Two years of EWR short call. Had to commute in on day prior as they assign almost all early callout periods. Essentially gave me 8 true days off per month. If you don't have an assignment you can go stir crazy in a hotel. Blocked Inn was a well known crash pad with a van. There were a couple of pilots who owned houses within walking distance of the Crowne Plaza Airport in Elizabeth. Take the hotel van, walk to crash pad. Ironbound is also has some crashpads. Can get around by city bus on time off. If you have a car more options of course.