I grew up in Carteret (I'll keep my opinions of the town to myself), but geographically it's a great starting point for you if you can bring your bike to work... exit 12 on the turnpike leaves you 30minutes from most places in north jersey, 440 (287) starts in Perth Amboy (next town over) and you're 30 minutes from Chimney Rock, you can catch Rt 1 in Rahway (next town over in the other direction) and be 30 minutes from Six Mile Run...
either way... welcome...