Bergen vs Sussex County (Rutherford, Dumont: low crime, house, safe area)

[mpc0715]

Hi all,
My husband and I are in the process of looking for a home to raise our family. We are looking for a 3+ bedroom home with a decent amount of property in a family oriented town with good schools and low crime rate.

My husband grew up in Sussex County and would prefer to move out there. I know we can find what we want in Sussex. However, I prefer Bergen County. The commute to work for us is under 30 minutes and the towns are more diverse. Being a multi-racial couple, I would like our family to feel safe.

We would like to hear all comments (good and bad) on the towns in these two counties. Let me know any specific cities you suggest we look into. Also, we welcome comments of other counties as well.

Thanks.

[libertyflyer]

I grew up in Waldwick,and I lived in Byram (just outside Sparta). I liked Sussex County more. More space,nature,parks ,lakes,less crowded. Although I loved Walwick there are better towns in Bergen Co. It is more expensive in Bergen. The problem we found are the attitudes or the feeling that Begen County IS IT; it's not. The Commute to the city, is obviosly longer, figure at least one and a half hours each way from Sussex. Alot of Sussex towns have a well and septic systems,as opposed to city water and sewers in Bergen. Most of all watch your taxes in both places. Good Luck

[Dolfan]

I live in Sussex County and love it. It is much less expensive than Bergen County and has more rural areas, but the commute is longer. It's also a safe area. Newton is on a sewer system, as is parts of Hopatcong. I'm not sure about Stanhope.

You won't have a problem being a multi-racial couple although there is not as much diversity as Bergen County. I am Caucasion while my wife is a Latina from Puerto Rico. She misses the Spanish culture, but occasionally runs into someone she can speak Spanish with. Newton seems to have a higher percentage of people from different cultures. You'll always find a few ignorant people but most are fine. We're very happy in Sussex.

[tahiti]

sussex and bergen are like comparing apples to paper clips.

i'd suggest making a list, in order of importance, of what you're looking for in a house, neighborhood, commute. what bubbles to the top will dictate which place is right for you. good luck!

[ira]

sussex and bergen are like comparing apples to paper clips. (/quote)

Tahiti, you crack me up I can always count on you to make me laugh!

[mpc0715]

We actually looked at a few homes in Bergen County, Waldwick, Montvale, Rutherford, Wood-Ridge, and Dumont. This weekend we are looking into a house on the border of Andover/Newton.

Thanks for the comments.

[mpc0715]

Originally Posted by libertyflyer

I grew up in Waldwick,and I lived in Byram (just outside Sparta). I liked Sussex County more. More space,nature,parks ,lakes,less crowded. Although I loved Walwick there are better towns in Bergen Co. It is more expensive in Bergen. The problem we found are the attitudes or the feeling that Begen County IS IT; it's not. The Commute to the city, is obviosly longer, figure at least one and a half hours each way from Sussex. Alot of Sussex towns have a well and septic systems,as opposed to city water and sewers in Bergen. Most of all watch your taxes in both places. Good Luck

I check out a house in Waldwick which was beautiful but small for the price.

[mpc0715]

Originally Posted by Dolfan

I live in Sussex County and love it. It is much less expensive than Bergen County and has more rural areas, but the commute is longer. It's also a safe area. Newton is on a sewer system, as is parts of Hopatcong. I'm not sure about Stanhope.

You won't have a problem being a multi-racial couple although there is not as much diversity as Bergen County. I am Caucasion while my wife is a Latina from Puerto Rico. She misses the Spanish culture, but occasionally runs into someone she can speak Spanish with. Newton seems to have a higher percentage of people from different cultures. You'll always find a few ignorant people but most are fine. We're very happy in Sussex.

We are going to look at a house on the border of Newton/Andover. If we decide to move out there you wife will have another latina to chat with. I'm Cuban and my husband is Irish. hee hee

[christina0001]

ditto Tahiti; Bergen and Sussex are completely different. Different folks, different lifestyles, different amenities...only you and your family will know which place is better for you all.

I can't imagine your safety would be compromised in Sussex County because of your family's racial status, although it's understandable to feel more comfortable in Bergen where you will be less of a minority.

[mpc0715]

I thank you all for your comments.

My husband grew up in Lake Mohawk and his parents still live in the area. The town is beautiful as well as other towns I have visited in Sussex.

It is a shame that I feel a bit uncomfortable about moving to Sussex. A few years ago we went to visit my husband's friend and got lost due to road construction and detours. We stopped at a local 7-11 and saw a skinhead. Luckily I was in the car waiting.

Growing up in my area (Hudson County -believe it or not) I was confronted by the KKK and a decade later by a skinhead in Bergen County. This was 20 years ago. The population in those areas have change greatly as many other counties.

I'm sure if we do move to Sussex we will be fine. I just worry a bit too much.

Thanks again. The comments are helpful.