also check out

http://www.bestplaces.net

a great resource for all information on any neighborhood.

It depends on which side of Avenel St your looking at, if your looking at the Rahway Ave side then I say no, the neighborhood is not great by any means, to industrial. The St George side is nicer, but the neighborhood is turning. It used to be nice but the low rent apartments have brought alot of crime into the area.

Below are some links (which you can cut and paste into your browser) to websites that should give you some helpful information. One of the prime areas in central NJ is Metuchen. Although prices are somewhat higher than surrounding areas, it has a NJ Transit rail station in the middle of a walkable downtown area with many shops. Since the town is only 3 sq. mi., many homes are within walking distance to the station. In addition the schools are highly rated. AS a result this area has held its value in the recent real estate downturn better than the surrounding towns.

http://mbor.readvantage.com/area_information.cfm - Links to official websites for towns in Middlesex Co

http://www.city-data.com/city/New-Jersey.html - Demographic information for NJ towns.

http://education.state.nj.us/rc/rc07/index.html - State of NJ Dept of Education Annual School Report Card

Additional helpful links can be found on my website (see below).

Gil Lopez
REALTOR Associate
Prudential NJ Properties
3 Amboy Av
Metuchen, NJ 08840
908-510-0639 Cell
732-494-7677 x417 Office

Mr Bond -

Avenel is a nice area. You could also look in the surrounding areas of Woodbridge and Edison that can get you pretty close to NYC. If you would like to see some listings, email me with your requirements of Beds/baths/ yard... and such along with your approximate price range and I'll pull some home for you to take a look at!

John Sacktig
Broker / Manager
Orange Key Realty
Office: 732--863-6969
Cell: 732-213-1409

JSacktig@orangekeyrealty.com