Travel distance to and from work plays a major role in deciding which area is best for you. There are usually different routes one can take that will save a considerable amount of driving time. Don’t rely totally on online direction times. I can literally go thru 3 towns in 16 minutes by taking one shortcut through a less traveled road. (driving the speed limit of course) To get an accurate time line to and from work it may be a good idea to do a test run during rush hour traffic. If you are commuting to N.Y. by train, bus or ferry you may want to obtain the schedules or ask your realtor to supply you with that information as well as student bus stop locations if this should apply.

 How safe your neighborhood is will make a huge impact on the quality of life for you and your family. There are several resources to check crime statistics in Monmouth County NJ and elsewhere, you will learn where crime is prominent, type of crimes committed and whether the crime rate is increasing or decreasing. Visit  http://www.city-data.com/, you may also want to check with the local police department.