Berkeley Heights, NJ: Julie Roros
Julie lives in Berkeley Heights, NJ with her husband, son, and their English bulldog, Hank. In 2023 she moved to Berkeley Heights from Hoboken and never thought she would love the suburban life so much! Julie loves what the Berkeley Heights community has to offer in regards to fun mommy and me classes, a small town feel with easy access to the city, and local incredible restaurants.
Julie is a private jeweler and owner of The Ring Woman. www.theringwoman.com who has multiple offices in surrounding towns and NYC. She also sings in a band that hosts fun events and performs often in the city. The easy commute to the NYC made the transition from Hoboken to the burbs a breeze!
Besides her favorite role as a mom, Julie enjoys working on her jewelry business, performing with her band, traveling with her husband and son, and hanging with family and friends!
Chatham, NJ: Allyson Arens
Allyson lives in Chatham, NJ with her husband, children, and pup, Taco. She moved to Chatham from Hoboken in 2018 and has been embracing life in the suburbs ever since. Allyson and her family love the small town vibe and walkability of Chatham Borough, as it made the transition from urban to suburban life a little easier.
Chatham has been a wonderful town to raise children in. It has an amazing public school system, active sports programs, and tons of playgrounds and fields for families to take advantage of.
When not chasing around after her children, Allyson can be found buried in a novel, cooking for a crowd, spending time with friends or supporting her favorite charitable organization Anthony M. Varvaro “Believe” Foundation.
Livingston, NJ: Laura Goren
Laura loved living right on the Hudson River with beautiful NYC views and easy commute to Manhattan. However, with a toddler in tow and a baby on the way, her family was outgrowing their space and they began a search for a larger home in the suburbs. They landed in Livingston and have been happy raising three kids (now teens!) there for the past 15 years.
Laura's family has enjoyed the strong Livingston public schools and Laura has found it easy to be an active volunteer in the school community. During after school hours, her family can be found on the town's sports fields, nearby dance classes, or a local movie theater...and always making time for Frutta Bowl for a smoothie or acai bowl!
Professionally, Laura's desire to serve others has led to a private counseling practice focused on mental health support for mothers and caregivers. Laura knows that we can not give what we do not have and if we want calm, compassion, and resilience for our children, then we must learn how to embody those qualities in our own lives. Learn more on her website, Zen Den Wellness
Madison, NJ: Elizabeth Mazzarella
Elizabeth lives in Madison with her husband and two young daughters. She made the transition to the suburbs in 2018 from Jersey City. As a Long Island native, the move to the New Jersey suburbs felt new and overwhelming at first, but after discovering Madison, she knew she had found her home.
Elizabeth loves the direct train line which was an asset when she had previously been working full time in the Events and Hospitality Industry. Madison’s charming and family friendly downtown was a huge draw for her as she loves to discover new restaurants and to take her children out for walks to the local shops. She also wanted a town with a small town feel, somewhere she felt safe letting her kids wander as they get older and a community she knew would be her village. Madison’s wonderful public schools was also a huge reason for their selection.
Elizabeth can be found chasing her children around at the local library, YMCA and keeping them busy with local kid friendly activities and classes. When not with her children, she loves reading, trying new workout classes, or hosting get togethers with friends.
Maplewood, NJ: Jordan Schwartz Hendin
Hi, I'm Jordan. I am a native New Yorker, CBT Coach and mom to 10 year old twins Avery & Olivia. In June 2021 my husband Erik and I moved from the West Village to Maplewood and became first time home owners. We were reluctant to leave the city, but knew it was time. Our criteria for where to move was specific: easy commute to the city, great school system, culturally diverse, politically progressive, and a charming town with an "urban feel".
Essentially, we wanted a place where we could have all of the advantages of a suburb without having to give up our identity as New Yorkers. Maplewood was the answer.
Living in Maplewood, Erik has an easy commute to Chelsea each day, less than 40 minutes. I relocated my coaching practice, Catalyst4Change Coaching, from co-working space to a beautiful home office. Our kids, who had shared a small room their whole lives, now have their own rooms, which for pre-pre teens, is essential.
As a family we enjoy participating in the town's local events such as Maplewoodstock, chili cook offs, art festivals and the annual Turkey Trot. We have found our community and are loving all that Maplewood has to offer!
Montclair, NJ: Carrie Holtz
Carrie moved to Montclair in 1999 from the Upper West Side of NYC. She raised her 2 children in town, from pre-school through high school, in the public school system - and remains an active member of the community. She loves the highly diverse, inclusive community that offers many cultural, culinary and outdoor activities. There is something for everyone in Montclair!
