One thing that takes many people aback when they first move to New Jersey is how much people rely on public transit and how intertwined New Jersey is with New York. One of the most popular train lines that leads into New York City is the Midtown Direct NJ Transit Line.
Among travelers, the Midtown Direct has another name—the Morris & Essex line, or the M&E. This amazing public transit line carries around 165,000 people every day. Getting real estate on the line’s path means you get fast and convenient commutes throughout the day. It’s a big deal in real estate.
Tons of cities and towns have a stop on the M&E, but which ones are the top picks? Here’s what we have to weigh in on the subject…
1. Summit, NJ
Summit regularly gets named as one of the best, if not the best, places to live in New Jersey. It’s easy to see why. It is one of the most luxurious towns in New Jersey, famous for both a shockingly low crime rate and excellent school systems.
An ideal place for upscale professionals looking to have families, Summit offers a little bit of luxury in every facet of life. You get great restaurants, a quick trip to the Short Hills Mall, and plenty of parks, too. It’s the picture of an idyllic suburb.
2. Morristown, NJ
Morristown is one of the most popular suburban-urban towns to move to in Morris County, and rightfully so. This youthful yet family-friendly town has a strong arts influence, making it a great place for creatives who want to explore the art world.
Of course, you don’t have to be an artist to love it here. History buffs get to take in all the magic of the Revolutionary War here. If you are a foodie, then you’re going to fall in love with Morristown’s rich locavore scene—not to mention their stellar wine scene.
3. Short Hills, NJ
Short Hills is one of those towns that people tend to raise an eyebrow and say, “Wow, nice town!” Much like Summit, it has a strongly elegant and upscale vibe. This area has some of the best schools in the state, an actively supportive community, and excellent job opportunities.
As a quiet suburban community with a splash of urban flair, this is the kind of place where people prize low crime rates and high education. It’s one of the best places for people who want to raise active, healthy kids.
4. Newark, NJ
Yes, Newark’s Broad Street Station is on this line. While it may be pointedly more urban than others on this list, it’s still an excellent place to live. Newark actually happens to be one of the most popular places to move to among younger people.
There are several reasons for this. The restaurant and nightlife industries are insanely popular, often to the point that they could rival New York City nightlife. If you are a fan of Portuguese and Spanish food, you’ll find this to be a treat.
Easy commutes and ample job opportunities also come into play here. Surprisingly, rent and ownership is still affordable. It’s kind of a miracle.
5. Hoboken, NJ
To a point, it almost seems like Hoboken goes without saying. As one of the top cities for people who work in New York’s finance industry, you can basically smell the wealth while you walk down the street. It’s a city that is filled with high society.
Hoboken is famous for having luxury developments around every corner, right next to a ton of brownstone-style buildings. Its decadent restaurants are some of the best in the state, to the point that it even inspired its own magazine.
No matter how Manhattan your life may be, it’s safe to say that Hoboken will wow you with the sheer number of amenities and luxuries you can find.
6. South Orange, NJ
South Orange is one of those rare places that is situated right next to several cities but remains charmingly suburban. While it’s not quite as well-known as cities like Morristown or Newark, South Orange offers a lot in terms of restaurants, school systems, and low crime rates.
One thing many people don’t know about South Orange is that there are a lot of celebrities who live in this area. So, even if you’re doing something as simple as going to the grocery store, you never know who you’ll find around the corner!
Ready To Move?
If you’re like most commuters, you are going to love the Midtown Direct line. Getting the right home can position you for an easier commute than ever before. These commuter towns are the tops, but there’s only going to be one right one for you. Give us a call, and let us help you find your dream home.