I commute out of EWR while living in Jersey. I can attest to its negatives as well as its (under appreciated) assets.
Granted, near Newark, either north (toward the city proper) or south (along route 9) you probably would find the QOL less than most pilots consider acceptable. Both directions are older, urban areas, still in need of a major overhaul. That said, cites nearer NYC (Hoboken and Jersey City) both have benefited by there proximity to Manhattan (and lower costs) and may be a good choose for someone who wants to live near their base (EWR) and be able to play in NY without having to travel far. As a bonus, both cities are improving in their own right and while you will not mistake them for the burbs, they are both better and improving from what they were only 10 years ago. A good choice for a single or married/no kids couple who what to enjoy the NYC lifestyle on a beer budget.
Close to EWR (less than 10 miles) are suburbs to the west that you couldn't afford to live in even if you wanted to. These communities, located on the Watchung mountains (that hill just west of the airport) are beautiful places, I lived in Upper Montclair briefly, while flying out of TEB. Walking down the street you can almost believe "the Beaver" and his friends could ave lived in this community. Great views of NY from the higher property, but you will never make enough (flying airplanes) to afford to own the view.
Farther west, via interstate 78 and 80, you can live a country life depending how far you are willing to drive to work. Again expensive by TX standards but like anywhere, the farther away the less it cost and less people you have to deal with (and less to do).
To the south, many pilots live near the shore. This a double edged sword, cheaper than North Jersey, good access to the ocean and its pleasures, bad traffic in the summer as the other half of the state comes down on the weekend for a tan.
All in all NJ is not cheap to live. We have some of the highest property taxes in the country and a state income tax. What you get for your money is a good QOL, good moderate wx, no earth quakes, or other major weather issues, good schools and a great ocean you can swim in and boat around. Commuting to EWR may save you some $$$, keep you close to momma (always a crowd pleaser) but it does have some redeeming good points, its not all about the Sorpronos.