The NJ Spooktacular hits Rahway (and what's a spooktacular, anyway?)

Cue the Frank Sinatra. (No, not New York, New York.) We’re playing is this one: “I Did It, Rahway,” because that’s where the Thomases are headed.

Although, given that it’s Halloween, perhaps something on this playlist is more appropriate.

Emily Thomas is a Jersey gal living in New York, partnered up and raising a baby . She’s hit a moment—perhaps that one where she tries to overcome a snowbank with an infant-filled stroller. (IYKYK.)

Together, we’re on the Real Garden Estate Adventure, stopping every 15 minutes along NJT’s Northeast Corridor Line, starting from Midtown West, i.e., a walk to work option, heading out to Hamilton, and ending up on the Lower East Side. (Hey, we got the best pickles!)

Here’s what the Thomases have seen so far:

• New York Penn Station >>> 340 West 55th Street #7B

• Newark Penn >>> 632 Belgrove Dr, Kearny Town, NJ 07032

• North Elizabeth >>> 216 W 6th Ave, Roselle Boro, NJ 07203

If you didn’t track with my pun above, we’re headed to Rahway.

Property #4: 150 Carolyn Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067, on an 8,000 sq ft lot, re: the exterior space.

Property Details

• 5 bedrooms

• 3 baths

Commute Breakdown

• Location: Rahway (Union)

• Train Stop: Rahway (NJ Transit)

• / To Station: ~8 min (2.3 miles)

• Actual (NJT) Train Ride Time: 45 min

• Total Monthly Commute Time: 42.53 hours

• Monthly Commuter Cost: $578.11

Financial Summary

• List Price: $1,100,000

• Monthly Mortgage (P&I): $5,206.00

• Monthly Property Taxes: $1,310.83

• Utilities, HOA & Other Overhead (Component of Carrying Cost): $680.00

• Total Monthly Cost (All-in): $7,774.94

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros: Large, clean, accessible property in excellent condition (judging by the staging photos).

Cons: While this property has plenty to offer, looks to be in good shape, and was nicely staged, the sellers are looking for an 83% return on their 2018 investment. I will defer to the local real estate professionals advising them with knowledge of the market in Rahway (or Colonia, specifically), but as the Thomases’ agent, I would actively review area comps to ensure that this appreciation has occurred with like properties (and that the prospective buyers will be strongly positioned for future benefits).

Also, the listing says that it’s located in the “desirable” Woodbridge Township School District. I reviewed, and the school system is rated below average (on this site). Take that for what it’s worth, as it’s only one source, but I’m told that school is important.

Coming up!

• Edison >>> 12 Edgewood Rd, Edison, NJ 08820

• Jersey Avenue >>> 10 Julie Ct, Somerset, NJ 08873

• Hamilton >>> 36 Birdie Way, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

• Reference Point: 530 Grand Street #E8C

Methodology
I identified properties priced around or below $1,000,000 near NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor Line stops, one Midtown West option, and one LES reference point to compare commute time, costs, and ownership overhead. Assumptions span rates, pricing, and a range of factors covered in the full methodology, all intended to normalize monthly costs across property types.

Full methodology here.