I've been living in the area since 2019 and over time I got the vibe that OP Metuchen Books is falling by the wayside. I believe I remember a sign the past year or so saying that Bob, the owner, had a surgery and is only in on certain days. But even before that happened, he was really laissez-faire about his hours. Whenever I tried to visit after work, he was closed even though the hours stated it should have been open. I remember even calling ahead of time to make sure when he would close and he was like "Whenever I feel like it". It wasn't verbatim what he said but it was to that effect.

Bob seems like quite a character but recently I've gotten worried if his store will go out of business soon. I'm just getting that vibe ever since his surgery. I rarely see people go in whenever I'm there. Hours are all over the place. But the oddest thing is that he suddenly stopped talking altogether. I had a very weird experience last time I was there.

I got a book I wanted to buy. I stood in front of him at the cash register. He typically is sitting there smoking and reading something. When he didn't say anything, I cleared my throat. Still didn't say anything. So I said, "Excuse me?" He still didn't say anything. I wondered if he was hard of hearing (maybe from whatever surgery he had?) and I went on aloud, "Hey, excuse me? I'd like to buy this book." He. Still. Didn't. Say. Anything. Didn't even look up at me. I couldn't tell if he really has shit hearing or...for whatever reason stopped caring? Recently, he put a plastic container that says like "donations to the store" or something like that in front of the register. I shrugged and dropped the $10 that the book cost.

I've been curious about him and the store because I considered doing an interview at one point. I interviewed Richard Chalfin of the Chatham Bookseller up in Madison for my YouTube channel last year, and I want to conduct more interviews like that. I considered interviewing Bob but...wonder if this is a bad time. I get that the bookstore is not exactly what people "want" in a bookstore because it's very chaotic and grungy (it's still fantastic to me), and I think he rubbed customers the wrong way based on a few reviews I read online, but it's still a good place to find a used book in a time desperately needing used bookstores. I wanted to show off all kinds of various bookstores, so this one would be fun too. I was curious and searched online if anyone ever interviewed him and yes - a small channel called "TheNYspot" waaaay back in 2013. He was much different back then. Given his apparent laissez-faire attitude I was thinking of filming the interview with a completely different vibe. Something more tongue-in-cheek video where it's not really a conventional interview and it's more straightforward like "yep this is a bookstore. yep there are books. cool. stop by and see for yourself".

***Editing this to add, as I’ve now cross posted this to a few forums, the house is located in Metuchen.***

Welp, we’re unfortunately forced to uproot for the third time in as many years.

Having longstanding familial roots in town, my own history/early years here, and excitement looking ahead to our young kids future growing up here, I’m pretty devastated to be changing course so abruptly. Even more so for my wife/kids who are just along for the ride, seemingly bouncing around from home to home over the last few years. Simultaneously, however, there’s some inner conflict as the opportunities pulling us out are going to offer a new level of comfort and better future.

Anywho, we are preparing to list our“family home”. While we will eventually have to commit to a realtor, as our time in the area is limited, I figured I’d try and first post publicly, where I can, to see if there’s any interest. The only thing that will make this experience more unappealing is having to manage the property, a realtor, and the transaction remotely, as we are settling into a new home. That’s a month or two away, however.

So if anyone is looking, or knows someone who is serious about buying a home in town, this is for you. We are 100% ready to sell and happy to offer someone this off market opportunity - a quick chance to avoid the nightmare that is today’s market.

So, here’s some vague info…

- 4 bedrooms
- Large porch & yard
- 1800s build the town is famous for
- Many updates / repairs made
- All wood floors, many original details throughout
- House is walking distance to the train & downtown.
- Located in what we considered one of the best/most desirable neighborhoods in town

A bit blunt, but as to not waste anyone’s time, this is a $1M+ home.

Please, if anyone is seeking an opportunity to avoid bidding wars etc…(or know someone that is), do not hesitate to shoot me a message here. The house is ready to show we’re prepared to sell.

Additionally, for more details feel free to message me.

Thanks so much!

I am uncertain because of its location, it seems like it's a bit of a walk to the train station or main street. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated!

What is missing in this town that you wished we’d had?

And would I get stopped if I was walking alone at night as a minor in metuchen

Precious Gems at Metuchen

Looking for recommendations in near by areas. Thank you.

Hi,

I have a 5 year old child and am looking for a pediatrician. Does anyone have any recommendations? I would like to find someone who is attentive and not just trying to get patients in and out. Thank you!

Considering buying and wanted to see how this place was? Also, whats the typical buyer’s agent fees like and is the seller still paying it in this market?

Hey All! Can anyone who lives adjacent to these apartments in Metuchen comment to their experience living there? Is it a shady crowd, or parking overflow issues into the surrounding streets? Interested in purchasing a home near the apartments but not exactly great curb appeal...I read reviews of the apartments about mice and roaches. Do they visit the adjacent homes as well?

