Can I live within an hour of EWR close to the beach in NJ? (Newark: best cities, insurance)

[irebean]

I am looking for a house that puts us within an hours drive of Newark airport, close to the beach, and about an hour and a half drive or less to NYC. Also, it is important to be located in an excellent school district. I'm looking to spend $425k - is that possible in these areas?

I have heard that these cities fit that description- can anyone verify?
Sea Bright
Monmouth Beach
Middletown
Red Bank
Matawan
Atlantic Highlands.
Colts Neck Township
Holmdel Township
Boro of Tinton Falls
Rumson
Highlands
Fair Haven
Keansburg
Hazlet Township
Long Branch

Also, anyone know much about these cities?
Money CNN/ 2007 Best Cities to Live in:


Montville, N.J.
Hillsborough, N.J
River Vale, N.J
Marlboro, N.J
Berkeley Heights, N.J.
Sayreville, N.J


Thanks!

[MPBsr]

Not sure about how excellent the school systems are, but most of those towns fit your criteria except Rumson, Colts Neck, Holmdel. Doubt you could find a decent home for $425,000.

I would only consider the West End of Long Branch and don't include Keansburg

[irebean]

Great! That helps narrow it down for me some. Are there any standouts in the bunch that I should focus my home search on?

[JERSEY MAN]

If you go a little further down to the northern part of Ocean County. Point Pleasant Beach and Borough have good school systems. Both are approx. 50 miles to Newark airport. I'm within walking distance to the ocean and yes you can find a home in your price range. Off peak commuting to Newark Airport should be 55 minutes to an hour. Driving during rush hour is another ballgame and then weather conditions come into play.

[hrjersey]

I'll second Jersey Man. Pt. Pleasant does have a good school district. I live in Toms River and can get to the airport in about an hour and ten minutes if I live the house by 6am. The school district here is good, not great but I'm a teacher and still feel comfortable having my daughter go to school here. I don't know all the towns you've listed but you will probably get more for your money down here.

[juliann1977]

Marlboro has excellent schools, and you might be able to find something for 425k--probably would need work. Ask me in a few months how beach-traveling friendly it is. We go most days to Sea Bright, and our new commute could be the death of me.

Sayreville ( we recently moved from there) is a nice little town, and you'd definitely be able to find something in your range. It is 30 minutes to the beach, but the schools are average.

[fischfan13]

Originally Posted by JERSEY MAN

If you go a little further down to the northern part of Ocean County. Point Pleasant Beach and Borough have good school systems. Both are approx. 50 miles to Newark airport. I'm within walking distance to the ocean and yes you can find a home in your price range. Off peak commuting to Newark Airport should be 55 minutes to an hour. Driving during rush hour is another ballgame and then weather conditions come into play.

Hit + Nail = Head

Pt Pleasant Beach is the way to go.
(JM does it again)

[shannybannany]

...hate to say this but stay away from Atlantic Highlands/Highlands. I am from there originally and the school system stinks! You may be able to find a great house at that price but in your case, school systems DO MATTER!

~Shanny

[Carbro]

If you want to train (instead of drive) to Newark/EWR or NYC, you probably won't want to live too far south of Long Branch. North of Long Branch, the line is electrified. From Long Branch South, it's Diesel. You have to change trains at that station for points south, and service diminishes seriously. In my experience, the train saves time. Here's the schedule.

You can take New Jersey transit from any of the towns along North Jersey Coast line to Newark Airport.

I don't know about price, but you might want to add Little Silver, Shrewsbury, Ocean Township to your list, all within Monmouth Co. As far as beach proximity, Colts Neck and Holmdel are further west than the other towns. I grew up a mile from the ocean in Monmouth County, so Colts Neck and Holmdel -- even Red Bank -- seem like inland locales.

[irebean]

I think NJ seems like a terrific place to live but my husband seems to think there are some corrupt politicians there and taxes, insurance, are out of this world according to him. My question is 1) is there any validity in what he is saying and 2) does the good outweigh the bad in the end?