Living in New Jersey: Misconceptions and Truth

The stacks of oil refineries along the NJ Turnpike was often the image conjured up in most people's minds when they thought of life in New Jersey.

I myself had the same idea. However, my lifestyle in a crowded, (but charming!) Manhattan brownstone walk up with a husband, twin infant girls, and two cats, began to be wear thin. I was on the fence. I wanted more space, a real home with style and character and something we could afford. But I didn't want to give up New York. I had this fear that once I left the city, I would fall hopelessly into a suburban hole filled with station wagons, mediocre food and strip malls. After living in very sophisticated cities – New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami, I thought New Jersey would be the last place I would wind up!

Until Now! New Jersey is so much more than it's former bad reputation. When I discovered the small town of Maplewood, I knew I would find my home. And I did, and I've been promoting this town, and the surrounding area ever since. To me, it's like having the best of both worlds – a quaint environment, surrounding by trees and parks, with an eclectic collection of home styles, great restaurants and shopping, all within 30 minutes of one of the most exciting cities in the world. For the Manhattan commuter, it doesn't get any better. And for the person, who doesn't want to give up they're metropolitan lifestyle, they can now have both.

For me it's all about lifestyle. As technology continues to bring our global world together, the concept of going to the office has changed us. Communication is easier, and has made people realize that you don't have to give up your life for work or give up work to have a life. For me, watching my puppy Harry (my latest addition!) play with his bone on the lawn, is just one of the things that makes my life here worth it. Despite the fact that I now drive a station wagon, I still eat well and the shopping couldn't be more convenient.

My story is very similar to the clients I work with. Mostly coming from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Hoboken, to Maplewood/South Orange and the surrounding area, they've found a great life here. And I hope you will too!

It's getting late….time to catch that Midtown direct train for the theatre!

If you'd like to learn more about living the New Jersey lifestyle, please contact me or request my free relocation package.

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Barbara Lawrence specializes in Maplewood Real Estate, South Orange Real Estate, West Orange Real Estate, Millburn Real Estate, Short Hills Real Estate, Glen Ridge Real Estate and Montclair Real Estate.