If you look on Google maps, you can see more about the area, and map the distance of getting to places in NYC, the Jersey Shore, airports, etc. It's all VERY convenient.
We first started looking in Jersey City, Weehawken, and further out. Our criteria was close to NYC, affordable, and safe. A bonus would be an area we enjoyed, even if we never/rarely went into Manhattan.
After a year of looking, we discovered Fort Lee, then Plateau Gardens. This coop complex is a gem, only 2 miles to NYC across the Hudson River. We stumbled upon the complex, while shopping at Cafasso's (gourmet) Fairway Market catty corner, across Anderson Ave.
The beauty of this coop is not only the acres of lovely green courtyards, landscaping, and flowers. It's very affordable, safe, walkable to amenities, and is like living in a small townhouse. Garages are often sold separately, or with the unit. We waited about a year and then two came on the market at once. Each unit comes with at least one roomy parking space. There are three laundry rooms with new card operated washers and dryers. Each unit has a garden area to grow your own plants and/or to put flower pots out.
Although the coop is inexpensive, the neighborhood has many expensive houses; especially on Abbott Blvd, which also has a walking trail. Also has many walkable, neighborhood stores, restaurants, grocery stores, salons, spas, gyms, and more. Fort Lee is really growing, including the new downtown complex with the iPic movie theater.
There are NYC bound express/bus/van stops out front on Anderson Ave, that go to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station/A subway train, and 42nd Street/ Port Authority Bus station. Door-to-door, we can get to many NYC destinations in just less than an hour (Columbus Circle, 42nd Street, Penn Station, etc.). Driving to NYC, it's pretty easy to find free NYC street parking on Sundays. To save on the GW Bridge toll, you can pick-up a carpooler, at the bus stop, before you go over the bridge. There's also Uber, Lyft, taxis.
Well-rated schools (check online), wonderful community center with free events/classes (love the yoga and rhumba classes; outdoor concerts, esp.), great library (online downloads), lots of parks with tennis courts, community garden, playgrounds, classes. Fort Lee Indoor Tennis club offers great tennis. Edgewater is less than two miles away with the ferry to NYC, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and lots more shopping, indoor tennis, spas, gyms, movie theaters, etc.
No dogs allowed. Several coop owners have cats, bird... Some rules are grandfathered in.
Such a nice, safe, green, hometown feeling. Lots of parks, big trees, well-maintained homes, manicured yards with lots of greenery and flowers. It's also home to Palisades Park with acres and miles of hiking/biking/picnic areas/park restaurant/boat launch, etc. Lots of bicyclists ride in Fort Lee and Palisades Interstate Park. Also, check out "Fort Lee, NJ" YouTube videos. Fort Lee has lots history from the Revolutionary war to the start of the film industry. Fort Lee has its' own film commission.
As foodies, Cafasso's Fairway, across the street, is one of the reasons, we picked Plateau Gardens. A third generation family business. We often walk across the street to shop for meals. They carry many prepared gourmet foods, Italian, Asian, Greek, American, pizzas, grilled whole fish, etc. We especially love their roasted artichoke hearts, prime rib, short ribs, etc.! Daily fresh juices, kombucha, etc. Their seafood department is great, including a lobster tank and cooked lobsters. Cheese department with many imports and raw cheeses. Their produce is very fresh with lots of variety too. Exotic items like fresh dates, fresh almonds. Caviar, duck, etc. Reasonably priced, and less than higher NYC prices.
Compared to living in previous our studio apartment in Manhattan, Plateau Gardens feels like a mansion. Although, if you're moving from a house, it may feel like one of those tiny homes, or an apartment. Compared to Manhattan and most areas around here, Plateau Gardens is a bargain. read more