Eastern PA and NW NJ (and maybe Dutchess County NY) are absolutely viable options, much less expensive than closer to EWR and maybe even close enough to sit reserve from home.

I wish people would get rid of this myopia that EVERYWHERE within 2-3 hrs of NYC is $$$. It’s not, unless you come from a dirt cheap area.

Quite frankly one of the best things about this profession is being able to take advantage of lower costs 2 hrs from a major city while still being close enough to sit reserve from home in a less $$$ area, or making weekend trips downtown to enjoy the big city culture/ amenities.

Poor 9-5 stiffs are the ones who have to live close enough to work with much higher COL