Generally the best time to buy a car is during the holidays. That is when you see most of the commercials and promotions going on. There is a pretty good chance that you will see those rates again during the holidays.

How is your credit? If your credit is good then that rate is way to high and i would suggest looking elsewhere.

Newark has a reputation for being bad but the Ironbound section and sections close to the Belleville/Bloomfield border aren't that bad. Judging by what you wrote, seems like Jersey City and Hoboken may be more fitting for you.

I believe tow companies let you pay a fee for them to drop the car. Previously it was all cash but i am sure they are using other methods to accept payment since not everyone carries cash. That specific Target has been cracking down on this lately.

That area is flood prone and you tend to see rats running around after major storms. I personally think its a good value if your into the whole gated community thing and don't feel like paying a million dollars. You need a car but parking is not an issue here. The LR station and nearest bus stop is a long walk but not impossible. There is a supermarket close by and some other stores. I expect this area to blow up in a few years once the general 440 area gets redeveloped. Very safe to walk around and it also has some amenities that you can enjoy.

The area by the Union and Maplewood borders are ok and by ok i mean you are on the outskirts of the terrible areas. I would absolutely stay away from the Newark/East Orange border. That area is basically a warzone. If you have kids, the school system in Irvington (JC and Newark as well) are terrible. Houses are cheaper in Irvington when compared to JC and Newark but that is for a good reason.

Stay away from MLK, Ocean, and Bergen Ave's. Everywhere else is ok. Downtown and the Heights are pretty safe. Journal SQ is decent but i wouldn't walk by myself at 2 am.

edit* when I said Bergen, I meant the part of that street that is parallel with MLK and Ocean.

That is correct, they are. However, many believe that it will eventually be saved but that is why you should explore other options right now

It is a decent option but its name doesn't jump out to employers either. You may want to look at Rutgers or St Peters University as well but both are more expensive. What you really should be looking at is what internship opportunities do they offer you? Are graduates successful when they leave?

Although the school plays a part in your career, what matters more is the connections you make while you are in school which is why internships are important.

At least this is a lesson learned. Had you gone with your insurance you would had just paid the deductible and let the insurance deal with it.

Any reason (besides my prem may go up) you don't want to use insurance? Even if your at fault, your premium may not go up as much. It will be the easier route and you won't have to deal with this BS

The overall guy was gone for a few weeks but i saw him yesterday morning. Supposedly they took the bench in front of walgreens and the cover over the bench in front of the diner away because of him.

sneakeroom in the heights is a good option

I think calling the tow company is more drastic then talking to the Church about this situation. Obviously i don't mean barge into the funeral service but nothing wrong with talking to the church when they have nothing going on.

Not to sound insensitive but being at a funeral does not give you the right to block an entire street. What if there was an emergency in one of the houses? Has anyone spoken to the church? That would be the first step.

Yeah, my wife stays at home with the kids and we only have 1 car. However, we live in a city where public transportation is readily available so if i am not available she has a way to get places.

Congrats on the baby! I would look into paternity leave options where you live. If your salary is fully covered then i would take it.

The big one is insurance. Make sure everyone is covered under your plan (if your job has one) or look for one in the marketplace. If you are not married, then she may qualify for Medicaid etc. As for budget, I don't know what your financial situation is but i would cut back on unnecessary costs (1 car instead of 2 etc.) I would also keep an emergency fund.

The area around Journal Sq is not to bad. McGinley Square (roughly 10 min walk to journal sq) is a good option as well. Its not as safe as downtown but its not a warzone either. Downtown is the place where most people move to. However, you may have a tough time finding a place in downtown and Hoboken with that budget. You may be able to find a small 1 BR or studio apartment. Washington St area is downtown and is safe. You just have to deal with a lot of drunk people walking around at night. If you have a car, parking is a major pain. As for diversity, the entire city is a melting pot so you should be ok.

That area is fine. If you have a car, parking will be a huge PIA though.

JCMC is the main hospital so it will always be crowded. I would try Hoboken or the JCMC annex in Bayonne. Christ would be another option in an emergency situation.

Let the driver cancel, you may get charged a fee

There isn't anything you could of done besides call the cops. It was you and your gf against 3 boys. At 15 and 16 they can do some damage. Next time it may be safer to just uber.

If you feel that your life is in danger and they start hitting you, you are within your right to defend yourself. That does not mean pull out a gun and start shooting though.

You should be ok to be honest. Path runs every 40 minutes at that time. Pretty sure the subway is running as well.

In addition to the VFW and American Legions you can reach out to the Churches in the area and see if you can use their school cafeterias, halls, etc.