I second Bloomfield. I lived there for a few years, but recently moved back out to Morris County. I loved the Bloomfield area. I felt safe walking most areas by myself (as a female), relatively affordable compared to Montclair, and easy access to nightlife either in Montclair, Hoboken, JC, or even NYC. Just beware that the trains on Montclair Boonton line have an odd schedule on weekends, but if you take a Morristown and Erie train to Newark Broad from NYC or Hoboken, you can usually catch a bus that gets you relatively close to most parts of Bloomfield.

Nick's Meat Depot, Edison

John’s meat market in Scotch Plains. Voted numerous times best butcher in NJ. But you pay for it, not cheap but so worth it

Don't sleep on Morristown as an option. Lots to do, easy commute to the city.

Arctic Butcher in Point Pleasant.

If you don’t have friends in Montclair at 22, you probably won’t find them at 27. It’s a generational clique

That makes much more sense for the area.

Go to Hoboken same rent practically better social life

I’d move to NY. So much more opportunity and with how crazy the world is I would savor all my youth that I could and not worry about later. You make so many connections and honestly as close as some of these cities are to transit to NY, it’s still way too long to go back and forth for work or leisure. If you’re working and single it’s a no brainer for me.

Move to NYC. As a young male you'll enjoy it much better. But, keep your car, rent a parking space or driveway in New Jersey and put your car on Turo. That way you can keep your car and make money at the same time, while you're not using it. Worst comes to worst, move back to Jersey and still have your car. Good luck!

Dudes getting shafted, this isn’t typical rent in Montclair for anything outside of the horrible “luxury” apartments. I pay nearly $700 less for a one bedroom with all the amenities in the same town.

I live in the sack. Not a super happening town itself but there’s some good food and breweries. I do appreciate that I can have my car to go upstate or I can commute into the city for weekend options. I mostly WFH, commute into midtown occasionally.

Coming from Florida idk why you’re complaining lol

They didn't offer it as a menu choice, pick and choose.

They clearly stated "Wanting to keep the car" and move to another, more AFFORDABLE NJ town.

OR, as a completely separate option

Ditch the car and move to manhattan

Montclair has rent control laws that cap increases at 4%; unless there is some sort of loophole for your current place, increasing by 17% is not allowed.

Check the law here.

If you do not want to ditch the car, have you looked into Hackensack? There are some newer apartments and there are lots of places to eat. You're not too far from the city.

If you choose to ditch the car, look into Jersey City. Hoboken and JC are crazy expensive for paying for a parking spot. I lived in Hoboken and I didn't pay for a parking spot but spent way too much time searching for a spot. Prices are way more expensive now but 5 years ago I had a 2 bedroom in Hoboken for 2400. I did sell my car at one point and missed the freedom of it.

Have you considered Hoboken or Jersey City? Lots of young 20's / 30's singles live in both cities. Rents are high, but living with a roommate is a great way to expand your social circle. I lived in Hoboken for several years before I got married and had a car. There is street parking and you can also rent a spot in a garage. Easy commute into the city by bus or PATH from Hoboken or JC.

I do not. South broad area

Don't stay out in burbs. Move by the PATH train.

Downtown Newark, Harrison, Jersey City, Hoboken. You are connected to the urban part of New Jersey and can easily get to NYC as often as you want.

Ooooh. That place looks exactly like what I’m looking for.

Yeah, red bank would work. Sabato’s is down in Middletown.

Edit: I think I misread, I’m up in Laurence Harbor/Old Bridge.

Pretty sure most of the studio/1 bedroom are cheaper in Harrison and you have path train there. And if you happen to work by WTC that a quick but PACKED commute with no switching.

Interested for someone near Sabatos — what’s in the immediate vicinity (Red Bank maybe)?

Check out Hoboken

Perottis Quality Meats in Cranford.