Sussex County: Vernon and surrounding area (Harrison, Franklin Lakes: mortgage, real estate, property taxes)

[MoorestownResident]

Originally Posted by wileynj

Hey almost neighbor : )) I live in Frelinghuysen, neighbor to Green and I agree..Green Twp is a great place to consider but the taxes in some areas of Green can be a little high. Areas with less expensive house prices and lower taxes would likely be in the Tranquility Area of Green..agreed? Oh and Green now has Pub 517..similiar to Pub 199 in Mt. Arlington if you're familiar with that one - Seafood at really cheap prices.... 2 dozen steamers and a whole lobster for 18.00 and change!

I was going to be buying into Green Twp. in those newer developments near the elementary school with some higher end homes attached. Forget the name of the development. Loved the rural feel and wooded lots, great character in the area as well. Taxes might be higher in Green but they were cheaper than my area in South Jersey and I felt it paid to be closer to the main roads because commuting from there can be a nightmare. I was headed east to Madison, NJ. Forunately I ended up with a better opportunity in Philly and never had to move. I spent lots of time in Sussex looking in Sparta, Green and some other areas like Newton. Green seemed like the best value and possibly the best investment opportunity at the time.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

I was going to be buying into Green Twp. in those newer developments near the elementary school with some higher end homes attached. Forget the name of the development. Loved the rural feel and wooded lots, great character in the area as well. Taxes might be higher in Green but they were cheaper than my area in South Jersey and I felt it paid to be closer to the main roads because commuting from there can be a nightmare. I was headed east to Madison, NJ. Forunately I ended up with a better opportunity in Philly and never had to move. I spent lots of time in Sussex looking in Sparta, Green and some other areas like Newton. Green seemed like the best value and possibly the best investment opportunity at the time.

Well you know when an area is up and coming when Hovnavian(sp?) starts to build there. We seem to be having alot of Bergen Co. folks looking in this area...I had 5 couples from Bergen look at my place over the past few months....no buyer yet as alot of them still needed to put their homes on the market - shoppers but I didn't mind...I love showing off this part of NJ...it's beautiful.

[MoorestownResident]

I do agree as a guy that grew up about 8 miles from center city Philadelphia I never knew NJ got that rural. I was blown away. But the downside is everything is a far drive, traffic is going to be a problem and your commute is going to be long. Plus there's not too much to do in that area. But I was very impressed with Green Twp. I think Toll Brothers was building in Green but using Andover's name as marketing.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

I do agree as a guy that grew up about 8 miles from center city Philadelphia I never knew NJ got that rural. I was blown away. But the downside is everything is a far drive, traffic is going to be a problem and your commute is going to be long. Plus there's not too much to do in that area. But I was very impressed with Green Twp. I think Toll Brothers was building in Green but using Andover's name as marketing.

The reason they use Andover is because Green does not have their own post office... same in my area. I am in Warren Co. but I have an Andover mailing address (Sussex Co.) and Hackettstown phone number (two towns over)..I often tell people that we are part of the witness protection program as no one really knows what town we are actually in : )) When was the last time you were here? There's tons to do now. Mt Olive just added the Trade Zone Shopping center..tons of shopping and chain restaurants...a Sam's Club - it's great! And Hackettstown now has more than just Chinese or Italian food to offer...a new Thai Restaurant..A charlie browns...a Columbian Bakery... and if you head towards Mansfield (15 mins) there's a bunch of new strip malls and a 12 theater cinema. If you head west, there's tons of lakes open to the public that have water sport activities - sailing, paddle boats..camping, etc. The downside like you said is traffic on Rt 80 in the morning for those commuting east..it's a bit rough but once you learn the traffic patterns you'll figure out the best time to head on out. My neighbor - former Philly boy..works in Orange. He leaves at 6:30 and gets to work in about 45 to 60 mins. depending on traffic. If you leave any later than 6:50 - you'll get stuck behind the traffic merging onto Rt. 80 from Rt. 15 near the rockaway mall.

[MoorestownResident]

Yes, I forgot that Green had no zip code of its own. I would have had a Newton zip code. I was under contract about 2 years ago and haven't been back since. Would like to go back sometime just to drive around the area. But it is a good 2 hour drive. I know they were building stuff nearby but I don't remember seeing much in terms of local restaurants other than the Pub you mentioned which would have been my local hangout since it was basically right down the street. The other thing I liked about Green was the zoning law and large lot requirements as a way to preserve open space. Still think that is good long term option for many NJers looking to get out of the more congested areas but maybe not wanting to go as far as PA. I am a morning person would have been on Rt 80 around 6:15 so I did not expect too much trouble except maybe getting back in the afternoon. But people can tell you horror stories. I had someone give me a way to go back roads over to Madison. Now I take the train and walk to the office.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

Yes, I forgot that Green had no zip code of its own. I would have had a Newton zip code. I was under contract about 2 years ago and haven't been back since. Would like to go back sometime just to drive around the area. But it is a good 2 hour drive. I know they were building stuff nearby but I don't remember seeing much in terms of local restaurants other than the Pub you mentioned which would have been my local hangout since it was basically right down the street. The other thing I liked about Green was the zoning law and large lot requirements as a way to preserve open space. Still think that is good long term option for many NJers looking to get out of the more congested areas but maybe not wanting to go as far as PA. I am a morning person would have been on Rt 80 around 6:15 so I did not expect too much trouble except maybe getting back in the afternoon. But people can tell you horror stories. I had someone give me a way to go back roads over to Madison. Now I take the train and walk to the office.

