Among many other things. Hillsborough, New Jersey has become a popular option for people who want to continue working in New York City, but want to live in an affordable, family-friendly community. As New Jersey homebuilders, we’ve seen the influx, and we know that one of the most common questions people have is how to get from Hillsborough to the city – which is exactly why we decided to give you a simple guide to commuting.

Train

You can take a train from Jersey Avenue in New Brunswick to Penn Station in New York for a few dollars one way, but if you are travelling to New York from Hillsborough, you will still need to drive to New Brunswick. The drive to New Brunswick will take about 20 minutes. You will also want to double check the closest train stop to your office in NYC to really evaluate if train commuting is right for you. Of course, once in New York, there are plenty of transit options, so as long as you stay on top of costs, you’re spoiled for choice!

Bus

It is possible to take a bus from Hillsborough into the city, but again, you’ll need to get to the main transit center in Somerville at E Main St At Park Ave, and then take the bus to the New York Port Authority Transit Center. In this case, however, there’s a bus that will take you from Hillsborough to Somerville, so if you don’t want to drive at all, this is a good option.

Driving

Most people who live in Hillsborough and work in New York either drive themselves or they carpool with other people who make the trip daily. Either way, this is the cheapest and least confusing option.  While you may face a little traffic along the way (and get strange looks from New Yorkers who generally don’t believe driving is necessary in their city), this is a great choice.

The trip will take about an hour one way, depending on traffic, and you have several options: I-78,  I-95, or the Garden State Parkway. Be warned that each of these routes does have tolls, so there will be additional costs to consider on your commute.

Why Choose to Commute?

Even with all of these options, you may still be wondering why so many people choose to live in Hillsborough and commute to NYC. That’s another question we get very often as New Jersey homebuilders, and the answer is simple: cost of living.

Consider that the difference to rent property in NYC is more than 180 percent greater than the cost of renting in New Jersey. Then consider that it costs more than 30 percent more to eat in a restaurant in New York City. That’s before you even consider purchasing property. Trust us. The cost to commute every day would never come close to the difference in your mortgage rates, and you will certainly get more house for your money in New Jersey.

There are certain industries that require you to work in New York, like publishing or trading, but when you’re considering housing options in New Jersey versus NYC, the lifestyle your dollar can buy in Hillsborough blows the competition out of the water. So work in the city, but put roots down in our town. You won’t be sorry! 

Country Classics' new home community, Country Classics at Hillsborough is SOLD OUT! However, you're welcome to check out our current availability on our website and find the perfect home for you... and enjoy an easy commute to New York City via the nearby NJ Transit train stations!