For people who learning is the most important thing, Scranton is a better choice as the cost of living is lower. While there are people who commute from lakewood to NYC, It is tough, Many people who do work there own some sort of business there. people can open up businesses in Lakewood.
Kiryat Joel is not so close to NYC either. It is a long commute for those who do commute. Many work closer to home.
Gateshead is not close to London at all and they seem to do OK there too