Moving to NJ please help - Hubby's job is in Bergen County

Hi Friends,

My husbands job is in Franklin Lakes, Bergen County. We want to live in near by places so I can commute to NYC/ Manhattan easily.
We looked over google maps, for places like - Millburn, Jersey City Paterson, Union City etc and they appear to be so close to Manhattan but the Train commute shows 1.5 hours. Its getting so confusing where to move.

We have a 6 year old who will begin 1st grade this September. So having a good school district is very important.

If we live in Franklin lakes itself and I drive to say Rutherford or Union City and do Park and ride to Manhattan how long would be the commute ? Are there any shortcut ways to travel to Manhattan from Bergen County ?

Manhattan is only 25 miles from Franklin lakes and driving time in the current traffic shows 45 mins. Can we drive into Manhattan ? Would there be parking facilities ? Is this the best way to travel ?

Please help your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.