Princeton Area- 30 Mi Away (Edison, Pennsauken: best town, condos, mortgage)

[invertigo]

What would people say the best town for a starter home within 30 miles or so of Princeton?? ...and I have to laugh when people say that their budget is half a million for a "starter".. Our budget is under 300k and we expect to have to do some hard work. Note: we would much rather be North of Princeton than South though all options are being considered at this point. I guess that PA/Bucks is not out of the question either.

It goes without saying, that a safe neighborhood and decent schools are our top priority. Thanks!

[apvbguy]

Originally Posted by invertigo

What would people say the best town for a starter home within 30 miles or so of Princeton?? ...and I have to laugh when people say that their budget is half a million for a "starter".. Our budget is under 300k and we expect to have to do some hard work. Note: we would much rather be North of Princeton than South though all options are being considered at this point. I guess that PA/Bucks is not out of the question either.

It goes without saying, that a safe neighborhood and decent schools are our top priority. Thanks!

you can laugh all you care to but with only 300k to spend you're options are very limited

[JerzBoy]

300k will be tough north of Princeton. If you consider South Jersey - your options will increase significantly. I recommend looking in Mount Laurel, NJ. 300k will get you a nice townhome with no work needed or even a decent single family home. Schools are excellent and neighborhood is very safe.

[Rosseau]

I recommend places like Riverton, Cinnaminson, and Pennsauken

[invertigo]

Originally Posted by apvbguy

you can laugh all you care to but with only 300k to spend you're options are very limited

I just laugh because I don't know HOW young couples have so much $$ to work with. We aren't lucky enough to have things handed to us. That is our budget and I know we will find something...

[Rosseau]

They don't have it, that's why we're in the mortgage crisis that we are in. Be smart and stay within your means, and if you can afford to, live a little beneath your means. Most of those people are overextended and they don't even know it. You could also try across the river in PA. There are several towns you could commute from that would be about 30 min. from Princeton.

[Fairfax Mom]

You could get a small home in Edison - a tiny Cape Cod

[Golf Doctor]

Go south young man. You should be able to find some affordable places if you look to the south.

GD

[MoorestownResident]

You can find townhomes, condos and smallish homes around $300K in central and southern NJ within 30 miles of Princeton.

[sj3]

I would venture over to PA. While you don't get alot more for your money, you will get some more. Your budget isn't large, I think a townhome is your best bet in a nice area.
You can get a small fixer, but probably in a town that is not going to meet your good school criteria.