allendale, nj (Passaic, Orange, Hawthorne: daycare, new home, construction)

[annie101205]

maybe relocating to allendale, nj. Wow, very expensive from what I can see. Can anyone suggest areas to move to that are less expensive. Anything with-in a 45 minute commute to allendale, NJ. Could be in NY as well. Schools are important, we have two small children. Moving from Texas where cost of living is much, much lower?

[LynW676]

Do you have an idea of what you could spend on housing? That will help us narrow down some towns for you...

[jy_2007]

Yes that area is very expensive. Take out a map and follow rt. 17 north from Allendale. Home prices get cheaper the further north you go. ESPECIALLY once you cross the New York border.

Good luck!

[EANJ]

Yes, it's expensive, but to some it's for a reason. Regardless, generically, moving further north on Rt. 17 might get you more bang for the buck, perhaps only in certain price ranges though. In the 600-800k price range, yes, you can probably get more house in Mahwah rather than Allendale. Looking south on 17 might not be fruitfill, but again, it depends on price range. 45 minutes is a large catchment area. That opens a large number of doors.

However, in a different price range, the story changes. New developments/construction in Mahwah are north of a $1m, and some are north of $2m. Montebello -- just over the border of Mahwah/Rockland County, offers what some might say is great value, but the taxes can be considered by many as brutal. I remember many years ago looking at new construction in Montebello -- very nice, new homes, land, etc. for under $600k. Compared to what I saw in Mahwah and other areas, it looked incredible. I found a similar house/development in Mahwah, very comparable, and the price was at least 1/3 more. The taxes in Montebello were $20k and Mahwah was under $10k. Sure, there are reasons, we all know that.

So, what's your price range?

[NJ Chutzpah]

Try Rockland County, Passaic county towns like Hawthorne or Ringwood, Orange County, Sussex county

[jv5186]

Allendale is a beautiful town with excellent schools. Although expensive, you'll be in one of the best areas in Bergen County. These well to do towns all border eachother and even though the market isn't so great for homeowners right now, your area will hold its value. I'd stay right there-good luck!!

[EANJ]

Originally Posted by jv5186

Allendale is a beautiful town with excellent schools. Although expensive, you'll be in one of the best areas in Bergen County. These well to do towns all border eachother and even though the market isn't so great for homeowners right now, your area will hold its value. I'd stay right there-good luck!!

Excellent points.

[annie101205]

Thank you everyone for your posts. Wow, I think Beren County is definately out of the price range. I was thinking tops 300K and thats pushing it. Can anyone tell me how these people all afford such prices, what is the secret? We have two children and living on one engineering income. I guess I will need to get a job. LOL Anyone need a good daycare person?
Again thanks for your posts, if anyone has any new info on what 300k or lower will get that would be great.
Does anyone know how far a commute it would be to the NY area from Allendale. Goshen, monroe, Warwick, etc.
TX..

[AllendaleResident]

Again thanks for your posts, if anyone has any new info on what 300k or lower will get that would be great.
Does anyone know how far a commute it would be to the NY area from Allendale. Goshen, monroe, Warwick, etc.
TX..

You could try Monroe or Warwick. $300K houses in Allendale are non-existent. $700K houses are hard to find.

I was at a friend's house a few summers ago. We were talking about a property tax reassessment, which was taking place. The one guy said something that stuck in my mind: "Nobody can live in Allendale if they make less than $200,000/year." It's pretty much true.

[stmaarten]

Originally Posted by AllendaleResident

You could try Monroe or Warwick. $300K houses in Allendale are non-existent. $700K houses are hard to find.

I was at a friend's house a few summers ago. We were talking about a property tax reassessment, which was taking place. The one guy said something that stuck in my mind: "Nobody can live in Allendale if they make less than $200,000/year." It's pretty much true.

That is definitely true. We have several friends that live in Allendale, make enough money to live there, but still complain about how expensive it is. Their main reasoning in staying is one thing only: GREAT SCHOOLS.
They charged me $2.00 for a small glass of club soda at the AB&G last week! Are they kidding???