The Thomases’ big Bridge & Tunnel test — and what it buys in square feet

After testing life with a walk-to-work Midtown setup, the Thomas family is heading west — chasing more space, fresh air, and maybe a driveway big enough for a scooter .

Emily Thomas — Jersey-born , career-focused , baby-juggling — is searching for balance: the energy of NYC vs. the pull of proximity to family.

We’re traveling 15 minutes on NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor Line with Emily & Co. to assess commute time vs. cost, vs. space (and behind-the-back jokes about living in the truly lovely Garden State).

Here’s what the Thomases have seen so far:

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

Take a breath and brace yourself: It’s time to transition to the world of Bridge & Tunnel, and visit our first property, located just outside of Newark, NJ.

Property #2: 632 Belgrove Dr, Kearny Town, NJ 07032, a 3,709 sq ft home in Newark.

Property Details

• 6 bedrooms

• 6 baths

Commute Breakdown

• Location: Newark (Essex County)

• Train Stop: Newark Penn (NJ Transit)

• / To Station: ~14 min (3.3 miles)

• Actual (NJT) Train Ride Time: 20 min

• Total Monthly Commute Time: 28.60 hours

• Monthly Commuter Cost: $528.22

Please note: The commute factors in a 14-minute drive to the train station, a 20-minute train, followed by a 5-minute walk to the office. This comes out to 28.6 hours/month. Also, we are assuming that parking is free (which it isn’t), or that the vehicle magically disappears until the return trip.

Financial Summary

• List Price: $999,000

• Monthly Mortgage (P&I): $4,728.00

• Monthly Property Taxes: $1,293.50

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

• Total Monthly Cost (All-in): $7,229.72

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros: First things first…SPACE! The Kearny property provides 2,600 additional square feet than the first property, a difference of more than $700 per square foot. That’s baby bedrooms, playrooms, game rooms, TV rooms, libraries, and more!

Cons: Beyond the adjustment to the suburbs, the unit is on the corner by the traffic light. (Some people might like having two-sided access, but I’m seeing it as a con here since it’s not tucked away within an enclosed neighborhood or development. We’ll have to ask the Thomases!) Additionally, the aesthetic is rather specific, so if the current style doesn’t match Emily & Co.’s taste, they should plan on spending above and beyond list price and closing costs to get it ready.

Coming up!

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

• Rahway >>> 150 Carolyn Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067

• 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.