East Brunswick - most desirable parts? (Colonia, Princeton: houses, neighborhoods, school districts)

[emily80]

Hello,

I'm looking for a home in East Brunswick. I've been looking for a long time and am researching if EB is the best place for me as I am looking for a colonial style home. Can anyone familiar with EB neighborhoods shed some light on the most desirable neighborhoods? I keep reading about Colonial Oaks being nice but Lawrence Brook is not? I'd like to live near the stronger rated elementary schools.

Secondly, I'd be commuting to NYC so need to get to the bus station. Are there any neighborhoods with good elementary schools closer to the bus? I believe Lawrence Brook is close but its rated lower than the other schools.

I know the bus commute may not be best but I can't find a 4 bedroom two story house in other areas i've looked at in jersey that have a strong school districts. Metuchen is nearby but the houses tend to be smaller or very expensive. Princeton is too far.

Thanks for any help.

[DefiantNJ]

I didn't know that there were desirable parts of East Brunswick. The parks and open areas are nice. But the parts that were unfortunately touched by humans look like the worst case scenarios of suburban sprawl.

And bus commute to Manhattan to East Brunswick would be rough. Prepare to get stuck in the tunnel inhaling fumes, the horrific third world charm of PA Bus Terminal, etc. Perhaps you might consider trading bigger house for a saner commute.

[Slunk]

Originally Posted by DefiantNJ

I didn't know that there were desirable parts of East Brunswick. The parks and open areas are nice. But the parts that were unfortunately touched by humans look like the worst case scenarios of suburban sprawl.

And bus commute to Manhattan to East Brunswick would be rough. Prepare to get stuck in the tunnel inhaling fumes, the horrific third world charm of PA Bus Terminal, etc. Perhaps you might consider trading bigger house for a saner commute.

Route 18 is ugly and so is its traffic in the afternoon. I don't know if that is what you are referring to in terms of sprawl.

There are in fact really nice areas of east Brunswick however. Nice neighborhoods and cul de sacs with nice houses and well manicured lawns.

There are also more blue collar and crappy sections too.

The property tax rate is really bad. I think effective rate of 2.6%. On the flip side of this is you can get more house for your money than some comparable towns (safety, schools). Price per square foot for a house in the low 200s with a 0.25 acre or bigger lot.

Air quality varies - certain sections of eb are too close for comfort for me to the turnpike and the garbage dump.

[LASA27]

Hi emili80,

Did you finally decide to settle down in EB? If so, how do you like it so far - any pros and cons you can share with us?

Thanks.