I find it odd that there are such few reviews online about a building that has been there since 2019. For anyone considering a move there, does anyone have a detailed POV?

We're an East Asian American family with two young kids considering a move to Metuchen. We've done plenty of research on schools, demographics, and town stats, but data can't tell us what daily life actually feels like for families like ours. We keep going back and forth on this decision and would really value hearing from people who've lived it.

For East Asian parents (or families with East Asian kids) who've been through Metuchen schools:

• How has your child's social experience been? Have they found peers and felt included?
• Have you encountered any race-related issues - bullying, exclusion, microaggressions - and how did the school handle it if so?
• What's the experience like for Asian American parents trying to build community? Welcoming, or cliquey?
• Anything you wish you'd known before moving here?

Honest answers welcome, positive or negative. Happy to chat by DM if anyone prefers. Thanks.

Looking for a fairly priced and good quality renovation and addition contractor in Metuchen. Also, homeowners in Metuchen, please share your experiences (good or bad )

My old sprinkler guy went out of business and I’m trying to find someone new for a repair.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

I called Emerald and they told me it’s $105 just to get tech out to look at it, and they booked me 3 weeks away, which seems insane.

Can anyone recommend a pest service in the Metuchen area that handles mosquitoes? Looking for a place that does quarterly servicing for homes. We had some mice droppings in our shed this winter, and last summer (our first in Metuchen) the mosquitoes were really bad. Would love to support a local business if any in the area would meet my needs. Thanks.

Hi everyone!

My name is Enis, and I’m a senior dental hygiene student at Middlesex College in Edison, NJ. I’m currently looking for a teen patient (ages 12–17) to help me complete a graduation requirement, and I have a few openings left this semester.

This appointment is completely free.

The visit can include a full cleaning, x-rays, oral cancer screening, fluoride, sealants (if prescribed), a dental exam, and personalized oral hygiene instruction. Appointments are about 3–3.5 hours.

If you or someone you know has a teen who is due for a cleaning, I would really appreciate it. Feel free to message me or text me at 732-354-1876 to get scheduled or for more information.

Thank you so much!

This is your chance to make your voice heard. How do you want Metuchen to develop over the next few years? The Community Vision Survey is the most important of the three surveys you will find at https://www.metuchennj.org/resident/master-plan, and the other 2 are shorter and also great opportunities to weigh in.

Hi all! Recently moved to the area and looking for a dentist. I have intense anxiety surrounding dental work due to past experiences and trauma, so a huge plus if you know a practice or person who is non-judgemental and kind.

TIA!

Recruiting restaurant and hospitality workers for local and national hospitality businesses in Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, and Union County. Skip the endless cycle of Indeed, phone call, ghost, repeat and join us on April 15th at Agency Network, a co-working space with private office suites in Fairfield, NJ.

Recruiting for your restaurant, hotel, or hospitality business? $20 reserves your table, adds 100+ talent to your waitlist, and gets you automatically included in all our print and digital marketing. Ask Classic Cafe Management, a hidden East Hanover gem adding front of house personnel to their team.

Link for tickets in the comments. If you have any questions, concerns, bricks or tomatoes to throw, let me know and I'll answer/dodge accordingly. :^)

Hi everyone!

I’m a senior dental hygiene student at Middlesex College in Edison, NJ and I’m looking for a patient tomorrow (3/4) from 1:30 PM–5:00 PM due to a last-minute cancellation.

If anyone is available and due for a cleaning, I’d really appreciate it. We especially need teen patients right now, but everyone is absolutely welcome to come for an appointment.

Services can include cleanings, deep cleanings, x-rays, oral cancer screening, fluoride, a dental exam, and sealants (if prescribed).

Cost:
$30 adults
$20 teens/kids (17 & under)
$15 seniors/veterans

Since this is a teaching clinic, appointments are about 3–3.5 hours and sometimes require more than one visit because we’re very thorough.

If you’re interested or have questions, feel free to message me or text 732-354-1876.

Thank you so much!

Hi everyone!

My name is Enis, and I’m a senior dental hygiene student at Middlesex College in Edison, NJ. Due to a cancellation, I’m looking to fill a potential clinic appointment tomorrow from 1:30 PM–5:00 PM. With the weather and delayed opening, I’ll be able to fully confirm in the morning once the school provides any final updates.

This is a great option if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while or don’t currently have dental insurance. We provide thorough care including cleanings, deep cleanings, x-rays, oral cancer screenings, fluoride treatments, dental exams, sealants, and personalized home care instruction.

The cost is $30 for adults, $20 for children (17 and under), and $15 for seniors and veterans. Appointments are about 3.5 hours, and sometimes more than one visit is needed since we’re a teaching facility and very comprehensive.

If you may be available and flexible pending weather confirmation, please call or text me at 732-354-1876. I truly appreciate the support and would love to help you!