Hi Pam,
having commuted to NYC from Basking Ridge in the past, I can share that, in my opinion, the express bus service by Lakeland is superior to the NJ Transit train service whether from basking Ridge/Lyons or Summit. The bus takes one hour from Basking Ridge to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Not only are there several official stops for the bus in town but the drivers are usually happy to make unoffical ones also, letting people on and off along the route, near their homes. I always found the journey to be reliable, comfortable and relaxing.
Nick

Hi Pam, you have gotten some really excellent answers to your question. There are many NYC commuters in Basking Ridge - it's certainly do-able but it does take some time. Summit is a much easier (more direct) ride. I have met many people who were originally looking in both areas and narrowed it down to Basking Ridge. I am SURE that there is an equal number who chose Summit! I cover Basking Ridge much more often then Summit and I can tell you why those who chose BR did so - the decision was typically made based on a perception that you can get more for your money in Basking Ridge: more house on a larger lot. The trade off being the longer commute. I can see both sides - you will need to figure out what works best for you.

Please let me know if you have any other questions about Basking Ridge; I live and work here and I'm happy to help! Be sure to check out my website and blog for more information on the community and the real estate market.

Good Luck!

Jennifer

It’s a long (more than one hour) commute. I live in Basking Ridge and have commuted to NYC. Buses that originate in the town will take you to the Port Authority at 42nd Street; Penn Station is located at 34th Street - there is free parking for the residents at the bus stop. There is a New Jersey Transit train station in town, also with free parking. The train goes to Penn Station and, as previously said, there’s an express train you can switch to at Summit – a free transfer.

Some people in Basking Ridge prefer to drive to/from Summit and then take the express train. This isn’t a bad choice if you are someone who can keep to schedules in the morning.

As you might expect, the inbound commute is easier than coming home when it can vary between 1 and 1 1/2 hours by bus or train.

Lastly, you can drive to Ferries or Path trains and use a Park/Ride lot for the car.

Pam,
Here are some useful links:
Actual schedule from BR to Penn NYC
http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=Tra…
Train schedule search and NJ Transit Train Map
http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=Tra…

I cover the Princeton/Montgomery/Hillsborough areas and that is roughly the same communing time by train or bus. Hope this helps.

Regards,
Louis Garcia
Sales Representative
Weichert Realtors
350 Nassau St.
Princeton, NJ 08540
Office: 609-921-1900
Home: 908-874-6292

Hi Pam, Basking Ridge to Penn Station would be a nasty commute IMO. About 2 hours each way door to door. I would not suggest it if you value quality of life. I would definitely look closer in and sacrifice the size and condition of the house for a shorter commute.

-Marc

Marc Paolella
Relocation Director
Member, Worldwide ERC
Licensed Realtor NJ
Licensed Appraiser NJ & NY
Century 21 Joe Tekula Realtors
Agent of the Year 2008
Owner: Sands Appraisal Service, Inc.
Phone (direct): (973) 584-4235
web: http://www.marcpaolella.com

The decision you need to consider is what is more important . Much shorter commute versus more house and property for your money. Both areas have very good school systems. Summit does have an Express Mid Town direct train during rush hours. Get on in Summit and the next stop is Penn Station. Parking at the station. House prices are higher with smaller property.

If I can answer any other questions, or send you info please do not hesitate to call or email me. I know both areas.

Carol Eisenstein
Prudential NJ Properties
973 879 3282
email caroleisenstein@prunewjersey.com

Hi Pam, the commute on the train is about an hour - where your home is located vis-a-vis the train station and the distance of your office from Penn Station will determine how much you need to add to that number. Summit is a shorter ride - in fact the train from Basking Ridge goes through Summit. Basking Ridge is very close to 78 - I live in the area myself and for years did the commute to the city (my husband still does). You've got the option of train or bus from Basking Ridge. Alternatively, you can jump on 78 and drive in or drive to Summit, which many people do, and grab train there or use that as an alternative return route at the end of a long day - Summit will offer more options along with that shorter ride and so that is a nice alternative to have. Once you jump on 78, Summit train station is a short 15-20 minute ride from Basking Ridge.

If you are house hunting, you'll find that Basking Ridge prices will compare favorably to Summit's. Both are great communities with super schools. You can find school info at http://www.feenick.com - just click on the School Info link.

I know both areas well Pam and I'd be honored to assist you - you can reach me at http://www.feenick.com or just contact me via Trulia.

Good luck and best,
Jeannie Feenick
Search and connect at http://www.feenick.com

The train is between 62 and 107 min. If you go to http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=Tra… you can check out station to station schedules.

It is between 45 minutes to two hours depending on your mode of transportation, what roads you are taking and the time of day.