Moving back south to NJ/PA (Atlantic City, Linden: real estate, low crime, house)

[cinz420]

I moved to New England 6 years ago. I have a great house in sanford maine. If it weren't for the distance from my loved ones, a sense of soltitude and the winter - I'd stay here. Quality of life is just better. Basically, I'm moving back to be closer to my parents and friends but as I continue to research real estate and so forth I'm realizing a couple of things - crime in those 2 states is out of hand and frankly - I think I've become slightly prejudice when I look at the crime stats compared to the demographics in the areas that I can afford. I'm a single girl - mind you and while I try to have an open mind - I can't help but get a little nervous when I see headlines about gangs in Easton, PA (where I was looking originally) and dumping into the Delaware in Pennsgrove, NJ - Hammonton looks like it could be an option but is it really? Anyone from there who would like to share? I'm used to having a downtown - even in the town I grew up in Tuckerton has one Sanford has one granted they aren't much but its something to walk to - but Sicklerville, NJ does it or is it just a place with a bunch of homes and little character? That's what I want - a safe community minded place with character and people of any kind that care about where they live that I can afford. I didn't think this was going to be so hard - Dorothy just had to click her shoes and I've gotta figure out taxes, crime and affordability - while looking for a place to call home where I want to stay for awhile. I don't really need to worry about a commute since I can work from home but there may come a time when that could be become an issue. Ideas? Anyone?

[Ms.Charlotte]

Sorry, I can't help with the towns you mentioned. I was wondering, though, if you are familiar with Allentown, NJ. I bring it up because it's not horrendously far from PA (exit 7 on the turnpike) and it really has a lot of character. It nice little downtown with antique shops, cafes, artsy boutiques and a lake. The rest of the area is rolling farmland, sections of historic homes, and of course new subdivisions. I wanted to mention it in case you were considering going a little further North. It's on the Southwestern tip of Monmouth County, bordering Ocean County.

[cinz420]

thanks jerseymom. I've looked at Allentown - used to pass through all the time to see friends in Lambertville. It is a nice town but out of my price range it seems as I look. It's still a thought though - thanks again!

[jas45]

Since I live in the "Sicklerville" postal area I can answer your questions about the area. "Sicklerville" postal area is made up of parts of two very large municipalities. They are Gloucester Township (GT) and Winslow Township (WT). Both are growing communities with GT nearly developed and WT still having a large area to build. Both are safe areas with shopping being a short drive depending on your location. Home prices are dropping like all others but $250K to $500K is the price range. Atlantic City is about 30 minute ride and Philadelphia about 20 minutes, both are non peak hour travel times. Hope this helps.

[newmarlig]

If you will be working in center city Philly, you might want to look for someplace in New Jersey convenient to the Lindenwald High Speed line. If you go to drpa.org and click on map, that will give you the areas.

[Phish Head]

If you are looking for nice towns with downtown areas (and I know what you mean because South Jersey has few downtown areas), I would look into PA- the king of small town areas. If price is an issue, look in Quakertown, PA, Perkasie, PA or the Lehigh Valley, Emmaus comes to mind. Both should be low crime areas with decent home prices. Riegelsville, PA is really nice, but recently flooded. Morrisville, PA is reasonably prices and very diverse. Langhorne is also nice but pretty crowded. I lived In Bucks County for a few years and loved being able to walk downtown. Can't do that where I currently live.

In South Jersey: Moorestown, Haddonfield, Woodbury, Mays Landing all have downtowns. The first two I mentioned are crazy expensive, but the last two should be more affordable. I would avoid Hammonton.

[Adream]

Cape May County is beautiful, has a lovely and walkable downtown in Cape May Court House. It is 1-1/2 hours from Philly and I know people who have driven it for years just to live there. It's the shore, so there are beautiful beaches, but not affordable housing on the islands.

Some affordable housing is still available in the mainland towns - Middle Township, Dennis Township, Seaville, Beesley's Point, Marmora.

Crime rate is very low. Statistics are skewed due to summertime activity on the islands (Wildwood mostly) - brings in characters from all over. The seasonal population will affect the annual crime stats, but really a very calm area usually.

(Not a fan of Hammonton, either. Stay away from the Villas.)

------> Warning for anyone living in or new to New Jersey - do not walk in the woods, even the brush at the edge of the woods because of TICKS. You'll be fine if you stay away from that. Lyme Disease is very prevelent, but also very avoidable as long as people are aware.

[maisy]

Cinz, I think it's a shame you're leaving Maine for this area. We're doing the opposite in 2 weeks, moving outside of Portland. It's ridiculously expensive to live here and it's horribly overcrowded. But this is South Jersey. I would strongly recommend you avoid Cape may and Atlantic Counties. This is the last place you want to live in the summer unless you like traffic jams and long lines. Can't wait for Maine!

[Missyblue]

I've lived in NJ all of my life and I can't wait to move!! I've just joined this site and have posted a message asking for help in moving to Maine. What part of the area you located in?

[tlucygirl6]

Missyblue,
I am currently selling my property in South Philadelphia. Three bedrooms, 1 and a half baths, Full basement and big kitchen. Located in South Philadelphia with great neighbors. New rugs were put in several years ago in great condition, bathroom completly redone also several years ago and all new sheet rock throughout the house with the exception of one bedroom. I am moving to the south jersey area and am looking for a quick settlment. The house is listed at $200,000. Let me know if you think you would be interested. I love South Philly, born and raised there but the better half's job is too far to travel every day.