Want the 'NJ feel' but low cost of living, but where? (neighborhood, schools)

[Pyroninja42]

Your best bet is Hampton Roads, IMO. We have a lot of people from New Jersey here. But it might not be a good fit for, uh, other reasons.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by 8to32characters

Or people who stay put in AZ and don't move on after a few years...

People who stay put in AZ and dont move on after a few years deserve a medal? Sweet! Mail mine to me.

[beachbuminAZ]

Originally Posted by creeksitter

Were you thinking Wilmington DE or NC? DE would have more older neighborhoods. Also consider Richmond VA.

Either or! I'm willing to give up my 70 degree sunny winters for snow again if that gets me near the ocean.

[beachbuminAZ]

Originally Posted by CarolinaBredChicagoan

Right. Wilmington is on the coast, and you said you'd prefer to be near a major city. If Wilmington isn't big enough for you, you're an easy drive from Raleigh, which is considerably larger.

Thank you, I'm looking into Wilmington. I don't think we need a huge city nearby, just something substantial for employment diversity.

[beachbuminAZ]

Originally Posted by Pyroninja42

Your best bet is Hampton Roads, IMO. We have a lot of people from New Jersey here. But it might not be a good fit for, uh, other reasons.

Hampton Roads in Virginia? What are the other reasons?

[amaiunmei]

Crime ...

Measuring Crime Rates in Hampton Roads - Hampton Roads Performs

[ckhthankgod]

I was thinking Delaware as well and perhaps Newark is another community in that state that would be worth a look.

[NCOriolesfan]

I'm going with those who say take a look at Delaware. Wilmington, NC isn't really close to any big city. I live in Raleigh and although there are a lot of people living here it isn't a big city, if you know what I mean. With Dover you have the ocean, DC, Baltimore (my favorite city), and Philly within 2 hours. Even New York is only like 3 hours away.
Oh, forget New Hampshire. The property taxes would send you into shock.

[Pyroninja42]

Originally Posted by beachbuminAZ

Hampton Roads in Virginia? What are the other reasons?

It's not crime. There are some cities which are unsafe, but cities in Hampton Roads like Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk.

But this area is just... Very unconventional with how it functions. It's just a very odd area.

[Gunion Powder]

Originally Posted by beckycat

The OP is looking for somewhere without extremely hot summers or harsh winters.

Right, but the heat of the Gulf Coast is nothing at all like the desert. Most years it is incredibly wet and verdant. The OP is from Jersey so I know they're no stranger to humidity.