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Madelyn Gutierrez best-worst

Best kept secrets of East Orange, NJ

Curious what people think. The unemployment rate is 6.8%, which is concerning. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What neighborhoods would you suggest? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
1 upvotes

6 Replies

wild_angel53
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Christopher C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Charlotte it's decent.
19 upvotes
Caleb Moore
yep
14 upvotes
Hunter M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Eliana C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Miami about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.

Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals

Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options

Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.

Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Sarah Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a chef, 34, moved here 10 years ago from New York. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.

**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
9 upvotes
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