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My husband has a great job prospect in New Brunswick. We currently live in Chicago (western burbs) and
I'm looking for info to see if this would be a good fit for our family.
A little about us:
Early 40s, have a 6 year old daughter, whose involved in several after school activities
(Gymnastics, Girl Scouts and soccer).
I'm currently a SAHM.
Looking for safe, family friendly suburb with great school district about 30 min
From New Brunswick).
Where we live now:
We are about 5-10 min to shopping, doctor, mall, with a cute downtown area. Very safe
Area ( basically I can leave my doors open-think Mayberry
Would purchase home. Range between 450-525k. At least 3 br, 2 1/2 bth. Newer construction
Preferred.
What concerning to me is the higher standard of living coming from the Midwest, and
Also Property taxes. We've relocated once before (Minneapolis) so I want to
Get as much information as possible before considering another big move.
Others who live closer to New Brunswick may chime in...I think if he's willing to drive 30-35 min you should be able to do it. I would look at Plainsboro & West Windsor. Both are good school districts. Montgomery & Hillsborough are also possibilities. If you wanted to look to the north, there is Green Brook (North of Rt 22), but that commute could be harder.
If he's not averse to taking the train into New Brunswick, there is a station in West Windsor.
West Windsor does not have any "downtown" but large mall (Quakerbridge Mall on Rt 1, as well as a lot of shopping on the West side of Rt 1.
You really need to see the area here, because you may or may not like it. I don't particularly like the Rt 1 corridor. Its just miles and miles or stores, gas stations, and strip malls, but hey that is America!
Thanks for the feedback Atomicdoug, that's the kind of information I'm looking for.
I'm not familiar with Jersey at all, so I'm trying to get a feel for it.
West Windsor / Plainsboro are also right near Princeton. You'll find lots of activities in the area for children & adults.
Keep in mind that some houses have mailing addresses that do not reflect the school district, i.e. part of West Windsor has a Princeton mailing address, but is in the WW-P school district. Once you decide what school district you want than phone the school district before signing a lease to check if that address is actually in your chosen district.
I understand not wanting to have to move an extra time, but I'd hate to rush such an important decision as buying home. I always recommend renting before buying, to people who are moving to a completely new area for two reasons:
You'll have more time to familiarize yourself with the area to decide where you ultimately want to buy and stay long term. You'll also have a greater selection of homes if you are not under a time constraint.
If, for some reason, it doesn't work out, you don't have to go through the hassle and huge expense of buying and selling a house in a distant place.
I understand not wanting to have to move an extra time, but I'd hate to rush such an important decision as buying home. I always recommend renting before buying, to people who are moving to a completely new area for two reasons:
You'll have more time to familiarize yourself with the area to decide where you ultimately want to buy and stay long term. You'll also have a greater selection of homes if you are not under a time constraint.
If, for some reason, it doesn't work out, you don't have to go through the hassle and huge expense of buying and selling a house in a distant place.
That is excellent advice. Unfortunately some relocation plans (if paid by the company) don't provide for a long term rental. They typically expect you to move from one house to another. This is where it pays to do your research, have the right real estate agent and talk to people who work at the same company to see where they live and work. Also research the schools, although there seems to be good consensus about WW/PBoro here.
I would definitely strongly urge you to make at least 2 trips here. First one, do an area tour, to see the work location and surrounding towns that you might purchase in. The second trip would be a 6-7 dat stay in which you specifically tour properties in the town or area you want to live in.
You really need to spend some time in NJ to make sure that this is a place you will be happy living! You don't want to be unhappy after 6 months. I always encourage people to drive to work from the exact neighborhood where you'd be living. Test the commute at 7:30 am and again at 5 pm. Test it under the worst case conditions to make sure that you can handle it.
I always recommend renting before buying, to people who are moving to a completely new area...
I second that suggestion.
OP, I would strongly recomment Bridgewater, East Brunswick, South Brunswick and Hillsborough. They are all within 30-35 min drive to New Brunswick, have very good schools, are very family friendly with safe neighborhoods and within your budget. Plainsboro and West Windsor are excellent but more pricey, if you can afford it, go for it.
You will get the most bang for your buck in Hillsborough with lot of newer construction and bigger lot sizes. For the remaining three towns, it might be tough to find new construction within your budget but these towns went through significant growth in late 90s and thousands of single family houses were built during that time. You will find very well maintained and clean properties in these towns. I have lived in midwest (incl. Chicago) and I think you will love all the above 4 towns.
You really need to see the area here, because you may or may not like it. I don't particularly like the Rt 1 corridor. Its just miles and miles or stores, gas stations, and strip malls, but hey that is America!
I completely agree. Plainsboro, South Brunswick, North Brunswick, Edison....this area is the epitome of suburban sprawl.
If your daughter is going to public school, then Plainsboro. West Windsor if you can afford it. If your daughter is going to private school, then there are plenty of options.
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