Looking to move to New Jersey (Newark, Jersey City: real estate, houses, rental)

[ArenasNM]

Hey! My name is Gabe and I'm looking to move and was wondering if New Jersey is a good place. I've never live it a city. I'm from New Mexico and live outside of Albuquerque in a town called Los Lunas. I'm looking for opportunities but thought that'd I'd do some research before making any big decisions. Please let me know which area is best, least amount of crime/drugs/gangs, the best communities, the pricey areas and cheaper areas, and how racism is (if any). I think thats all I can think of. So please help me out. Thank you!

[Ms.Charlotte]

ArenasNM,
You said you've never lived in a city-are you looking now to live in/close to a city? If so, would that be NY, Philly, or a smaller city in NJ (Jersey City or Newark, for example).

Also, are you moving with a family?

To answer generally, NJ is very expensive. Especially if you do want to be close to NY. Real Estate and rentals are high, as are the taxes and auto insurance. The crime/gang activity really varies throughout the state. And as far as drugs go, I think that's really and issue everywhere now. Even the most upscale schools here have their share of drugs.

I've lived in many parts of NJ all my life, so if you could be more specific, I'll try to help!

[ArenasNM]

Originally Posted by jerseymom

ArenasNM,
You said you've never lived in a city-are you looking now to live in/close to a city? If so, would that be NY, Philly, or a smaller city in NJ (Jersey City or Newark, for example).

Also, are you moving with a family?

To answer generally, NJ is very expensive. Especially if you do want to be close to NY. Real Estate and rentals are high, as are the taxes and auto insurance. The crime/gang activity really varies throughout the state. And as far as drugs go, I think that's really and issue everywhere now. Even the most upscale schools here have their share of drugs.

I've lived in many parts of NJ all my life, so if you could be more specific, I'll try to help!

Well I'm thinking to move outside of a city... Like right now I live about 25 minutes from a city, driving on the interstate.

And I will be moving with a friend up there so it will just be the 2 of us. No family.

And also, can you give me an example of the high prices.

[lisa1206]

If I may give you a little input on Jersey. I live in Southern NJ about 20 minutes from Philly. Personally, it's rare that I ever visit Philly because I can't stand the traffic. 20 minutes is no traffic, rush hour can be an 45 min. to an hour. My family is considering a move to SC because although I've lived in NJ all my life, it's time to go. I live in a nice small town called Stratford, very family oriented with good schools. I love the town but our taxes increase an average of $400 per year, and that is low compared to many other surrounding areas. The average house selling in the area is proabably 40+ yrs. old and sells for about $250 K, the further north you go the more you pay. There are towns in the area which have lower household incomes and homes are cheaper, but they also tend to have higher crime rates. This part of Jersey and any area close to a city is highly populated and in my opinion, most of NJ is over populated which makes traveling difficult at times. Well hoped this helped with some of the asnwers you were looking for.

[ArenasNM]

Lisa1206

Thank you for your response. I'm reconsidering my thoughts. I've been reading others and it sounds too expensive to make the move over there. Thank you!

[howellnj]

New Jersey is soooo much different than New Mexico I have visited my sister in Albuquerque and it's really nice. Just wondering why you would want to come out here. I would love to move to New Mexico!!!!

[BrookeLynn]

I've lived my whole life in New Jersey. Like any other state one town can be 100 times different from the town next to it. I live in Gloucester County. It's in South New Jersey. About 20 minutes away from Philly. If you want a nice, quiet, safe place to live I suggest Mullica Hill, Harrison, Mantua, Wenonah, Harrisonville. Mantua I believe is the cheapest. Most houses around $200,000. It's got a great school system. Alot of employment oppurtunities, since it is located close to Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Deleware. My family has lived in the area for 10years. It's a beautiful area.

[cercando1]

Take this advice above all others- If you are thinking to perhaps relocate somewhere in or around New Jersey, take some time off work (unhurried) and plan a trip to the general area. Everyone should experience city life (or at least be able to travel to it), once in their life- especially in the northeast. It is worth it. The greater the expense is often an indication that life there ( ammenities, opportunity, culture, ecc.) has alot more to offer than the less expensive places which (like many flourishing communities in the formerly "poor" southeast) are quickly catching up to Northern prices when apartments, mortgages and shopping is concerned. It is a pattern that repeats itself throughout the country, and like the saying goes... you get what you pay for.
Dont turn your nose up at the Northeast just yet, it may turn out to be the best move you ever made.
Check it out.
I am.

Moving back up North, Ivo G. (Good Luck)