Home Buying Advice - Cherry Hill, Haddon Heights, or other? (Camden: condominium, house)

[philsphan08]

My wife and I currently live in a condominium we own in Cherry Hill. We are looking to start a family and buy a single-family home in the general area. I work in Philly , so I need a place where PATCO would be convenient.

We're considering staying in Cherry Hill, but have also considered Haddon Heights. We're open to other towns in the area if any of you have recommendations.

The most we can afford would probably be around $275,000. Is there much difference between Cherry Hill and Haddon Heights as far as the cost of a home, cost of living, property taxes, quality of schools?

I appreciate any advice.

[billb7581]

Camden County taxes are always going to be higher, don't rule out Burlington County if property taxes are a concern.

I'll pimp my town of Cinnaminson here as a compromise between getting reasonable priced home with fairly reasonable property taxes.

We've found the schools to be wonderful, my son had a bit of a learning issue and my daughter is borderline genius and their needs have both been met beyond our expectations.

[NatasNJ]

Originally Posted by philsphan08

My wife and I currently live in a condominium we own in Cherry Hill. We are looking to start a family and buy a single-family home in the general area. I work in Philly , so I need a place where PATCO would be convenient.

We're considering staying in Cherry Hill, but have also considered Haddon Heights. We're open to other towns in the area if any of you have recommendations.

The most we can afford would probably be around $275,000. Is there much difference between Cherry Hill and Haddon Heights as far as the cost of a home, cost of living, property taxes, quality of schools?

I appreciate any advice.

Hey. I am your guy.
Only because I am in a similar boat to you with similiar budget.

Cherry Hill will get you more bang for you buck in terms of house. I think.

If you are interested in staying near Patco why not consider Haddon Twp/Westmont or Collingswood or Haddonfield? Why pick Cherry Hill & HH which both require a drive to any patco station? (I guess small section of cherry Hill could walk to woodcrest station)

How familiar are you with the area?

[billb7581]

I glossed over the part about Patco.... LOL...you'd have to run the Riverline to Camden and make the transfer from up this way

[JerzBoy]

Any part of Haddon Heights will be a quick ride to the PATCo station - 10min tops. $275k limit will rule out Haddonfield for the OP.

The difference between HH and CH is really a matter of preference. HH is more of a "town" with older homes and a small downtown. CH is your more typical suburb with non-connected developments and newer shopping centers.

[NatasNJ]

Originally Posted by JerzBoy

Any part of Haddon Heights will be a quick ride to the PATCo station - 10min tops. $275k limit will rule out Haddonfield for the OP.

The difference between HH and CH is really a matter of preference. HH is more of a "town" with older homes and a small downtown. CH is your more typical suburb with non-connected developments and newer shopping centers.

You can get into Haddonfield for under $300k. Not a ton of options there for that price but there are a few.

[MoorestownResident]

Originally Posted by philsphan08

My wife and I currently live in a condominium we own in Cherry Hill. We are looking to start a family and buy a single-family home in the general area. I work in Philly , so I need a place where PATCO would be convenient.

We're considering staying in Cherry Hill, but have also considered Haddon Heights. We're open to other towns in the area if any of you have recommendations.

The most we can afford would probably be around $275,000. Is there much difference between Cherry Hill and Haddon Heights as far as the cost of a home, cost of living, property taxes, quality of schools?

I appreciate any advice.

With that budget you should consider something in Haddon Township and then perhaps Collingswood both on the Patco. HT has better schools IMO and probably similar to Haddon Heights but with lower taxes. Also, don't underestimate the condition a house might be in at $275K. You might find a nice deal and a stressed out seller on something reasonable but you also might find something that needs lots of cosmetic work. Homes in these towns can be very old, very small with tiny yards. Staying in the condo in CH a while longer might not be a bad option.

[Bri0528]

I live in Cherry Hill and love it! The schools are suppose to be better but my kids are in still in preschool. For that price you can now get some good stuff. My neighbor works in Philly and takes the train in every morning. Its a few minutes drive to the train. Sorry dont have much advice on H.H. All I know is that we have been in Cherry Hill for a few years and love it. Good luck!

What about Moorestown. A friend of mine is looking there because she loves it.

[MoorestownResident]

What's not to love about it? Moorestown is much more expensive.

[frankgn87]

275k ain't buying much in Moorestown

I second Bill's recommendation for Cinnaminson.. VERY nice area..