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I'm from Atlanta and am about to get a job offer in NJ. Not only is this going to be a huge culture shock for me, but the cost of living by my estimates is 60% higher. Westwood seems like a wealthy area, so I don't want to live there. Suggestions?
You may want to start with the Thread sticky: "Questions For Future and Potential Residents" as it will provide most with vital information to help you on your way.
Its just one post with several good things to think about. But I want some specifics.
It's one post with VERY LITTLE DETAIL. We don't know what you would consider 'rich'?
Let me make it easier:
Will you buy or rent? ??
What is your budget ? ??
What kind of place are you looking for ? ??
Will anyone (spouse, children, pets) be moving with you ? ??
Do you need/want good public schools? ??
Briefly describe the kind of neighborhood you'd like to live in
(examples: families with young children, young, mature, artsy, diverse, safe, close-knit, block parties, etc)
List three things that are important to you in order of importance.(examples: nightlife, outdoor activities, rural/urban, safety, downtown area, charming, new construction, proximity to XYZ, family oriented, easy parking, short commute, etc)
All of those specific questions will help folks provide you with GOOD info.
ATLguy, I grew up in Westwood, bought our first house there too. Now we are in the Atlanta area.
Westwood is not wealthy, it is solidly middle class, and a great place to raise a family. If you think housing prices in Westwood are steep (and they are, by GA comparison), don't even think of living in most of Bergen County.
Are you moving a family? There are some apartments and townhouse complexes in town, but single family homes are much more prevalent. Westwood has a great downtown, but not a lot of night life outside of bars/taverns.
Will you buy or rent? ?? - Rent. I have a place in Atlanta I have to get rid of, and my credit may take a hit. Plus, not sure I'll like NJ enough to buy.
What is your budget ? ?? What are rents? I'm guessing $2-$3k. Thats 2-3 times what they are here, but I should be making over $100k. Still $100k isn't much there I don't think.
What kind of place are you looking for ? ?? Nice condo or townhome with 2-3bedrooms, I guess.
Will anyone (spouse, children, pets) be moving with you ? ?? Girlfriend, quite possibly.
Do you need/want good public schools? ?? Not immediately. Although girlfriend is a teacher, so she'd want to teach at a good school (Pre-K)
Briefly describe the kind of neighborhood you'd like to live in
(examples: families with young children, young, mature, artsy, diverse, safe, close-knit, block parties, etc) Probably youngish (although I'm in early 40's, so lets say 30's-40's), safe, not a ton of partying.
List three things that are important to you in order of importance.(examples: nightlife, outdoor activities, rural/urban, safety, downtown area, charming, new construction, proximity to XYZ, family oriented, easy parking, short commute, etc)
Safe
Outdoor activities
short commute OR opposite direction from most rush hour
If the girlfriend doesn't come with me, the nightlife might be important. Heck, even if she does, but not so much a party scene. Good neighborhood restaurants/bars, live music, etc.
ATLguy, I grew up in Westwood, bought our first house there too. Now we are in the Atlanta area.
Westwood is not wealthy, it is solidly middle class, and a great place to raise a family. If you think housing prices in Westwood are steep (and they are, by GA comparison), don't even think of living in most of Bergen County.
Are you moving a family? There are some apartments and townhouse complexes in town, but single family homes are much more prevalent. Westwood has a great downtown, but not a lot of night life outside of bars/taverns.
Well, I know I can't afford a $500k home, and thats what my brief research showed for Westwood. Maybe in a few years. I want a family, but that may or may not happen, so not baing a decision soley on that yet. Mattie, the way you describe Westwood, it might be do-able. Guess I have to see what my offer is.
Well then Westwood or any of the directly sounding towns still sounds like a good match. For that budget you can get a nice apartment in town or 5 mins of it. Westwood's got a nice downtown with restaurants, movie theatre, AWESOME pub, ect and just about everything else you'd be looking for is within a 10 minute drive. Bergen County towns are all right on top of each other, you'll drive through 3 and not even know it.
With a budget of $2-3k, you can definitely find a nice house rental in the area.
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