working/commuting to Freehold NJ but living somewhere affordable (Sussex: real estate, renting)

[mbarn]

This is my first time posting here so go easy on me. I am 24 with a job in law enforcement. I have been with my gf for 4 years and looking to get a place together. Where as I only make 32k a year now, I will max out at 100k in 7 years plus overtime. My girl finished college and should be expecting to find a job making 30-40k a year.

I have lived in Aberdeen NJ my entire life and would love to raise my family here, but money wise it doesnt seem feasible. Where are reasonable places to move to where on our salaries could make living comfortable, while living in our own house. I had thought about PA, but I think the commute would become unbearable after awhile. Where is the closest border of PA in relation to Central NJ? Where are houses in NJ cheaper than the houses I am used to seeing in Monmouth County. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[christina0001]

Unless you have a lot of money saved up to make an enormous down payment, I can't imagine how you would be able to afford buying a home right now on those salaries. Even purchasing the smallest of condos would be a stretch right now. You really might be better off renting cheap for now, close to where you work so you won't spend a fortune on gas (and not have to pay real estate taxes). Save up money...as time passes your savings and your income will grow. In a few years you will be in a much better position to buy, and you'll be able to buy something you really like in an area you like, and not suffer a enormous commute (which you won't want once you have children).

[valden]

You can get a decent house in sussex county in the mid threes. Have you thought about ocean county New Jersey. I live in Sussex county which is thirty miles from the pa border. Nice place to llive. Valerie

Originally Posted by mbarn

This is my first time posting here so go easy on me. I am 24 with a job in law enforcement. I have been with my gf for 4 years and looking to get a place together. Where as I only make 32k a year now, I will max out at 100k in 7 years plus overtime. My girl finished college and should be expecting to find a job making 30-40k a year.

I have lived in Aberdeen NJ my entire life and would love to raise my family here, but money wise it doesnt seem feasible. Where are reasonable places to move to where on our salaries could make living comfortable, while living in our own house. I had thought about PA, but I think the commute would become unbearable after awhile. Where is the closest border of PA in relation to Central NJ? Where are houses in NJ cheaper than the houses I am used to seeing in Monmouth County. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[syncmaster]

Originally Posted by christina0001

Unless you have a lot of money saved up to make an enormous down payment, I can't imagine how you would be able to afford buying a home right now on those salaries. Even purchasing the smallest of condos would be a stretch right now. You really might be better off renting cheap for now, close to where you work so you won't spend a fortune on gas (and not have to pay real estate taxes). Save up money...as time passes your savings and your income will grow. In a few years you will be in a much better position to buy, and you'll be able to buy something you really like in an area you like, and not suffer a enormous commute (which you won't want once you have children).

Agreed. There's nothing wrong with renting. As a matter of fact, renting is desirable until you're at the point where you can comfortably own. There's nothing worse than being house-poor and worrying about how the next tax assessment will affect your bottom line.

Good luck.