Affordable rentals/homes in Princeton area (Somerset, Middlesex: real estate, apartments, condos)

[Angel02]

I may be moving to NJ to work in Princeton, NJ and am open to renting or buying. What nearby cities would you recommend for young professionals? Our household income is approximately 120K. Would it be best to rent or buy considering the housing market in the area? I'm open to commuting up to 45 minutes for the perfect area.

[Lusitan]

Definitely best to rent for now.

#1 it will give you a chance to get to know the area slowly, and to take your time finding a town and a home that's right for you, instead of trying to do that during a few quick trips to NJ.

#2 take a look at the news, at best house prices will remain flat for years to come, more likely they will continue to fall. Renting for a year will not only give you a chance to find the perfect town and home for you, but might also save you a considerable amount of money.

Just my two-cents.

[jerseyj]

I think Lusitans' advice is good.
Princeton is in Mercer Co. but is very close to Somerset Co., Hunterdon Co. and Middlesex Co.
There are many town options in each of these Counties, not to mention Bucks Co. in Pa, that are within your commute time criteria.

I guess it depends on what is "perfect" for you. Do you need schools, shopping, transportation, quiet country?

Tell us what your "perfect area" looks like!

[banger]

No slams intended,

But depending on where you are coming from, you might find that 120k does not go as far as you thought in this area.

While this area is of higher income, It is also an area of higher costs.

If you watch your money, you will likely find an area to live that meets your needs and stays within your budget.

Of good news however, is that the real estate prices in the central New Jersey area have dipped somewhat, thereby opening up more opportunities for buyers.

Good Luck.

[Hooper's Judge]

I have lived in several counties in NJ and the best place, bar none, that I have lived is the "Somerset Hills" region of SOmerset County. Specifically, I lived in Bedminster in a development called The Hills. You can get a nice condo there with your income. If you want a house you might try Berndardsville which is a wonderful town. As others point out, though, your idea of perfect may be far differet from mine.

[lwnj]

With your income, you can definitely (and comfortably) rent right in Princeton or nearby West Windsor, Montgomery or Plainsboro. Don't know exactly what you are looking for (townhouse? Single Family? In town? Suburb? School district?) Here are some sites for the rentals:
-Craigslist.com (choose Central Jersey) - Many for rent by owner post here
-Princeton Packet Princeton Packet :: Princeton News Sports Entertainment Obits Homes Jobs Cars Classifieds Real Estate Princeton Dining The Princeton Packet classified
-N.T. Callaway rentals N.T. Callaway Real Estate Broker, Princeton Real Estate NJ, New Hope PA, Hopewell NJ, Lambertville
-Realtor.com

Some nice communities includes Princeton Landing in Plainsboro (very spacious townhouse, for rent by owner, look in craigslist.), Barclay Square in Plainsboro (Nice and quite new rentals Welcome to Barclay Square). Avoid the Mews at Princeton Junction (see below links and you'll know why). Montgomery also has newer and spacious townhouse with garage and basement. Before you sign a lease, it's good to check out:
-West Windsor-Plainsboro forum West Windsor & Plainsboro Today: Welcome - local discussion
-Apartment Ratings Apartment Ratings - Apartments for Rent with Ratings and Reviews from Actual Renters

Don't know if school district is a concern for you, but know that just because some place has Princeton address doesn't mean it's in Princeton Borough/Township. The 08540 Princeton zip code cover several towns in 3 counties near Princeton. You have to ask specifically what township the property is in. Good luck!!

[lwnj]

Oops, forgot to list the following Princeton in-town apartments:

-Witherspoon House (quite new, right next to the new public library and Palmer Square) Princeton Downtown Living - About Us

-Palmer Square (not as new as Witherspoon House. Brooke Shields lived there when she went to Princeton U. Not much rental info online, suggest contact them directly by phone. Very friendly management people
Palmer Square Princeton Shopping and Princeton Dining)

-36 Moore Street (designed by Hillier, it looks like this http://www.ntcallaway.com/ftp/listin...oreUnit14.html )


If you need help from an agent:
-Princeton Online Real Estate Princeton Real Estate - Guide to real estate in Princeton, New Jersey

BTW, avoid renting from Weinberg Management - very stuck-up, absolutely obnoxious, rude phone manner, elitist attitude.

If you want to live in town (Princeton), be sure to ask about parking. If not provided by landlord, you need to rent monthly from the 2 private parking garages (Hulfish St. and Chamber St., both managed by Palmer Square). If you are a resident of Palmer Square you are guaranteed a space and you can rent at a reduced rate (around $150). Here's the parking info for Princeton: Princeton Parking :: Your guide to downtown Princeton parking and parking map - garages, lots, meters, smart cards.
There is also a Municipal Public Garage (quite new also) right next to the public library but they don't offer monthly permit.