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And I would like to throw this at the forum as well, what about Westfield/Cranford Vs. Chatham/Madison??
I can only respond to Westfield/Cranford. I am going to say that they are essentially very similar in terms of people/schools/vibe. I think going back to the original poster's question, downtown Westfield is a little busier in the evenings, especially in the summer with many options for eating outside, yogurt, jazz nights, concerts. I meet up with friends at least 2-3 times a week for lunch or coffee downtown Westfield during the school year, and do a lot of shoppipng there, and it's prettty lively year-round.
And I would like to throw this at the forum as well, what about Westfield/Cranford Vs. Chatham/Madison??
From my limited stay-at-home mom's perspective, I find Chatham/Madison Main Streets, or as they happen to be, town centers, to be very non-engaging during weekdays. I would almost dare to say - boring. But comparing apples with apples, whenever I travel to Westfield/Cranford, I find more memorable things to do and find it's easier to chat with people, usually at ice-cream places. Even during weekdays, the latter towns seem more upbeat and buzzing.
Interestingly, I find ice-cream places to be a good testing ground for the vibe of the town. Not once did anyone ever seem approachable in Chatham, however, EVERYTIME I've been in Cranford, we had a jolly good old time talking with the locals. Go figure.
Thanks for your insight ResearchMom. I haven't been to DT Cranford but found Westfield DT certainly has the vibe and is filled with energy. In comparison, Madison/Chatham DT are definitely more laid back even on the weekend. I probably would not want to live in Cranford for fear of the flooding though.
Would you say that all of the following towns compare the same (Mendham vs Chatham/Madison vs Millburn/Summit vs Ridgewood/Glen Rock vs Glen Ridge vs Westfield)?
Are you still in Mendham 11 years later? We moved here 5 years ago with teenagers and feel the same way. Would love to meet some like-minded people and hang out.
We've had the same experience in Mendham-- "not interested in forming friendships, only scheduled relations" -- and can't explain it. We've made a few friends, but miss the kind of relationships you're talking about. If you're not heavily into sports, you don't fit in. That aspect of life here has been a disappointment for us.
We feel the same way. This post was many years ago, and assuming you all had young kids then, I am wondering if you are still here and found your "tribe"? We moved here 5 years ago (to Mendham) with teenagers, and it has not been easy. I still don't feel like I have many connections, or people to just hang out with.
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