Check Craigslist. Agency listings are more expensive.

There’s a lot to explore in the area. Hillside itself is pretty dull, unless you’re into the sex shops on 22. If you can deal with the cold, South Mountain and Watchung reservations are nearby. Cranford and Westfield have nice downtowns worth waking. Elizabeth has more of an urban feel.

If you like to hang out at bars, there are plenty in the area. Liberty Tavern in Union is my favorite for a place that’s a bit of a dive. Short Hills Mall isn’t too far if you want to do some high end shopping.

Do you have a car?

I never heard that adage, and I didn’t grow up in NJ. If I were 26, single, and childless, I’d have no interest in working in Madison. Given the parameters, JC and Hoboken make no sense.

If you’re commuting from Hudson County by car to Madison, be prepared to spend 1.5-2 hours per day sitting in traffic (easily more on bad days). Whatever JC or Hoboken have to offer, you’re not going to benefit from it on weekdays. If it were me, I’d rather sit in the car on weekends with less traffic. Also, keep in mind Morristown has a train to NYC.

Morristown. JC or Hoboken commute to Madison is a nightmare during rush hour (even if it’s reverse).

Xfinity mobile uses Verizon’s network and is a lot cheaper.

I’d be shocked if they checked tickets between Metropark and Newark if the train was continuing to Boston. If it terminates at NYP, they’d be suspicious of anyone getting on so close.

Having taken it many times, it’s nothing that special and the cars are pretty old at this point.

They do stuff. They’re just pretty unaware of what the hell is actually going on. The only places geared toward them are Gymboree and the like.

For the most part, it’s a tiny, sparsely populated suburb/exurb. Outside of a few restaurants and the retail stretch on route 22, there is nothing to do in Watchung proper. If you’re willing and able to travel, there are a ton of state and county parks, fun cities, and museums. What kinds of things do you like to do?