Areas close to nyc for home ownership

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Hello All, 

I am a new member to BiggerPockets community, and I'd like your opinions on which areas are good for buying a mutli-family home for the purpose of living in and renting out ( investment). I have not lived in NJ, I've always lived and worked in NYC. I'm considering Jersey because of its affordability and hopefully development.  Any thing close to Manhattan would be ideal since I work there. Please share your opinions and suggestions. 

Thank you