Northern NJ w/ kids (Orange, Fair Lawn: homes, transfer, safe area)

[Isabelle]

Originally Posted by findinghope

what about totowa, wayne or west paterson. all great school districts, all have parks in town, very close to transportation an within your budget

For some reason, I don't recall seeing those towns on the lists of good schools, but I'll look into that again. Thanks!

[ndecost]

Originally Posted by Isabelle

For some reason, I don't recall seeing those towns on the lists of good schools, but I'll look into that again. Thanks!

Wayne has great schools, but I wouldn't say Totowa or West Paterson do. Sorry. Some of the lower priced homes in Wayne may be in flood zones so check that out. Its only a small % of the town that floods, but those homes tend to be very low priced so they seem attractive when looking online.

[Isabelle]

Originally Posted by ndecost

...
Not to be mean, but I see no chance that you will get into Ridgewood or Millburn for that price. You might be able to get into Livingston cause we looked at some homes there in the low $400s. I think you could find something in Fair Lawn too.

Have you considered Cranford or those areas? It has what you're looking for. We just bought a house in Fanwood for low $400s, walking distance to a nice park and walking distance to the train station and it has good schools.

Good luck!

I'll look into Livingston as well, thanks. Cranford area sounds good, but we're looking to be closer to Fair Lawn for personal reasons. Thanks!

[marye711]

Pompton plains Riverdale and Pomton lakes there are homes in those areas NOT in the flood. Taxes though in Pompton Lakes are high. Also yes Wayne you can find a home in that price range not in the flood. Good luck!

[findinghope]

Originally Posted by ndecost

Wayne has great schools, but I wouldn't say Totowa or West Paterson do. Sorry. Some of the lower priced homes in Wayne may be in flood zones so check that out. Its only a small % of the town that floods, but those homes tend to be very low priced so they seem attractive when looking online.

as far as passaic county goes, wayne has always had the number 1 position, and totowa has often come up as number 2

[kaday]

You could look at Maplewood, again high taxes but not as bad as some.

[mm02]

why did u not consider paramus in NNJ, just curious to know the reasons..

Thanx

[Isabelle]

Originally Posted by mm02

why did u not consider paramus in NNJ, just curious to know the reasons..

Thanx

We did at some point. Paramus definitely lacks a sense of community (vs. Fair Lawn, for example). I don't remember what the train situation there is -- it may have been a part of the reason we dropped it. The prices are higher than Fair Lawn, don't remember the school info... You know, after looking for a while, everything turns into one big mess: Paramus gets confused with Paterson, Teaneck with Tenafly, Glen Rock with Glen Ridge. I need to start a spreadsheet with all the info! :-)

[grasshopper2]

Hi Isabelle,
All of the towns you mentioned are pricey and for a 3 bedroom house I do not think you will be successful, except for perhaps a handy man special.
Glen Ridge is pricey as is Millburn, which is further out.
I have lived in East Rutherford for over 25 years and FairLawn before that.
East Rutherford is a smaller town, with a mixed population. The schools are average for Bergen County.
I teach in Bergen County so I am aware of some of the systems.
A townhouse or condominium may be your best bet for the amount you listed. If you have children, and look at a condo or townhouse, see if it is appropriate for children since some/most of these do not have a lot of kids and few play area on their property. I am in a condo.
Grasshopper

[cmsvmom]

Wyckoff is a wonderful community with great schools. I'm not aware of any environmental issues there.

But for $400,000 in Wyckoff, you are going to get a tiny fixer upper. Not a nice house.

Since reality is what it is, why don't you do a search on houses and condos in the price range, and then see what communities appeal?