SoCal relo to N.J., working in Carlstadt - cities closeby for young family? (Union: transplants)

[wallyyoung]

While I agree it's not our ideal location for a relo, particularly with what we have currently in O.C. Paradise - YES!! Cost of living though is still a factor, regardless of the housing slump. So question is - is the cost of living at all better in N.J. vs. SoCal? From what I'm seeing so far, the answer appears to be NO! Taxes seem to be a huge factor in NJ. Where can I go to get more info on taxes specifically? Property taxes, sales taxes, insurance? All seem to be a big factor that may make this move a deal-breaker as one of the reasons for the possible move is to better our cost-of-living which again seems like a wash or even worse-off in NJ.

[MoorestownResident]

Originally Posted by wallyyoung

We're considering a relo from Southern California (Orange County) to N.J. working in Carlstadt. Looking for cities with young families similar to O.C., mixture perhaps of newer and older/eclectic homes - definitely updated, larger homes w/larger lots and kid-friendly. We currently have a single-story 3000+ sqft home, 4 bed/3 ba, 16,000 sq. ft. lot, so looking for something comparible with excellent schools for younger kids.

Thanks!

Look in areas father west - Madison, Chatham, Short Hills/Summit, New Providence. You'll find what you are looking for in these towns, great schools, good housing stock.

[Spincycle]

Originally Posted by wallyyoung

While I agree it's not our ideal location for a relo, particularly with what we have currently in O.C. Paradise - YES!! Cost of living though is still a factor, regardless of the housing slump. So question is - is the cost of living at all better in N.J. vs. SoCal? From what I'm seeing so far, the answer appears to be NO! Taxes seem to be a huge factor in NJ. Where can I go to get more info on taxes specifically? Property taxes, sales taxes, insurance? All seem to be a big factor that may make this move a deal-breaker as one of the reasons for the possible move is to better our cost-of-living which again seems like a wash or even worse-off in NJ.

Have you considered Colorado, Maryland, or NC as options?

[IntheBurbs]

I would start looking in Rutherford. You can't get a better commute than that!

It has a beautiful downtown area, it's a dry town (no bars), and has wonderful shops and restaurants, as well as Blue Ribbon schools. Your budget should afford you a lovely home. Good luck!

[wallyyoung]

Originally Posted by Spincycle

Have you considered Colorado, Maryland, or NC as options?

Certainly, however currently I have a potential job offer/opportunity based in Carlstadt which is why my wife and I are doing some preliminary research to see if it's even worth our while to consider.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by wallyyoung

Certainly, however currently I have a potential job offer/opportunity based in Carlstadt which is why my wife and I are doing some preliminary research to see if it's even worth our while to consider.

Come west... The eastern portions of NJ are expensive and not worth it! 1 million will buy you an "estate" out here. If you have to be to work by 7:30..your commute will be fine..1 hr tops! And if you work until 6:00..same thing. Rush hour is typically 7:00-9:00 in the AM and 4:00-6:00 pm. You can get something worth 1 million east in the west for half that price! If you want any information on this area, just ask. No pollution, no crime, no crowds! Great way to raise your kids.

[wallyyoung]

What about areas like Plainfield and Scotch Plains? While further re: distance from Carlstadt, wondering about value re: homes and young families? Looks like property taxes are really high in Scotch Plains, less in Plainfield... Just curious how these areas compare to those mentioned previously.

[wallyyoung]

Also, what about looking in the southern areas of NY (still within driving distance to Carlstadt, same characteristics from my original post re: younger families, etc)? Just trying to expand my circle of searching to encompass all areas surrounding the target working spot of Carlstadt. Thanks again.

[Spincycle]

Originally Posted by wallyyoung

Also, what about looking in the southern areas of NY (still within driving distance to Carlstadt, same characteristics from my original post re: younger families, etc)? Just trying to expand my circle of searching to encompass all areas surrounding the target working spot of Carlstadt. Thanks again.

If you are working in Bergen Co. I'd say live in Bergen Co. You might even want to look in upper bergen such as Hillsdale, Harrington Park, maybe Park Ridge. Going further out say select parts of Union County, maybe Cranford, Westfield or Clark.

With gas prices, traffic, proportional car insurance rates and quality time w/family I'd keep it close.

Try to look at mapquest senarios to Carlstadt from Rutherford, Hillsdale, and Cranford. Let is know what ya' think.

[EEEPNJ]

Rutherford definately has the mix of old and new and a "downtown." But the downtown is dwindling (you can see more on onther posts - search RUTHERFORD). Their schools are good compared to other lower BC towns, but not really anwhere near as good as the people in town like to tout them as... Blue Ribbon is not as impressive as you may think...

Now, the comute from Rutherford to Carlstadt will be a DREAM. Carlstadt's business district is not all that... do you know the firm or location... I can give you some pointers.

I think Montclair could fit your bill.. but again, schools are mediocre and taxes are OUTRAGEOUS. Nutley NJ is another option, but being in Essex, your taxes will be steep even by Jersey standards.

Upper Bergen would be better schools... Ridgewood or even Westwood could fit your bill.

If you go futher away Chatham, Madison could suit your needs. GOOD LUCK.