I have no idea how to send a private message. Please feel free to pm me and I will reply. Sorry.

After much house-hunting, we've come to a conclusion we cannot afford what we need in the downtown area. We love the neighborhood and the people but with two kids, and one parent working from home living in a 2 bed condo with no storage is not an option (that's all we can afford to buy here).

We've started exploring JC Heights and Bayonne. I personally am leaning towards Bayonne because of the schools. There is however no cool factor there what-so-ever. When I say Bayonne our neighbors and friends cringe.

JC Heights however gets a more favorable reaction although the schools suck, the crime rate is high and its overall a bit sketchy.

Shouldn't care what people think, but do. What are your thoughts? Anyone move to either one?

And if you can recommend another place worth exploring with A) easy access to NYC 2) Public transport to downtown JC (parents live here and don't drive).

Our max is 500K tops for single family (but we need minimum 1800 sf).