Commute to Trenton - PA or NJ? (Princeton, Burlington: to rent, insurance)

[netone]

As I mentioned in my earlier thread, my husband got a job in Trenton and we are looking to rent nearby. We are currently looking at the Lawrenceville/Princeton/West Windsor/Plainsboro area on the NJ side and Levittown/Yardley/Langhorne on the PA side.

Rents and schools look pretty comparable based on our research (maybe slightly cheaper rent in PA and slightly better schools in NJ), so we'd appreciate some advice about which side of the river is better in terms of crime safety, overall cost of living (food, utilities, non-property taxes, etc.), ease/congestion of the commute to Trenton, and stuff for families with small children to do.

Also, are there any great towns we've missed within about 20-25 minutes of Trenton?

Thanks again for any advice!

[stuckinsj]

If your husband is working downtown you might want to live along the RiverLine. Its $1.50 each way (really cheap) and have your choice of nice towns including Bordentown, Burlington, Riverton, Cinnaminson, and Palymra. All have fine school districts and the commute cant be beat. Its also alot cheaper living south of Trenton.

[swimchick001]

Yardley, PA, is about 10-15 mins. away and is a very easy commute. (I did it for 5 years to Trenton while I worked in the Capitol - I even came home for lunch sometimes!) Our taxes are typically lower in regard to auto and homeowner's insurance, too, and Pennsbury is a top-rated school district. Lots of things to do here (Sesame Place is 5 mins. away in Langhorne!) and Lower Makefield is a very active township with sports, along with a beautiful swim club that is only for township residents (four pools and a great aquatics program and swim teams!). We love it here and find plenty to do with our 3-year old son. I grew up in nearby Newtown and have called Yardley my home for 20 years.

[frankgn87]

Lawrenceville is very nice.. as is princeton but very expensive..

[kemcnyc]

Good suggestions in this thread already but to add two more.... Robbinsville and Hamilton are close to Trenton. A TON of people that work in Trenton live in these two towns.

PA towns near Trenton are great and you would probably get a break on taxes.

One thing worth noting... if this is a Govt job, there is a new law where new State workers must reside in NJ. (and forgive me if you are aware of this OR if it is not relevant as a non Govt job)

[kimrocktherealtor]

I think you are focusing on some great towns. I would also add Newtown and Washington Crossing to your PA side, and Hopewell/Pennington to your NJ side.