Walkable Downtowns of NJ

The commuter towns of NJ are always desirable in terms easy access to the city. But now more than ever residents are looking to these downtown communities to serve as more than just transportation hubs. They are looking for walkable downtowns that have restaurants, local boutiques, coffee shops, and yoga studios for convenience and cultural appeal.

This WNYC story explains how these neighborhoods are in high demand and that in order for small towns to survive should focus on developing walkable town centers.

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Sweet Sounds Downtown Festival

For the past 20 summers Westfield, NJ has hosted the Sweet Sounds Downtown Festival. On Tuesday nights, shoppers, diners, and residents are treated to free, outdoor music at five locations throughout town. The concerts take place weekly from 7pm to 9pm during July and August. (Raindates are Wednesday nights.) Performances range from traditional jazz to contemporary bands. Full line up and performance locations can be found here.

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That Suburban “Sweet Spot”

One of the biggest considerations for people when they are looking to move to a new town is the quality of the public schools. It was certainly one of our big concerns when we decided leave Brooklyn. There is often a correlation between the cost of real estate and how good the schools are.  Finding that “sweet spot,” as this New York Times article calls it, where you can get the best house for your money and still get your kids a quality education can be tricky.

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Cranford’s Rahway River and Canoe Club

One of the first things that made me want to move to Cranford was the Rahway River and it’s Canoe Club. We drove in to check out the town one summer weekend circa 2012.  And there is nothing more charming than driving down tree lined streets of old colonial homes along a sweet riverbank and coming across an adorable canoe club.

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