meet up with you are anyone close by.

samjwood

Wow!! You are close.. PM me and we'll arrange something, I go to Trader Joes in Florham Park all the time...