[Calcbunny]

We are contemplating a move to Michigan.

The job would be in Madison Heights, My husband is willing to commute from 45 minutes to an hour if need be for a nicer area.

I have 2 young children, 7 and 8, so schools are important, we would like some land at least 1 acre, but still be able to be in a neighborhood. Our budget is up to $500,000 for a home but we could go higher up to $550,000.

Can anyone suggest areas we could look into?

Also what are the taxes like in Michigan. We paid approx $9000 in NJ and pay $4600 in GA.

If anyone is from NJ or GA, I would like to mirror, Medford NJ, Southampton NJ, Mt Laurel NJ, and in GA North Forsyth and Canton. We love a slightly rural area, and being on top of shopping is not a priority.

Thanks!!!

[sugarbeet]

You might like the northern part of Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. Schools there are excellent and the farther north you go the more you'll find large lots. Commute to Madison Heights shouldn't be bad - maybe 30 minutes or so, depending.

[*Danielle*]

We live in Shelby Twp. right on the border of Washington Twp...There are some gorgeous homes up here and a really great school district....All he would have to do is shoot down R53 and he would be in Madison Hghts...

we moved here from Jersey!! I would strongly suggest the area mentioned...Lots of farms around here but not too many...wonderful farmers markets in the summertime and just a little drive to whatever you need...

[Calcbunny]

Thanks, I will look into the area you mention.

[mcb1025]

Royal Oak, Birmingham, and West Bloomfield, are other locations you may want to look into. Royal Oak borders Madison Heights, but you can find some very nice houses within your range. Birmingham and West Bloomfield offer homes at a higher end of your price range. These areas will provide a little more of the rural environment you're looking for.

[dieselthedog]

Oakland Township, Birmingham, West Bloomfield. Real nice high end houses. Don't buy a house in Madison Heights, you will be scared. I hate driving through there.

[dmetro]

Lake Orion, Clarkston and Oxford are great areas too, with newer housing and great schools.

[mcb1025]

Originally Posted by dieselthedog

Oakland Township, Birmingham, West Bloomfield. Real nice high end houses. Don't buy a house in Madison Heights, you will be scared. I hate driving through there.

I'm from Madison Heights and there is nothing to be scared about. The city is very safe, though it is not what you'd consider an upper class area. You may even be able to find something on the north side of town that is worth a look. There are some new housing developments around 13 Mile and 14 Mile Road. The property taxes are low and the city provides an ample amount of services.

[Cato the Elder]

Though Paris Hilton-wannabes might be scared of Madison Heights, be assured there is nothing particularly scary about the town, unless you are scared of the occasional Wendy's, Chevy dealer, and neighborhood Costco. For land and good schools, the closest place is probably Troy. You cannot get an acre in Birmingham unless you knock down four houses that will cost you $500k minimum each. As mentioned, if you go futher out, there are other alternatives like Lake Orion.

[dieselthedog]

Originally Posted by Cato the Elder

Though Paris Hilton-wannabes might be scared of Madison Heights, be assured there is nothing particularly scary about the town, unless you are scared of the occasional Wendy's, Chevy dealer, and neighborhood Costco. For land and good schools, the closest place is probably Troy. You cannot get an acre in Birmingham unless you knock down four houses that will cost you $500k minimum each. As mentioned, if you go futher out, there are other alternatives like Lake Orion.

In case some people didn't understand calcbunny, he/she said they were looking to spend $500-550,000 and the houses in Madison Heights are not those prices. And you can't get a true "rural" area in Madison Heights and they said they want a good school district and we all know the school district is NOT in the top. That is just facts.