During the 23 years that Carrie has lived in Montclair, she often commuted weekdays to NYC by train (and occasional bus). Returning to town to participate in classroom activities, or in recent years to catch her sons tennis match and/or to pick up her daughter from rowing practice, was never a problem - since the city is a mere 13 miles away!
After 30+ years working for global consulting firms, Carrie narrowed her focus to the work she deeply loves - coaching executives and rising leaders. She and her husband are supportors of the Montclair Jazz Festival and Jazz House Kids, as well as several other cultural and/or children focused non-profits. In her free time, she enjoys time in the great outdoors and floral arranging.
Morristown, NJ: Megan Avallone
Megan lives in Morristown with her husband, two daughters, and her fourteen- year-old cat, Candy Corn. She moved to Morristown six years ago when her oldest daughter was ready to start school. She knew she wanted to move to a place that had a thriving downtown, easy access to NYC, and a diverse school
system. Morristown checked all those boxes, and the way residents helped each other and local businesses during the pandemic reiterated what she already knew—that this community is really a hidden gem.
The best part about Morristown is there is always something to do! Morristown is home to food truck festivals, a great Farmer’s Market, the Morris Museum, Fosterfields living agricultural farm, and arguably the best dining hub in NJ.
When not working in public service, Megan can be found catching a show at the Morristown Performing Arts Center, trying a new recipe, or watching her daughter’s soccer games.
Morristown, NJ: Amy Beba
Hello! My name is Amy Beba and I am a longtime resident of Morristown, a dedicated public school and community volunteer, and a mom of twins who has a deep love for the town and its rich history. My enthusiasm for all that Morristown has to offer is contagious, and I am eager to share my knowledge and insights with others.
I love Morristown because it is a charming town that offers visitors and residents alike plenty of wonderful things to explore. History buffs can visit the Morristown National Historical Park, which played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. Nature lovers can take in the beauty of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum or explore the Morris County Parks Commission's park system. Art enthusiasts can visit the Morris Museum, which has a vast collection of exhibits and educational programs.
Additionally, Morristown has a vibrant downtown area with a variety of dining options, boutique shops, and entertainment venues. Whether you're looking for cultural attractions or outdoor activities, Morristown has something to offer everyone, and I am proud to share its unique character with visitors and residents alike.
New Providence, NJ: Allie Lasota
While born and raised all over Union County, Allie and her husband decided to start their family in New Providence where they have resided for the past 7 years with their daughter, toy Pomeranian and 2 cats they rescued from St Hubert’s during the pandemic.
Allie and her husband both grew up in very large towns, so it was important to find a nice middle class town with a small town feel. Also, Allie needed convenience since she was commuting back and forth for work to NYC. They love walking downtown to the restaurants and never have to worry about parking!
With her love and passion for music, in 2019, Allie started teaching baby music and movement classes (with her toddler at the time) with friends and neighbors on the weekends, which quickly expanded to birthday parties, Zumba kids dance classes and more! In 2021, she opened up her own studio, Zumbini with Allie, in New Providence. Zumbini with Allie is a children’s music, dance & craft studio for Ages 0-12 and is a very unique place for families in the Greater New Providence area. Come check it out!
North Caldwell, NJ: Allison Goldfarb
Unlike many people moving from the city to the suburbs, Allison Goldfarb was already very familiar with the commute from NYC, and after doing it for 10 years, knew it was time to make the move. She has been teaching in North Caldwell, NJ for 14 years and consistently sees a friendly, welcoming vibe from families in town. She has always called North Caldwell a "hidden gem." Since being part of the community has been such an incredible experience, she knew this was the place she wanted to raise her family.
Allison loves being part of this community both as a teacher and a mom. Allison is in a "group text message chat" with 18 other moms who have similar aged kids. It is quite rare to move to a town where in such a short amount of time, she's developed many friendships with like-minded people!
In addition to Allison's career as an educator, she owns her own small business Memory Lane Montages where she specializes in creating professional video montages for special events such as bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, retirements, and milestone events.
Allison's greatest pride and joy is her family. Her husband, who commutes daily into downtown NYC, says he loves calling North Caldwell home. Her two children, now 4 and 2, attend nursery school at a local temple, and she's excited for the day they become part of the North Caldwell school district.
North Caldwell, NJ: Andrea Brower
Andrea relocated back to her hometown area after finding out she was pregnant with her third child in 2017. Andrea grew up in the neighboring town of Roseland, while her husband grew up in North Caldwell. Both are graduates of West Essex High School. The couple decided to move back to the area to be closer to family.