I think folks considering PA as an alternate to North / Northwest Jersey in order save money are in for a "shock". PA was my first "out-of-state" move option but when I saw homes for sale in the 400-600K range, no property and taxes in the neighborhood of 10 - 12K a year in the Stroudsburg area... I said forget it! PA isn't the old PA we remember when you could get a home for under 200K..and taxes under 1000/yr...it's grown and it's getting just as expensive of NJ. One thing I must say - it is nice to see someone in here discussing Northwest NJ as most of the threads in here relate to moving to areas closer to NYC.

[my3sonsnj]

Originally Posted by wileynj

Do you have a budget in mind? How much are you looking to spend for a home...what would be consider reasonable taxes? What kind of neighborhood..etc?

We both grew up in Hunterdon County so we really don't mind living "out in the country," in fact, I think both of us prefer it in some ways. We have lived in Bergen County for about 12 years in a couple different towns. We'd go back to Hunterdon but the house prices there have gone through the roof there.

We're not really picky about the neighborhood as long as it's not on a really busy road. We have 3 young children.

Our budget is going to be based on what we can get out of this house in Bergen, but I would say we will top out around $280,000-300K with $6,000 taxes. I know, this won't buy a lot of house but we are looking for a 3BR, 1.5 BA on 1/4 of an acre or more. It would be great to find a home with the possibility of adding on a room and bathroom at some point for my mom. I did find some houses on the Internet that looked good but I don't know where they are located, could be next to a highway with high-tension wires for all I know. Don't want a fixer upper...would rather have a smaller home in good shape. We won't have the budget to fix anything up.

[b75]

The further north you go in Sussex County the more house you may get. The closer you are to PA/NY border the more land/house you will get for your money (except Sparta which is expensive) Of course it is very rural up there but since that is not of concern to you there should be something for you to find.

Originally Posted by my3sonsnj

We both grew up in Hunterdon County so we really don't mind living "out in the country," in fact, I think both of us prefer it in some ways. We have lived in Bergen County for about 12 years in a couple different towns. We'd go back to Hunterdon but the house prices there have gone through the roof there.

We're not really picky about the neighborhood as long as it's not on a really busy road. We have 3 young children.

Our budget is going to be based on what we can get out of this house in Bergen, but I would say we will top out around $280,000-300K with $6,000 taxes. I know, this won't buy a lot of house but we are looking for a 3BR, 1.5 BA on 1/4 of an acre or more. It would be great to find a home with the possibility of adding on a room and bathroom at some point for my mom. I did find some houses on the Internet that looked good but I don't know where they are located, could be next to a highway with high-tension wires for all I know. Don't want a fixer upper...would rather have a smaller home in good shape. We won't have the budget to fix anything up.

[cookiemonster12]

Vernon is nice but has its draw backs. One is that it takes twenty minutes to get to route 23. You will have a long drive (45 minutes or so) to any type of high end store or current shopping mall. In the winter you have to have a 4 wheel drive or awd car. it can be a short snow furry and you will have 1.5" of snow in 30 minutes....runs about 10 degrees colder than Bergen county. Schools are average! The people that live up there are nice but the ones that grew up there are on a slower pace...Pick-up trucks and blue collar mentality. Nothing wrong with that but just expect it. The Walmart will not be filled Latin americans or East Indians like Bergen or say Morris County but Low income whites. Nothing wrong with this but just an FYI. I have lived in Vernon and have many friends up in Sussex county. Most roads don't have curbs. Few street lights and few sidewalks.

Plus side.... In the summer spring and fall the country side is great. Fresh farm food. Little traffic...Restaurants that don't charge an arm and a leg. Mountain Creek, Crystal springs, Hidden Valley, Space farms. Good golf courses. Wildlife, fishing.

Overall I say a nice place to live. Many upgrades have taken place....like the post office and some new parks. It is a 20 minute drive to a major highway. If winter gets on your nerves Vernon may not be the place for you.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by my3sonsnj

We both grew up in Hunterdon County so we really don't mind living "out in the country," in fact, I think both of us prefer it in some ways. We have lived in Bergen County for about 12 years in a couple different towns. We'd go back to Hunterdon but the house prices there have gone through the roof there.

We're not really picky about the neighborhood as long as it's not on a really busy road. We have 3 young children.

Our budget is going to be based on what we can get out of this house in Bergen, but I would say we will top out around $280,000-300K with $6,000 taxes. I know, this won't buy a lot of house but we are looking for a 3BR, 1.5 BA on 1/4 of an acre or more. It would be great to find a home with the possibility of adding on a room and bathroom at some point for my mom. I did find some houses on the Internet that looked good but I don't know where they are located, could be next to a highway with high-tension wires for all I know. Don't want a fixer upper...would rather have a smaller home in good shape. We won't have the budget to fix anything up.

Hunterdon Co. was just named as one of the richest counties in the nation : )) There's a few homes in my area listed in that price range... I'll pull them up on mls and see if I can tell where they are and whether or not there worth spending the gas money on to come and see : )) Hackettstown might be a good choice for you as well. You can get a decent ranch home with property in a development near the hospital. Let me do some homework - oh and I'm not a realtor so no worries : )) In the meantime, you can try looking in Sussex Co. while I search Warren - if you see something you like but aren't sure where it is or how the town is, let me know. I'll do my best to help you out : ))