Brick-Keyport-Matawan

[NC little foot]

Originally Posted by pixieshmoo

I agree that if you're looking in central jersey, then Toms River/Brick area is where to look. As for Matawan and those areas (keyport, hazlet, keansburg), I have in-laws there who claim it's getting bad (again, keansburg had a bad rep for a long time) and either homes aren't much cheaper there, or if they are, it's because it's an undesirable section. Regarding Toms River, the Silverton section is nice (except for the apartment complex at the end of Kettle Creek Road...right on the bay...very trashy). I also have family throughout Toms River (some in Silverton, some near the marina, and some in a few other sections). The best sections of Toms River, if I'm not mistaken, are where children would attend HS at TR North and TR East, the area around TR South supposedly isn't so good. One piece of advice though, look into the water situation. I'm not sure what the outcome is in recent years, but Toms River had a big water problem and they were connecting cancer found in children to the drinking water. Otherwise, I say go for it.

You couldn't be more right on.

[mb919]

Originally Posted by patty nj

I think so too. If anyone could afford to and live comfortablly, then NJ Ocean County is a great place to live. I'm leaving because I can't live comfortably anymore. It's called the "Squeeze Play".

Ocean County is a great place to either be a kid or raise kids (paycheck permitting, of course). I am leaving because, like you, I can't live comfortably here and can't save money, and also because I just feel after living almost my whole life in this area that I just need to be somewhere else.

Oh, and the water problems in Toms River don't affect Silverton. I think they get their water from different lines than the cancer-prone areas.

[Ms.Charlotte]

I agree with everyone here. Brick is definitely the best bet. Keyport and Matawan have a large number of illegals, sadly. Otherwise, they are charming little towns. You'd probably have to send your children to private school.

You didn't mention if commuting to NY was an issue. That's the only down side of Toms River. It's not really central NJ, but South-and a long commute. The commute is MUCH better from Matawan..

[guenivere]

Thanks all for your input. Sounds like Brick gets a lot of positive reviews. I would not be commuting to NY daily, but would have to go a few times per month. Are there any similar areas further north/ closer to NY worth checking out?

[dch]

I lived in ocean county (point pleasant) for 4 years and in Monmouth county (Middletown) for the past 12 years. Both areas have pros and cons, both are good depending on what you are looking for. Keyport/Matawan are close to NYC, Keyport has a nice "town feel". The area is congested and busy, but a nice place to live. Brick is pretty much suburban, farther from nyc, has several large retirement communities, good shopping and the beach near by. Some up here would not live down there and some folks down there would not live up here. Come and see for yourself. Both areas have good people, neighborly etc...

[entershikarimothership]

i would easily pick brick. a very nice town.

matawan would be my second choice. good town but not as nice as brick and a bit run down.

keyport i wouldnt consider. yes there are some nice areas but the trashy areas are horrible. there is one street in keyport were its actually ghetto.