Need info on Washington, NJ - Warren County (Phillipsburg, Hackettstown: buying a house, buying)

[kn55]

We are thinking about buying a house in Washington, NJ (Warren County). I am looking for any input from anyone who lives there, or has. Things they like and/or don't. Pros & cons etc Thanks!

[Calico696]

Which "Washington" in Warren County are you referring to? Washington Borough or Washington Township. Washington Borough is part of Washington Township, but they are different as far as amenities etc.

[kn55]

Sorry about that. I just got info on the house and haven't gone there to see it yet. The realtors listing just said Washington, NJ Warren County. I have since learned that there are different areas.

[findinghope]

when i was looking for a less expensive place to live in NJ, we went to washington and the surrounding areas in warren county. it felt very run down and depressed, which was sad. i had such high hopes that i would be able to stay in my home state.

[Calico696]

Washington Borough is a little "run down". There is a town center shopping area which has been somewhat "cleaned up" over the last few years. I believe there will be a lot more done there over the next several years. Anyway, the homes in that area are older and close together in the area immediately surrounding this town center. There are also quite a few multi-family homes there. As far as shopping is concerned, most of the stores in the immediate area are small shops and/or service type businesses and restaurants. If you need larger stores (ie. Walmart, Home Depot, Kohl's etc.) you need to go either east (to Hackettstown) or west (to Phillipsburg). So a car is necessary, public transit is fairly nil in the area. That all being said. It is not a bad area and Warren Hills High School is a decent school. Home prices are fairly reasonable. Now, Washington Township is another ballpark. There are also older homes in this area but newer developments also. Lot sizes are much larger and it has a much more rural feel. Keep in mind however, that Warren County in general is "rural", so even if you are in a town such as Hackettstown and/or Washington or Phillipsburg, you need not travel more than a couple miles and be in the middle of farm country. I have lived in Warren County for 12 years and I love it here, but it is not for everyone. Hope this helps.

[kn55]

Thanks for all of the great info. Washington Twp would be more of what we are looking for. We are looking for a home with a nice size yard. I don't mind having to drive a little bit to get to shopping etc. and public transportation isn't something that we would need. We are in Morris county now and even though I love our home, Warren has always been an area that we thought is very pretty....nice views and open areas. Now, we have a good size yard for the area and shopping is a close drive, but with that convenience you have the congestion that goes with it. Thanks again for your input!

[kn55]

Just found out it is in Washington Boro. Off of N. Prospect, near Kinneman Ave. and Jackson Valley Rd. I was told that it is on the other end of town, away from the main street section...homes are more spread out/larger property (older victorians etc). As the realtor said, there are going to be sections of town that are nicer than others in all areas, regardless of where you live. We need to check it out to see for ourselves. Thanks again to all who have given any info!

[Calico696]

Originally Posted by kn55

Just found out it is in Washington Boro. Off of N. Prospect, near Kinneman Ave. and Jackson Valley Rd. I was told that it is on the other end of town, away from the main street section...homes are more spread out/larger property (older victorians etc). As the realtor said, there are going to be sections of town that are nicer than others in all areas, regardless of where you live. We need to check it out to see for ourselves. Thanks again to all who have given any info!

That is actually a nice area of Washington Boro. I live not too far north from there, but I am in Oxford Township. Kinneman Ave and Jackson Valley Rd are very busy roads, double yellow lines...40 mph or so speed limits. Don't know if that matters. The homes in this area vary from 70 years old or so to new construction. The lots are larger than the area downtown. It is convenient to both Route 31 and 57 which take you to Route 78, 46, 80 etc. Nice and quiet at night.

[kn55]

Thanks for the great info.