file photo by Boyd Loving
By Dino Flammia July 17, 2017 4:23 PM
On day two of our three-part series about different generations’ views about the state in which they live, we hear from a couple of families who still have more than two generations living in New Jersey.
While the oldest members stuck it out in New Jersey for most or all of their lives, there’s no shortage of folks heading toward retirement who say they want out.
Part 1: What senior citizens think about living in New Jersey
In the aftermath of World War II, Camilla Pankewytch (Moog before marriage) came to New Jersey from Germany at age 20. She had been “hungry for six years” overseas and was immediately fascinated by New Jersey and the new life it would offer.
“You could get everything here. It was a relief,” she said.
That new life included a marriage, a child and two stepchildren.
The 88-year-old has been here ever since. She bounced around between Newark and Irvington, then lived in Lakewood for 27 years, and most recently moved in with her son, daughter-in-law and grandson in the Ramtown section of Howell.
Both George, 60, and Patricia, 58, were born and raised in Newark — a very different Newark than what exists today, they noted.
Read More: Born and raised in New Jersey — Now get me out of here | https://nj1015.com/born-and-raised-in-new-jersey-now-get-me-out-of-here/?trackback=tsmclip
This town will never be what are used to be the good all days are over now are living in a mess this town is so overrated big deal for the Fourth of July parade and fireworks I live over the border in a nearby town and is just fine the schools or not what are used to be what so great I think Wicoff is a better town
Yeah this town in the state of going to shit it’s time to move out go down south the village Ridgewood in this state is so overrated time to go down to the Carolinas
@713. Why are you commenting here? Stick to the wyckoff blog.
It is true that the village is overrated. The village has 200 houses on the market right now. The village is not what are used to be. Senior citizens are moving out an all-time high. And there is a big turnaround with new families coming in, from overseas and our state, the school system is not what are used to be, it’s good but there are plenty of towns around there are just as good. So yes to the other blogger there are many great towns around which would
Ridgewood is in a down spiral. There is a lot of hype to out of towners who don’t experience the issues. New families with multiple kids are replacing empty nesters who are cashing in in this crazy market. Already crowded schools will be jammed with new kids. VC is more focused in internal bickering than resolving issues, look at out sorry streets etc. New buildings to be erected will add to the current mess. Long term future is bleak. I wish I could move farther out but I am stuck for now.
I have only lived in the village for 40 years so maybe I lack the long term perspective. but if you net it all out I don’t think Ridgewood is in decline and in some ways is better now than ever.
1. CBD has changed–no hardware stores or cute boutiques–many more coffee shops and restaurants. I would say its about a wash.
2. Parking is if anything a bit better than it was in years past. I do not see this as a major problem as CBD has thrived for many decades without a major parking facility.
3. Major Valley Hospital expansion was thwarted–a victory for residents and a validation of grassroots democracy in action.
4. Schools generally remain solid. People move here for the schools–Do you really think they are all “deluded fools buying into over-rated hype”. I don’t think so.
5. Ridgewood is not more congested now. Population has been stable since Lawns were developed. Not a fan of the new high density housing–it was a bad decision but it won’t fundamentally alter the character of the Village as many claim.
6. Graydon is not as popular. that’s because kids today have so many more options. I still enjoy driving past it.
7. There has always been political maneuvering in the village but the Aronsohn crowd seems to have lowered the level of civility and tolerance. Maybe that’s gone forever. in Trump’s America.
8. The Duck Pond bike path, the Library, the Band Shell and Van Neste park, The beautiful tree-lined streets and homes, The many nice people–new and old. These are things that endure and I continue to be grateful for them. I will leave someday for a warmer climate but for now I’m in no hurry.
I’m staying, Moderate climate,close proximity to the city and the beaches. near airports and hospitals, decent schools and most of all good friends.
10.59: Trumps’ America? Really? Aronsohn seemed on your Hillary’s side though if I am not mistaken. In Trump’s America you were allowed to fly your rainbow flag for a full month. And YES, like it or not school system is way overrated . Check all possible rankings from different sources and you will see for yourself. RHS has been solidly holding 26th place in NJ for a long time now. But what do you care, you still have your friends.