"Rural" towns commutable to Wayne (West Milford, Ringwood: budget, work)

[boogs61]

Looks like we may be making a move to Wayne soon from California for work. We are ideally looking for a more rural setting that is 15-30 minutes away from major shopping, etc...We have no children, so schools are not a concern. We would like to have a small garden, maybe an acre or two (if possible). We wouldn't mind having to make a commute to Wayne if where we live is worth it.

Any suggestions out there of where to start looking....or on the contrary where to stay away from? Any great charming NJ towns out there?

Thanks!

[wileynj]

You have a ton of choices if you are willing to commute. I would start in areas North on Rt. 23 - Sussex County. What is your price range? This will help in pointing you in directions you should look in.

[HelgaB]

One of my friends commutes from Chester to Wayne; maybe you guys could do carpooling together Chester and Mendham are the wealthiest and "the most close to civilization", as one of my clients put it, out of all rural towns in NJ. The average lot sizes vary from 1 acre in borough (small downtown areas) parts of Chester and Mendham to 3 to 5 acres in the township areas. Almost everyone here loves gardening - I am an active member of the Chester Garden Club myself.
Randolph is also a very nice town, but the lots are much smaller there.
What is your price range? How soon are you planning to move?

[boogs61]

We would like to stay as low as possible. Under $400K for a 2+ bedroom, 2 bath? Is that feasible?

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by boogs61

We would like to stay as low as possible. Under $400K for a 2+ bedroom, 2 bath? Is that feasible?

Then I would say head north on Rt. 23... light budget if you want property. Warren county is a good choice as well but it's a bit of a hike to get to Wayne - traffic is tough out here! Look into areas like Hamburg...Kinnelon maybe but it's on the pricier side. Denville in Morris county... 400K won't get you much in Morris - more in Warren and Sussex in that price range.

[marye711]

an acre or two in that price range is gonna be hard maybe Warren county I dont think you will get that in Sussex unless you go past Wantage.

[boogs61]

OK, so how about just decent homes in a nice town for that price? No acreage needed. Good towns with nice shops, restaurants, etc...

Doable? I can always go to a farmers market for my produce

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by boogs61

OK, so how about just decent homes in a nice town for that price? No acreage needed. Good towns with nice shops, restaurants, etc...

Doable? I can always go to a farmers market for my produce

Start in Wayne, then look into Butler, Boonton... Pompton Lakes...all nice areas and i think you can find a decent house in your price range : )

[Chubbyhugs]

Ringwood, Wanaque and West Milford may also work...

[winter]

Just a thought-go about 14 miles to the NY state line and try Warwick. It seems like something you would like. The commute to Wayne isn't bad.