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We will be relocating to NJ from Los Angeles in the next 6 months. Any advice you can give on potential towns to look at would be appreciated. I answered the questions in the sticky.
Moving from LA because of work, will be working in Berkeley Heights, NJ.
Looking to buy. Budget is $600k but maybe could go a little higher. Looking for a 3-4 BR house.
Family of 4, public schools are extremely important.
3 most important things:
1) Schools
2) Neighborhood (families with children)
3) Activities for kids (sports)
Would like to keep commute less than 30 minutes.
Towns that we've been hearing about: Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Madison, Chatham (not sure if we can afford?)
Watchung is close to Berkeley Heights as is Warren...you can definitely get some great deals in any of these areas, all have great schools but Watchung will be a little pricier. I believe Berkeley Heights had a huge tax increase this year, so you want to check the property taxes (Watchung + Warren are fairly low). Weichert Realty seems to rule that area, so if you go to their website you can see what's for sale. For $600,000 you should be able to get a decent 3-4 bedroom. FYI - Berkeley Heights is in Union County, who had a 4% tax hike for ALL county residents whereas taxes in Watchung (Somerset County) remained stable.
It's still a buyers market, my friend lives in Watchung and the house on her cul de sac was listed for $799K, eventually sold for the low 6's. Good luck
Those are all very good towns with terrific school systems. You can afford something with your budget in all of them, but the towns get pricier as your list goes on (BH cheapest, Chatham most expensive). Since you don't have a commute to NYC, i'd suggest staying right in BH or NP. NP is slightly closer to Summit/Chatham which have nice downtown areas, if that matters to you.
Towns that we've been hearing about: Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Madison, Chatham (not sure if we can afford?)
Those are all fantastics towns and you can not go wrong with any of them. But if you want more bang for your buck AND are willing to commute up to 30 minutes each way, you may consider Bridgewater, Basking Ridge and Bernardsville - all 3 have great schools and offer very safe family oriented neighborhood.
You cannot go wrong with any of the towns mentioned. Unless you have specific needs, I am sure you would find these towns acceptable. You can also look at Cranford and Westfield, two great towns with good schools, only about 20 minutes to Berkeley Heights. Good Luck
I can't speak of Cranford, but all others are great recommendations. You can look as far west (down rt. 78) as Bedminster which has everything you've mentioned (great tax rate too), however, it will push the 30 minute mark. I'll throw in Liberty Corner as another option and maybe Madison (next to Chatham), but I'm more familiar with all of the others towns mentioned in the previous posts.
Without understanding everything (prioritization) that may go into your decision making (i.e., you may sacrafice a great house for a better school, etc.) I'll throw in Milburn, Summit and Short Hills (not sure if they even have a house there that "cheap"). Welcome and good Luck.
Last edited by nomad00; 02-22-2013 at 07:56 PM..
Reason: Added towns
Since you don't know the areas at all, I also suggest renting for a while so you can take your time with your investment... the towns all have very different feels. Google NJ Monthly top schools 2012 - and go from there. Basking Ridge is great - Bernardsville lovely, more "Country" feel. I live in and love Madison but if you don't need the train to NYC, you'll be paying more than you need to be, however this area does have more going on than some of the other areas mentioned as far as proximity to arts/restaurants/shops/nightlife etc.
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