I lived in NW NJ for 20 years. It was beautiful and very safe in the small town where we lived. NYC was 45 mins away. Newark Airport 30 mins away. NJ Pizza is the best!

I lived in lower Westchester County of NYS and worked in Manhattan for decades. Often used Newark International Airport for flights to Europe and Canada. Sister lived in Freehold Township NJ and loved it. Personally it was cookie cutter homes and subdivisions. She sent her kids to Catholic school rather than use the public school system. As for pizza, sorry JG, but I'm a fan of New York pizza. Thin crust, crisp, light on the sauce and heavy on the cheese. As for Italian foods, I make a decent one at home but prefer different types of Italian foods when out, i.e. Veal Oscar, Chicken Sorrentino, etc.

Not to highjack the thread, guys, but everyone knows that New Haven pizza is the best! OP, you’ll be close enough to drive to New Haven to enjoy some.

Back on topic: Where in New Jersey were you thinking of looking? Does it have to be convenient for daily travel to NYC for work? And if that is the case, have you thought of New York instead of New Jersey, i.e. Westchester County, NY, Long Island, NY, Connecticut towns and hamlets? All are easy commutes to Manhattan for work either via express bus or railroad (not subway unless you are thinking some parts of Long Island). What is the most important reason for living in New Jersey? Schools? Transportation to the office? Beaches? Mountains?