JC offers plenty of contract jobs + acceptable housing choices. I heard that most parts of JC is not as expensive as waterfront districts (resembles Central Park districts conceptually). I lived in Grove St area for a while. I know Bayonne better:) I cycled through many parts of JC/Bayonne several times.

Good Connectivity (PATH) to top 3 contract job hubs — Midtown + Downtown + JC

School district? I think there is a small part in JC with a good school district. The area is likely too expensive to buy and featuring very poor rental yield. Therefore renting is better than owning.

— livelihood (burn rate + commute tCost)
If rental too high, then consider a smaller, older home further away from waterfront, or Bayonne. They are presumably unpopular among the affluent families or couples. For this reason, affordability is hopefully better.

With car cost savings and time saved on commute, my livelihood pressure could be greatly relieved. After we experience it for a few years, I might want to rent a bigger home, thanks to flexibility of renting.