Areas to Live in Monmouth Cty with commute to Iselin (Edison: houses, schools)

[dgivens]

Hello again, I had posted last week asking about living in Iselin area and got some suggestions like Fords and Metuchen. Someone also mentioned the Monmouth Cty areas if I didn't have to drive to the office everyday...that will be the case, I will work at home 3-4 days a week. We know nothing about the area....we can spend up to about $525K for a home, schools don't matter as we don't have children, so are there areas in Monmouth Cty or anywhere else that people would recommend for that price? We're looking for within 45 min of beach (but mostly to walk not swim) and reasonable access to public transportation to Manhattan. Any thoughts? Thank you!

[Jillian Mason]

Freehold, Marlboro, Manalapan, Howell, and Jackson are all good possibilities. They all run along Rt 9 which will take you to Iselin within 30-40 minutes depending on which of the below locations. You'd also be within 30 minutes of the beach. $525 wil get you a mini mansion in Jackson and a moderate home in Marlboro. The rule of thumb is the further south you go, the lower the prices. In order from North to South is Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold, Howell, and then Jackson. Hope this helps some and feel free to ask if you have any questions about these areas. I grew up in Freehold and live in Middlesex County now so I'm familiar with the areas.

[sissy77]

Edison or Fords are great areas but you have to consider the taxes too. Taxes in Edison are high but I did like the schools there .Traffic in that area on or around rt1 or rt 27 are bad .the malls are all around there and that causes traffic jams most times of the day .the southside of Edison is cheaper than north Edison and Metuchen area taxes are even higher. I lived in in Iselin then Edison as my husband worked for ford motor co. Old post road area of Edison is where we lived and RT.27 near metropark train station before that .The schools in Edison where good my son went to Ben franklin then Herbert hoover then Edison high before we retired and move to VA .

[VeradoDan]

Well, anywhere in Monmouth County, really. As far as the Parkway is concerned, Monmouth County runs from exits 125 to 98. So you're only looking at a 20 minute difference from the south to the north. The traffic delay will be the Driscoll Bridge in the morning if you're working in Iselin. The rest of your commute will be a breeze.

With $525K to spend, your choice is going to be whether you want to live near the water or inland. If the beach is your thing, check out Manasquan, Spring Lake Heights, Wall Township. All have nice houses in that price range. If the beach isn't your thing and you want to be a little farther north, Marlboro, Matawan, Manalapan or Howell. Hell, Howell is a nice town and you'll get a damn McMansion for $525K there.

Taxes in Monmouth County are generally lower than Middlesex. If I was relocating in New Jersey, I'd want to give the state as little money as humanly possible.

[CaptainNJ]

i live in morganville currently and if i was to work in iselin and work from home 3-4 days a week id probably go with marlboro, manalapan, freehold or maybe even a little further south like howell. you can get more for your money if you go further south.

[Ms.Charlotte]

If you are not concerned about schools, I'd also look into Atlantic Highlands. It's a very nice walking town (decent downtown area) just a ten minute drive to the beach, close to the Parkway, and a short Ferry ride into NYC. Middletown South is also very nice (Lincroft, Navesink, River Plaza, Oak Hill) but you will not get as much for your money.