Questions about Medford Lakes (Trenton, Camden: new house, buying, movie theater)

[Bored2Day]

Can anyone help with some information on Medford Lakes. It is a very pretty area. Are there any fees that are not included in the property tax like association fees or trash removal or anything else? It appears to be a nice tight knit community - what is the feel? Friendly neighbors?...safe?...activities for the kids?...etc.

Thanks!

[MoorestownResident]

Safe, great schools, somewhat expensive with high taxes. Major flooding a few years ago hurt values somewhat but with new dams buying now is probably a good idea. Downside is traffic and long commuting to just about anywhere.

[Bored2Day]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

Safe, great schools, somewhat expensive with high taxes. Major flooding a few years ago hurt values somewhat but with new dams buying now is probably a good idea. Downside is traffic and long commuting to just about anywhere.

Thanks! I noticed that the taxes were high. Do you know if there are any additional charges? It seems to be a strong little community. I wonder if they have association fees or any other hidden fees for the community.

[MoorestownResident]

Don't know, sorry. Have a good friend that lives on the water over there and she's an agent. If you want to contact her send me a PM.

[craigimass]

It's pretty cheap to join the Lakes (colony club, etc.)
But property taxes in Medford and Medford lakes can be killer......

The tax rate in Medford Lakes is over $5. per thousand.

That means a new house at $400K would pay 20 Grand in taxes!

Older houses may have assessments which have not caught up yet, but always remember they can come around anytime and appraise it up-to-date and then you are done.....

As a general rule, figure 10 grand or more per year in property taxes for a basic house.

[subwayfan]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

Safe, great schools, somewhat expensive with high taxes. Major flooding a few years ago hurt values somewhat but with new dams buying now is probably a good idea. Downside is traffic and long commuting to just about anywhere.

I always wondered that. Medford is somewhat upscale, but it's quite far from Philly and Cherry Hill, and I don't think Trenton is that commutable close either.

The vibe is people are happy to not have a movie theater, any significant retail mall or multi-story office parks, but instead be more in part with the woods.

I know one family and the couple works in Mt.Holly, within Burlington County. But, I can't imagine everyone there able to work within county? Where do these Medford and Medford Lakes people work? Some ppl I know have some involvement with the Shore (like a business down there) but it's usually a side interest.

[MoorestownResident]

They work in the office parks in along Rt 70, 73 and 38 - Medford, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Cherry Hill and many still commute to Philly. They don't mind commuting out there. It's not ideal but with the fabulous schools, bucolic farmland, nice wooded areas, beautiful main street and enough to do locally, it does offer a high quality of life.

[subwayfan]

Medford doesn't have any office parks - does it? I'd think the zoning (because of it deemed Pinelands area) would make it very difficult. I guess Medford to Center City Philly commute is viable, but anywhere beyond that is pushing it on one's blood pressure. From Cherry Hill, Maple Shade and other areas of Camden and Burlington County, commuting into PA further out is more viable.

[MoorestownResident]

Small corporate office strips in Medford but not a ton. Pinelands is one issue but general local government smart growth adherence is another. Very strict on zoning. Just about anything in Medford will be opposed and/or shot down, including expansion of Rt 70.