Quote:
Originally Posted by npgl
My husband's office is relocating to Parsipanny and so we'll have to move out of Stamford, CT (a really nice community with great public amenities and neighborhoods). We're now looking for towns similar to Stamford in the NJ area (Morris County/Somerset/Union County) - diverse community with a large number of well-educated professionals, lots of activities for children (good parks, beaches, lakes nearby etc) and easy access to NYC (no more than 1-hour into the city, preferably on the train line).
I don't know much about the towns in this area and would appreciate any opinions regarding which towns in these counties are good as far as the schools and affordability and quality of life (safety, environment, restaurants, shopping etc). I've been reading the forums and Mountain Lakes sounds like its a great place but is also very expensive, same with Chatham. Does anyone know anything about Morristown?
My daughter is 3-years old and she's starting preschool in CT this September and I don't know how it is in NJ but it was difficult to find a good, yet affordable, preschool for her and I would hate for her to miss out an entire year of preschool if we have to move in the middle of the school year.
Thanks!
- NPGL
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Full disclosure before I start: I am a real estate agent in Smerset ****y, on the border of Morris County.
First, congrats on the upcoming move. I too moved to New Jersey after having spent my early life in another state, (NY). It wasn't nearly as bad as I was afraid it would be, and I've actually come to really like NJ. The home & lifestyle you want can indeed be had in NJ, and not far from your husbands new office. There are some great towns there that should meet your needs, depending on a few factors. Obviously, money will be one of them, and an important one. What do you want to spend? Travel & commuting time will differ depending on where in Parsippany he is going to be. And if the train to NY is a MUST, as you will be going often, that will dictate location to an extent as well.
Without knowing any of this info, I'll throw out a few suggestions anyway. Look at Madison. Charming little town, on the NY train line, filled with commuters & younger people. Lively & active, nice restaurants, close ot much of hwat you want, but not beaches. Harding is right near Madison. It's a bit more rural in places, but still has a nice downtown area in what is called Green Village. Prices of homes are high, taxes are very low. Mendham is a really nice town. Great school system (one of only 5 schools in NJ to offer the prestigious International Bacalaureate Program), not far from the train to NYC. And of course, the first few towns once you cross over from Morris County into Somerset. Bernardsville, Basking Ridge, Far Hills and Bedminster. You're extending the travel times there a bit, to both Parsippany and NYC, but the towns are great. Excellent school systems, access to most everything & everyplace. Again, prices aren't what many would call low, but taxes are. Besides, this is a great market to be BUYING a house, so you may find what you want for less than you think.
Obvioulsy I'd be happy to help further. It's what I do. So feel free to contact me with any other questions you may have. And good luck
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