Andrea has been an educator for the last 17 years, so finding a town with a superb education system was a priority for her family. Today Andrea’s children are 5, 8, and 10 and attend the public schools in North Caldwell. Her family is involved in many community activities and are active participants in the recreation and travel sports programs in town.
In her spare time, Andrea enjoys running, attending Alpha fit classes and going to her children’s sporting events. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and traveling to Cape May every summer.
Roseland NJ: Raquel Marte
Hi! My name is Raquel and my family and I moved to Roseland, NJ in 2012 when my kids were 2 & 3 years old for the school system, safety, peace and tranquility of suburban life. My husband of 15 years started his own business in Northern, NJ, and I assist him in running it.
We really enjoy the small-town feel, strong recreational sports programs and close-knit community. From an early age, my kids were able to ride their bikes around the neighborhood, go to the park or enjoy the many hiking trails with their friends. In the suburbs, you can really foster your child’s love for the outdoors.
Roseland has an excellent recreational department with many events and programs for kids, families, and adults. There is really something for everyone. Our small school has some of the most caring teachers. They really get to know the students very well, which facilitates learning. For middle and high school, kids attend one of NJ’s top schools, West Essex Regional.
As a parent, there are many opportunities to be involved with your child’s education. Through town events, it is easy to get to know your neighbors and families with similar age kids. Roseland is a very tight-knit community and an excellent town to raise a family!
Short Hills, NJ: Joy Chang
Joy moved to Short Hills in 2002 from Hoboken, NJ. Knowing she and her husband, Seth, would eventually have kids Joy searched for the ideal town to raise a family and found that in Short Hills. Joy now has two daughters, Ava and Lyla, and loves that Short Hills/Millburn offers her family the convenience of a direct train line to New York City, access to excellent schools, a strong sense of community and high quality of life.
After spending 15 years in the NYC fashion industry Joy quit the corporate world in 2010 to spend more time with her two young girls. She now runs her own business as a Stylist for a custom menswear company, J. Hilburn, which allows her a flexible work schedule around her kid’s activities. Joy loves all the different people she meets while styling her clients and her passion is helping them look good and feel confident! Check out her website here.
In her spare time Joy loves playing tennis, taking barre classes and being a soccer mom. She enjoys traveling (preferably to a warm weather destination with a beach), spending time with friends and family, and never turns down a glass of wine.
Summit, NJ: Hallie Cohn
Hi! I’m Hallie and I have lived in Summit for over four years with my husband, two daughters, and Sheepadoodle, Bagel. We love Summit—we always joke that it feels like living in Pleasantville with its quaint downtown and incredible community. I mean, what other town do you know that shuts down downtown on Halloween for trick-or-treaters, and hosts a 4th of July carnival with bounce houses, food trucks and fireworks?
I loved living and teaching in NYC and I never thought I would leave; however, once the pandemic hit, it seemed like the only plausible next step was suburbia. My husband and I are both from Livingston so naturally we began searching for the “right” NJ suburb that was close to our family, had easy access to Manhattan, amazing schools, and a lively downtown. Summit seemed like the perfect fit and, truly, we couldn’t be happier here.
When I’m not carpooling my girls to Summit School of Dance and The Connection, you can find me baking in my kitchen, trying new workout classes, and browsing the Summit Farmer’s Market on Sunday mornings. e, walkable downtown areas, each with new and established restaurants, bars, and shops. The towns share one excellent school district, and when her children are older, they’ll be able to walk to each of their schools with their neighborhood friends. There are two fantastic libraries nearby and tons of playgrounds, many within walking distance.There are many train and bus options for those commuting to New York City.
Westfield, Fanwood & Scotch Plains NJ: Kristin Pasheluk
Kristin lives in Fanwood, NJ with her husband, 2 young kiddos and dog. She moved from NYC to New Jersey, and after renting in Westfield for several years, purchased a home and has been living in Fanwood since 2019.
Fanwood is a small town located inside of a larger town, Scotch Plains. Fanwood and Scotch Plains each have their own unique, walkable downtown areas, each with new and established restaurants, bars, and shops. The towns share one excellent school district, and when her children are older, they’ll be able to walk to each of their schools with their neighborhood friends. There are two fantastic libraries nearby and tons of playgrounds, many within walking distance.There are many train and bus options for those commuting to New York City.
Kristin and her family love spending time in Westfield, too, which is just a quick 2 mile drive. Westfield has an adorable, vibrant walkable downtown with tons of restaurants, shops, fitness studios, and art galleries. All three towns host many outdoor seasonal festivals and there is alway something to do!
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