Help Moving somewhere between Cherry Hill, NJ & Wilimington, DE (Collingswood: foreclosures, property taxes)

[miasmilesmore]

Hi!

We're looking to move in somewhere commutable between Wilmington, DE and Cherry Hill, NJ - is there areas you would recommend? (or areas to stay away from?)

We're looking for a quiet, safe, affordable neighborhood, with some things to do. Nice condos/Townhomes/Single Families- We're hoping to spend 200-260K - and don't mind a fixer upper in a nicer area!

Also, are the property taxes really that much higher then DE/PA? Whats the diff. in the cost of living in these areas?

Thanks!!
Mia

[JerzBoy]

I recommend Swedesboro or Woolwich Twp NJ in Gloucester County. You can get new townhomes for under 200k. The area is the fastest growing area in NJ but is zoned to keep a lot of its rural character. The area is quiet, safe, and has good schools. You have excellent access to I-295 and the NJ Turnpike. Wilmington is about 20min away and Cherry Hill would probably take about 30min w/ traffic.

[solibs]

Help us out - where will you be working? Do you have kids? What sort of amenities are you looking for in a town - shops, schools, parks, walkability, transit?

I used to live in South Jersey (Ashland then Collingswood) and now I live in PA. Your overall tax burden in NJ will probably be a little bit higher than in PA or northern DE but nowhere near as dramatic as people make it out to be. I also think the general quality of life and services are better in NJ.

Most people in NJ can't understand this because they've never lived anywhere else but I've lived up and down the east coast and it's pretty apparent to me.

[MoorestownResident]

I agree with JZB, stick with the desirable areas of Gloucester County. I'd add Mullica Hill to the list - be prepared the property taxes in some of those towns can be quite high even though housing is less.

[miasmilesmore]

Hi! We don't have kids, so schools aren't an issue-

We'd like parks/outdoor areas - and we'd love somewhere very very safe, as well as some things to do - we're not college kids anymore, but we'd like to go out sometimes- of course, a 20-30 min drive to get there isn't a concern at all. Having a Wegmans/Target, etc around would be nice (5-10 min, for the basics).

[TJ2009]

I must also say Woolwich Twp is a great place to live (5 years and counting). Easy commutes, quiet, (out of the way - but still close , Great schools, and lots of friendly people. There are brand new townhomes on the corner of Auburn and Center Square Road - starting 179,900 - they look very nice! Wish you - 'Good Luck'!

[solibs]

Originally Posted by miasmilesmore

Hi! We don't have kids, so schools aren't an issue-

We'd like parks/outdoor areas - and we'd love somewhere very very safe, as well as some things to do - we're not college kids anymore, but we'd like to go out sometimes- of course, a 20-30 min drive to get there isn't a concern at all. Having a Wegmans/Target, etc around would be nice (5-10 min, for the basics).

It's not clear whether or not you'll be working in Wilmington or Cherry Hill or both or neither. If you're commuting on 295 there's always a big back-up where 295 crosses 76. If your daily commute takes you through there it's going to be a daily headache. There are ways to avoid it.

All that aside, I would look anywhere in Cherry Hill, Collingswood, Haddon Twp, Haddonfield, Haddon Heights, Audubon, Oaklyn, Barrington and even parts of Voorhees.

I can't comment too much on towns in Gloucester Co. except to say that the traffic in Deptford is terrible. I would be careful (in this market) about investing in a rapidly developing exurban town. I would do a lot of research on how the new subdivisions and developments are faring in the foreclosures department and how the town is positioned to handle and pay for future growth. A lot of people move to theses places then they watch their property taxes go up year after year as the town struggles to expand police, fire, roads, sewers, schools, libraries, and parks fast enough to keep up with the growth.

[JamesBoyer]

Don't go into the city of Wilmington itself. The crime rate is extreme, and they have their own city income tax of 1.5%