Oasis Outside of NYC
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3/6/2011
As a resident for over 10 years, overall I have to say that Westfield is one of the most beautiful towns to live in within commuting distance to NYC! Here is a little breakdown of the Good and Bad:
Good: Almost everything! Beautiful Village-like Downtown with great stores! From a metaphysical shop to a Coach store, you can find everything here without going to the Mall. Absolutely wonderful restaurants. People travel here to eat! Trader Joe's - enough said! Wondeful people - very easy to make friends. Very open-minded and accepting of different religions, races, politics, and sexual orientations. Supremely excellent School District from special needs to mainstream children. Easy commute to NYC - you have your option of a bus (with typical 50min to 1 hour ride) to train (with a switch at Newark Penn Station for 50 mins). Extremely family-friendly and lots to do with multiple parks, children-focused shops/activities, and many fairs and gatherings.
Bad: Taxes are high - typical $10,000 for a starter home! House prices are higher than typical ($500k won't get you far - a 3BR/2Bath on a busy street with renovations needed). Due to the affluency of the town, you do come across some teenagers with an air of expectations/arrogance and some attitude (although it could just be typical behavior for the age). Drugs in the High School seems to be a problem, although significant efforts have been taken to curtail.
Overall, I have to see Westfield is just wonderful. Someone mentioned about racism. My family is hispanic and I have never felt anything coming close to not being accepted. There is a gay couple that live down the street and have been here for years. If you can manage to find a home, you will thoroughly enjoy the life the town has to offer!
Suluki11 | Westfield, NJ