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We are finding buying in Princeton to be an incredibly frustrating affair. The housing stock is pretty bad- most houses need a full Reno or even an addition. Because of covid and low inventory, prices are up and competition is strong. And taxes are so high that it prevents us from increasing our budget (currently $1.3).
I know it’s the same situation every buyer is in right now so sorry to complain. Are there other similar places nearby? We would like diversity of thought and people, a strong sense of community and good schools. We have not found surrounding towns of Hopewell, Montgomery, lawrenceville to be a good fit. Don’t know much about Bucks county.
Since your budget is so large why not just buy a smaller house and add on? That way everything is exactly how you like it? Sure you have to deal with construction for a few months but can't be any worse than what you are already dealing with
Have you gone north a little, like Skillman, although you said Montgomery wasn't a fit. Not sure why Lawrenceville wouldn't be a good fit. Great schools if you need them, nice area. Cute, walkable (albeit small) downtown.
What about West Windsor? No downtown, but Princeton is hop and a skip away and Princeton Junction train station is right there (when it's safe enough to ride them again....). I love West Windsor but I have no idea what the housing stock is like. Also great schools if you need them.
Princeton defines itself as a "municipality" after the urban center (borough) and the surrounding township consolidated. Are you looking to live in the urban center? The housing stock is old there. Why live in a densely packed urban area with antique homes?
Personally, I would choose Hopewell/Pennington. There you can find beautiful homes on a few acres within your price range with an easy commute to Princeton. The Hopewell Valley Regional School District is top rated.
This feels like the absolute worst time to buy in the suburbs or exurbs. Bidding wars, low inventory, and the highest prices these areas have seen in quite some time. Have you considered renting for a year to wait it out? Feels like interest rates aren't going anywhere for a while, and the reality of widespread corporate layoffs hasn't been fully baked into the financial (and real estate) markets it seems.
People are fleeing the city and throwing money at their lack of space problem. Great news for suburban homeowners, bad news for people from the city throwing money and bidding up the suburban housing market.
I’m surprised the flight from cities has affected the Princeton area, since it’s kind of far out.
I agree with the West Windsor suggestion. You get excellent schools, diversity and close proximity to Princeton, so you can go visit whenever you want.
Personally, I’d go with Bucks County. Cheaper property and income taxes than NJ. That’s just me though. Good luck!
We are finding buying in Princeton to be an incredibly frustrating affair. The housing stock is pretty bad- most houses need a full Reno or even an addition. Because of covid and low inventory, prices are up and competition is strong. And taxes are so high that it prevents us from increasing our budget (currently $1.3).
I know it’s the same situation every buyer is in right now so sorry to complain. Are there other similar places nearby? We would like diversity of thought and people, a strong sense of community and good schools. We have not found surrounding towns of Hopewell, Montgomery, lawrenceville to be a good fit. Don’t know much about Bucks county.
Hello,
We felt the same way in 2018 when we were looking a house to buy in Princeton, NJ... BUT : lots were very small, huge prices and old houses (in our budget).
So we have decided to buy an small house in lovely Rocky Hill with a huge backyard, a pool, in a very friendly neighborhood. We renovated and we built 2 more bedrooms, 2 more bathrooms and a laundry room. Schools are wonderful and everything is walking distance. We couldn't have make a better choice !!!!!
3 weeks ago, my husband's company told him we will be relocated soon to another country so we have to sell our house...
If you want to see it, please follow the link https://www.redfin.com/NJ/Rocky-Hill.../home/37969795
Sorry Gerania... First time on this forum ... How do I remove my post please ? I am trying to but I cannot find a way.
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