Job Opportunity in Vineland (Millville, Ocean City: rent, buying a house, neighborhoods)

[dog mom17]

My husband is going through interviews with General Mills for a position in Vineland New Jersey. We are native New Yorkers so would enjoy going back to the East coast as we are currently in Chicago suburbs. I've read a few things about Vineland here but have a few questions:
* I keep seeing East Vineland is preferable for buying a house - is there a street or section of town we should be East of when house hunting?
* No children and no plans to have any - how important is a school district to us besides resale value?
* Are there any up and coming neighborhoods in Vineland for living?
* Can I get good pizza in South Jersey? (have been subjected to Chicago style for 13 years)
* How long does it take to get to the shore from Vineland?
* Somebody at GM told my husband that Buena was nice and Mullica Hills is nice to live in? Any opinions?
Thanks for any info anybody can share.
- Shannon

[notinnj]

I no longer live in Vineland but I spend a good deal of time there. It is also a city that I personally like. I have many friends and close family there. I will quote from your post below and respond to each question separately.
Let me first tell you that as a native New Yorker and a person currently living in the suburbs, that you may find Vineland to be a bit of a culture shock. It is a very different place than the New Jersey towns in North Jersey, or even in suburban Philadelphia. It is basically an overgrown farm town that hasn't really prospered since the 1950s. There is a reason why the entire city is in the State of NJ's EEZ zone. this is set up for poor and inner city areas in order to encourage economic development. I like Vineland but I recognize it for what it is. That said, it does have nice neighborhoods that are isolated from the more questionable parts of town. If you are used to a suburban lifestyle you will likely be traveling to other locales a great deal of the time.

* I keep seeing East Vineland is preferable for buying a house - is there a street or section of town we should be East of when house hunting?

I would say east of Lincoln Avenue in the communities along Dante Avenue. There are other nice residential neighborhoods here and there mostly in the eastern half of the city east of Lincoln Avenue, but some of them do fall between Main Rd and Lincoln Ave. As a general rule, don't buy west of Main Rd. In general there is no advantage to living close to Vineland's struggling downtown (called "center city" in Vineland). It isn't likely you will be going there too often.

* No children and no plans to have any - how important is a school district to us besides resale value?

I would say very important. A good school system produces well informed contributing adults which is obviously good for any community. Vineland's schools are not highly regarded. There are a number of private schools in the area that have a good reputation.

* Are there any up and coming neighborhoods in Vineland for living?

It seem strange to see the phrase "up and coming" in the same sentence as "Vineland". I really try to see all that is good about Vineland but I am left with the feeling that Vineland is a struggling city. There are some nice residential areas that are isolated from the low rent ugliness of some of the main thoroughfares but in general there is nothing I would call "up and coming". That said, you can live in a nice house in a nice neighborhood for far less than in neighboring communities farther north closer to Philly or east closer to the shore. Chances are that the majority of your shopping and recreation will be in nearby communities. Your big box stores are mostly in nearby Millville, the beaches are a short drive east, and urban pursuits are a quick run up the 55 freeway. Philadelphia is a great city.

* Can I get good pizza in South Jersey? (have been subjected to Chicago style for 13 years)

You bet. There are many mom and pop places with what I would consider good pizza.

* How long does it take to get to the shore from Vineland?

East Vineland to Ocean City in probably 35 minutes. OC is probably the most popular beach town for Vinelanders. It is the easiest to get to via mostly lightly used two lane roads.

* Somebody at GM told my husband that Buena was nice and Mullica Hills is nice to live in? Any opinions?

Buena? Stay in East Vineland as it Buena is just a small borough just outside Vineland with not much going on. Some say that taxes are higher in Buena because it is in Atlantic County (Vineland is in Cumberland County). I don't know if that is true. Mullica Hill is maybe a 35 minute drive. It is very nice and is generally more suburban. Mullica Hill proper is a small town known for its row of antique stores. This area is much more expensive, and desirable.

Good Luck

Regards,
David



Thanks for any info anybody can share.
- Shannon [/quote]

[JerzBoy]

notinnj's post is pretty on-point. Downtown Vineland is pretty run-down and it doesn't look too "up and coming." If I were you, I'd rather get a place in Mullica Hill or Williamstown and commute the 20-25min.