Best townships around Merck Lebanon (Washington, Raritan: to rent, crime, townhome)

[max99]

Hi,

I will be joining Merck at Lebanon. Would prefer one way commute to be around 30 minutes. Please help as to good townships for family to live with school going kids. Regarding houses- looking for 3-4 bedroom independent house which are relatively new (either new contruction or less than 10 yr age) around 2500 sq feet. Any suggestion as to what price range we should be thinking about.

[CuCullin]

You're not short on options.... prices will vary by township a bit though, do you have any idea on a price range? You're likely looking to start at about $400k for something thats not old, the majority of work was done in late 70's/early 80's, then again over the past several years, so those would be the newer houses. There were some homes done by the Parisi's in the 90's in Clinton if I remember, the last one I know of sold around $550k.

So.... you've got Clinton, Annandale, High Bridge, Califon, Lebanon, Raritan, Washington, the list continues... any specific needs?

[BobKovacs]

Less than ten years old you're not likely to find something under 2,500 sf- the land costs got so high that the builders couldn't justify building anything that small. If you're set on being in a house that's less than 10 years old, you're probably going to be looking at 3,000+ SF, and starting around $600k or more. Oh, and don't forget the property taxes- I'd budget at least $1,000/month (if you're lucky) to cover those on a house of that size.

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

Less than ten years old you're not likely to find something under 2,500 sf- the land costs got so high that the builders couldn't justify building anything that small. If you're set on being in a house that's less than 10 years old, you're probably going to be looking at 3,000+ SF, and starting around $600k or more. Oh, and don't forget the property taxes- I'd budget at least $1,000/month (if you're lucky) to cover those on a house of that size.

lol - i live in exactly what you said OP's not likely to find (including the property taxes, meaning I don't pay $1000/mo).

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by tahiti

lol - i live in exactly what you said OP's not likely to find (including the property taxes, meaning I don't pay $1000/mo).

Maybe you should sell the OP your house then

[max99]

Thanks CuCullin. The specific needs that I am considering are-
1. House budget- $500-$600k, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 10 years old house, around $2500 sq ft.
2. Good school district for kids, relatively crime free and safe
3. Commute to Lebanon office less than 30 minutes each direction.

Am open to renting a house for one year if can find a house around $2500-$3000 per month.

[CuCullin]

The only issue is going to be the age of the home - like I mentioned, they are generall either brand new (expensive, typically over the size and price mark), 20 years old, or historic.

That said, do a search on the MLS at gsmls.com with your critera ($500-$600k, 4BR, 2BA), and you'll find atleast 50 homes that will meet your needs (aside from year built, some will fit, many won't). I'd recommend starting there.

[Sergio M]

There are plenty of homes that fit your criteria in the Clinton area. When will you be moving? I have a home that I will be renting out later this season, very similar to what you are describing.

[max99]

What towns with good schools would you recommend, BobKovacs if I am willing to go up to $700k and 3000 sq ft for a house (not townhome) around 10 years old? Thanks for your help.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by max99

What towns with good schools would you recommend, BobKovacs if I am willing to go up to $700k and 3000 sq ft for a house (not townhome) around 10 years old? Thanks for your help.

I would start in Long Valley - Washington Twp., Morris County - one of the best school systems in NJ. Next I would look at Clinton or Readington in Hunterdon County...another great school system. 700K will buy you a very nice, nearly brand new if not brand new construction in that price range. Just watch the property taxes with a house in that range...you'll probably be looking at between 12K and 15K.