If you want to stay in EWR, Commutair seems a no brainer. 145 base going to Jersey next year I hear. Folks I know at C5 seem happy, and solid growth forecast.

If you want to cross over the Hudson and East River, Endeavor is a good option too, but I'm not sure if I could stomach that drive for an extended period!

Now the question of how it would look with a short stay before leaving- it's anyone's guess. If you show you stuck it out for a few months before leaving it might help, but I don't think you can be faulted for wanting to make a move to get a better QOL and seniority. I am not HR, but I think it would be apparent what the reasoning is.