Best Northern NJ Suburbs for NYC Commuters

One of the most common questions I get from people moving from NYC to Northern New Jersey is: "Which town has the best commute?" The answer depends on where you work, what kind of commute you prefer, and what else matters to you in a town. Here's a practical breakdown.

For train riders: Montclair and Bloomfield

If a NJ Transit train to Penn Station is your priority, Montclair is hard to beat. It has multiple train stations (Montclair, Watchung Avenue, Bay Street) and offers some of the fastest service to Penn Station in the area, around 35 minutes on express trains. The downtown is vibrant, with restaurants, shops, and a cultural scene that rivals many larger towns.

Bloomfield is another strong option for train commuters, with a station that offers service to Penn Station in about 40 minutes. It's more affordable than Montclair, with a diverse community and a growing food scene along Broad Street. For buyers who want solid transit access at a lower price point, Bloomfield is worth a serious look.

For Midtown Direct riders: South Orange and Glen Ridge

South Orange offers the Midtown Direct train, which takes you straight to Midtown Manhattan without switching at Penn Station. The ride is about 45 minutes. The town has a walkable downtown with the South Orange Performing Arts Center, local restaurants, and Seton Hall University nearby.

Glen Ridge is a smaller, quieter town adjacent to Montclair with its own train station. The commute is slightly longer but the town has a charming, almost New England feel with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community.

For bus commuters: Nutley and Belleville

Not every town has a train station, but that doesn't mean you're stuck driving. Nutley and Belleville both have NJ Transit bus service to the Port Authority, with commute times around 40-45 minutes. These towns offer more affordable housing options while still providing a reasonable commute.

For drivers: West Orange

West Orange doesn't have a train station, but it has excellent highway access via I-280 and NJ-24. If you drive to work (or to a transit hub), the commute is typically 25-40 minutes depending on traffic and your exact destination. The payoff for driving is larger lots, more space, and proximity to the South Mountain Reservation for outdoor activities.

What I'd recommend

The "best" town depends on your priorities. I'd suggest visiting a few of these towns at different times of day, during commute hours if possible. Walk the downtowns, drive the neighborhoods, and get a feel for the rhythm. Then we can talk through the numbers and figure out which one makes the most sense for your situation.

Every situation is different, and I'm here to help you think through the trade-offs without pressure.