Moving Back To New Jersey (homes, find a job, schools)

[66nexus]

Originally Posted by jmcelroy

I gotta silly question for you - what is the difference between a finished and unfinished basement? I'm from Florida and our water table is too high to permit basements, so I've never even seen a house with one, but I keep reading about (un)finished basements all over the place.

Thanks!!

Well an unfinished basement usually has uncovered walls, a hard concrete floor and pillars that support the house (usually uncovered). It could be argued that an unfinished basement can resemble a garage. A finished basement could be a living area (insulation, carpeting, covered walls, ceilings, etc). My friend's dad spent over 30,000k completely doing his basement. He got it appraised afterward and it actually raised the value of his house (though I'm not sure if it was raised by 30,000k) It could be worth it if you want additional living space or rooms in your home

[jmcelroy]

Originally Posted by 66nexus

Well an unfinished basement usually has uncovered walls, a hard concrete floor and pillars that support the house (usually uncovered). It could be argued that an unfinished basement can resemble a garage. A finished basement could be a living area (insulation, carpeting, covered walls, ceilings, etc). My friend's dad spent over 30,000k completely doing his basement. He got it appraised afterward and it actually raised the value of his house (though I'm not sure if it was raised by 30,000k) It could be worth it if you want additional living space or rooms in your home

Awesome answer! Thanks for including the numbers, too, that gives me a much better idea. I sort of guessed that's what it meant, but I have a much better picture now.

[bdpop]

We are still trying to get out of this "hell" they call Central Florida and move back up to NJ. My kids need better, more challenging, schools and good jobs are next to impossible to get down here. I know now is not the best time to move, with the economy the way it is, but we cannot stay here.

[Ms.Charlotte]

bdpop,
If you find a house that you really like, don't hesitate to ask about a rent w/option. I've been looking in NJ for 6 months now, and have come across quite a few buyers that are willing to take that deal. Of course, they're not going to advertise it, but it's always an option for a family that has had a house on the market for 6mths to a year.

Good luck!

[bdpop]

I am now thinking about renting for now; then buying later, when I am more "settled" in my situation. I am planning on moving when the kids get out of school for the summer. I am looking for Human Resources or Legal type jobs up there. I will be receiving a Bachelor's Degree in the spring. I have two kids, one is in elementary school and the other is in high school. Any assistance or advice is appreciated.

[bdpop]

I finally finished my Bachelor's Degree and am now getting ready for the move back to NJ. We will be staying with friends while we look for jobs and a place to live. My wife already has at least a summer job waiting for her but I am still looking.

[Eric S]

Originally Posted by bdpop

I finally finished my Bachelor's Degree and am now getting ready for the move back to NJ. We will be staying with friends while we look for jobs and a place to live. My wife already has at least a summer job waiting for her but I am still looking.

Congratulations and good luck ! This move has been in the planning for a long time. Sometimes you have just got to follow your instincts when looking for better opportunities for your family. Relocating with a family is very difficult, but you will get through it intact. Again, best of luck to you.

-Eric

[Kappy]

Originally Posted by bdpop

I finally finished my Bachelor's Degree and am now getting ready for the move back to NJ. We will be staying with friends while we look for jobs and a place to live. My wife already has at least a summer job waiting for her but I am still looking.

Congratulations on moving back!! It will be a few years before I can get back to Jersey ( I'm jealous). Seems that you have been looking for work for awhile now, have you tried South Jersey - across from Philadelphia? Don't know if you would be interested in that area but housing prices are lower & job opportunities in the Philly area are possibly better. Good luck

[bdpop]

Originally Posted by Kappy

Congratulations on moving back!! It will be a few years before I can get back to Jersey ( I'm jealous). Seems that you have been looking for work for awhile now, have you tried South Jersey - across from Philadelphia? Don't know if you would be interested in that area but housing prices are lower & job opportunities in the Philly area are possibly better. Good luck

I have had a few out of my field jobs here and there within the last couple of years; but I have been having trouble finding work in my field due to the lack of a college degree (which I have now). It is also a totally different type of economy here in Central Florida than that of NJ (service based (FL) versus corporate based economy (NJ)). It just makes for more competition in my field (Human Resources) down here in FL (thus the increased need for a college degree).

I have been looking in Philly, NJ and NYC.

That being said; with the economy the way it is, no place is going to be easy as far as getting a job is concerned.

[BPerone201]

Bayonne has a lot of basement apartments.