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We may be relocating from the Midwest to the Princeton area this year, and we'd like to know where to look for a home.
We have kids in elementary school (K and 3rd). They are in private school now, but we would consider public if it's a great school system.
We've lived all over the country, but have really come to like the friendliness of the Midwest. That said, we'd be looking for an area/neighborhood that is open to new neighbors, and where the kids can make lots of friends.
The job will be close to Princeton, so we'd prefer not to have a huge commute.
Our budget is about $800K - $1.2M. We'd do a bit more for the perfect setup if necessary.
I've read a bit about Pennington, and wonder if that might fit the bill.
Lastly - we'd prefer a relatively new home, or a newly renovated older home. We would also consider doing a significant renovation if necessary to get into a great neighborhood.
So....any ideas on where we should look? So far it's all been online - we've yet to get out there on the ground to look around.
Princeton HS is one of the best rated high schools in NJ (and in top 1-5% in the US depending on which study!). Makes sense when you think there are probably professors' children attending there.
Check out the ratings from:
NJ Monthly Magazine
US News and World Report
greatschools.net (this will be helpful for elementary, too)
I think Pennington is a nice area. I think most of that area has excellent schools, but do be sure to compare the districts. Also some will be much bigger than others; look at the school sizes.
There are a few really good private schools near there too...Lawrenceville Prep comes to mind. Top in the country.
West Windsor-Plainsboro High School is actually BETTER THAN Princeton High School. And they have a very diverse student body. Many homes in your price range are in West Windsor.
Many people who work in the Princeton area seem to prefer living across the Delaware river in the Philadelphia suburbs of Bucks Co, PA......Yardley, Newtown, Lower Makefield etc. because you pay lower taxes and get so much for your money, with great public schools and all the amenities.
We may be relocating from the Midwest to the Princeton area this year, and we'd like to know where to look for a home.
We have kids in elementary school (K and 3rd). They are in private school now, but we would consider public if it's a great school system.
We've lived all over the country, but have really come to like the friendliness of the Midwest. That said, we'd be looking for an area/neighborhood that is open to new neighbors, and where the kids can make lots of friends.
The job will be close to Princeton, so we'd prefer not to have a huge commute.
Our budget is about $800K - $1.2M. We'd do a bit more for the perfect setup if necessary.
I've read a bit about Pennington, and wonder if that might fit the bill.
Lastly - we'd prefer a relatively new home, or a newly renovated older home. We would also consider doing a significant renovation if necessary to get into a great neighborhood.
So....any ideas on where we should look? So far it's all been online - we've yet to get out there on the ground to look around.
Thanks in advance.
I would strongly recommend West Windsor-Plainsboro schools to you, and homes within your price range are readily available. The Lawrenceville School is the best private school in our area and is, of course, superior to the public schools. That said, WW-P's two high schools, as well as Princeton High are great for public schools.
I will be facing the public v. private high school dilemma again soon. The first time I did it, Lawrenceville won out. This time, not sure what will happen.
I would look in Princeton. I really wouldn't even consider other towns.
Princeton has some lovely houses, and a pleasant but small downtown. The area is surrounded by woods, farms, and 'burbs. Too boring for me (I have no kids) but very nice for a family, especially some of the older neighborhoods on tree lined streets (versus the newer developments).
You'll easily find something in Plainsboro or West Windsor or Princeton itself for that price range. It's mostly very family friendly - WW and plainsboro both have a lot of Indians and Asians (which could be a positive or a negative to different people), not sure about Princeton.
Plainsboro and Princeton both have downtowns, WW just has strip malls...
The public schools are fine in all those towns - if you wouldn't take them then you won't take a public school anywhere.
Beside the kids being able to make friends, do you want friendliness as in pleasant and says hello in the morning, or do you mean friendly as in down to earth and can connect with you on the level?
montgomery township in somerset county is another option - schools are par with other towns mentioned and you can get a newer large home in your price range no problem.
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