Freehold Boro vs Freehold Twp vs Howell

[judithexit]

Originally Posted by connors

I am looking for a house in freehold and manalapan. Which area is better?
I heard freehold boro is to stay away from? Also heard it is very different from township. How are these areas? How would driving commute be from these areas to brunswick.

any info will help thanks.
connors.

I would go with Manalapan Very nice area.

[solibs]

Originally Posted by novillero

Obviously these posts were made a few months before I am making this one. But I find them funny. Freehold Boro is not 80% or 60% latino. The majority of the town is blue collar, with some nice old victorians sprinkled in. yes, there are a lot of hispanic day laborers in town. But the town is not really going "down hill." Despite the large influx of illegals, the downtown area has improved and the improvements are starting to expand to the side streets. People that live in the surrounding towns and wouldn't let themselves live in the boro, probably come here more often to eat than any other town. Freehold Boro has a downtown, something that is lacking in most nearby towns.

If you go to census.gov and look up Freehold Borough you'll see that Latinos and Blacks both make up the same 12.5% of the population. Meaning that roughly 72% of the population is non-hispanic white. The population estimates also show the boro growing by less than 800 people in the last 10 years.

I was born and raised in Monmouth County and have friends and family in Freehold Boro. I go up there a few times a year and I was just there on Tuesday. I remember what it looked like in 1990 and I know what it looks like now and there's no comparison. In 1990 you would've never walked downtown for anything and you certainly would not have expected to find restaurants with cafe tables lining the sidewalk. There's just no comparing the depressed and depressing Freehold Boro of the early 90s to the vibrant town it is today.

Back then the blacks were going to "take over the town" and now it's "the Mexicans". It was hysteria then and it's hysteria now.

[Lisasjf]

Actually I live in the boro. I'm not illegal nor hispanic and I happen to love it here. It's quiet and peaceful. People keep to themselves, or they have the option to get involved with the town if they choose to. We share our neighborhood with a very eclectic group of people. which I actually like for the diversity. Our Police are fantastic. The town offers community events year round from Antiquefest to the Summer Concert Series to Kruise Night. Public transportation is easily available.
The only thing I don't like is the traffic on Rt 9, But I guess considering the convieniance of the Freehold mall it's a small price to pay, I've actually lived in many towns in Jersey from Long Branch to Red Bank, Wayne, South Amboy, Keyport and Matawan. I think I'll stay here, everything considered.

[katnat]

Hi, just joined in. I agree with the comment made by Christine001 but wanted to also say that I lived in Howell for several years. I first moved into one of the newer developments in Ramtown over 25 years ago from Edison, NJ and at that time got a LOT OF HOUSE in a wonderful neighborhood. Moved again out of the development on almost 5 acres of land but "civilation" shopping and main roads were within 1 mile.

I now live in Brick but still go into Howell where I am a loyal customer of the local egg farmer who was close to my home. I would never buy an egg from a store again. Howell has grown and expanded over the years to accomodate the influx of people looking to get more home for their dollar. Unfortunately, this also meant an increase of real estate taxes as it does for all communities that grow.

But even with the expansion of housing developments and shopping centers, I still enjoy riding through the tree lined back roads, visit the farms, Allaire Village (which is a wonderfully historic park to visit several times a year), my husband and I love to walk the reservoir area and more.

And it's always just a short drive to the massive shopping areas on Rt 9 if the need be.

Pretty much the same can be said about Jackson as it also has it's country roads and megga shopping malls etc.

Unfortunately real estate taxes will continue to be a thorn that just can't be removed. All we can do is what you are doing, researching towns, people, schools and try to make the best decisions for our family and finances to live where it's best.

You didn't mention how much you want to pay for a home, but wanted to let you knowtell you that if you need mortgage financing (I am a Mortgage Lender and own my company) the real estate taxes are one of the biggest concerns in determining that person's ability to buy the home. I always tell my client to be sure to ask what the real estate taxes are so they are financially prepared to accept that responsibility along with the mortgage payment. Also, depending upon your credit,the size of your home, it's location and other things will determine how much homeowners insurance premium you will have to pay.

Depend upon your realtor's expertise regarding the town, schools and giving you the right information so you find the perfect home.

Good luck with your search.

Kathy Natoli

[ambernoble]

Each of the towns you mentioned offer top-ranked schools.

*Freehold Boro - A small, diverse, historic town with a great deal of character...Convenient to major roadways, the Freehold Raceway and the great shopping mall. Schools offer "magnet" programs for children who are interested in pursuing particular professions, i.e. a medical student program, scientist, etc. Affordable taxes.

*Freehold Township - Borders Colts Neck and Marlboro Township. Suburban & some parts are rural. Affordable taxes and great schools. Convenient to major roadways, the Freehold Raceway and the great shopping mall.

*Howell Township - A little more rural. Large lots of land. Great schools. Near major roadways. Higher taxes.

Hopefully this helps.

Best wishes,

Amber Noble-Garland