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I am one of the ex NJ residents to live in NC and we love it! No more crappy commutes for me, mild winters, tons of families with many kid friendly things to do. We have been here 4 years and would not want to move back. My family is still there and miss that at times but way more pro's than con's. Contrary to what many believe there is a lot of culture here. There are history and art museums, Opera, Ballet, many artsy stores in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill. All depends what you are looking for. Not that NJ was a bad place to raise a family, but the towns we would love to live all cost way more for us in house prices and INSANE property taxes. I used pay over 5k for my small 40 year old house in Old Bridge. We bought an 9 year old home, more space and I pay about $1600 a year! Plus I don't have to commute up and down the turnpike and gsp every day.
ya shoulda bought in South jersey. I don't have none of that and LOVE it here. Forget NC.. No thanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by mishellina
I am one of the ex NJ residents to live in NC and we love it! No more crappy commutes for me, mild winters, tons of families with many kid friendly things to do. We have been here 4 years and would not want to move back. My family is still there and miss that at times but way more pro's than con's. Contrary to what many believe there is a lot of culture here. There are history and art museums, Opera, Ballet, many artsy stores in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill. All depends what you are looking for. Not that NJ was a bad place to raise a family, but the towns we would love to live all cost way more for us in house prices and INSANE property taxes. I used pay over 5k for my small 40 year old house in Old Bridge. We bought an 9 year old home, more space and I pay about $1600 a year! Plus I don't have to commute up and down the turnpike and gsp every day.
I am one of the ex NJ residents to live in NC and we love it! No more crappy commutes for me, mild winters, tons of families with many kid friendly things to do. We have been here 4 years and would not want to move back. My family is still there and miss that at times but way more pro's than con's. Contrary to what many believe there is a lot of culture here. There are history and art museums, Opera, Ballet, many artsy stores in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill. All depends what you are looking for. Not that NJ was a bad place to raise a family, but the towns we would love to live all cost way more for us in house prices and INSANE property taxes. I used pay over 5k for my small 40 year old house in Old Bridge. We bought an 9 year old home, more space and I pay about $1600 a year! Plus I don't have to commute up and down the turnpike and gsp every day.
A few other things your missing in the NJ/NY area
1. Jersey shore
2. Philadelphia
3. Local area access to decent reliable skiing venues
4. New York City (all of it)
5. Choice of more than 1 decent zoo, museum and other cultural venues
6. Water water everywhere
7. Major gambling venue (AC)
8. Superior education
9. Superior food in all aspects
10. Nice rural areas that are dotted with gentleman farms not shacks and the local sheriff letting you know if your particular race should be in "these parts"
11. True diversity
12. If you have children, the amount of choices you have of places to take them dwarfs anywhere in the United States
I grew up there. Currently live in Ramsey, NJ now though (renting for the time being). Many northern Bergen County towns are an amazing place to raise a family, with some top rate public schools. The taxes and the price of homes are still pretty aweful though.
We're looking to make that ULTIMATE decision, with the usual criteria: a sense of community - good schools - attractive neighborhoods - a walkable downtown - no McMansions - in short, CHARM and old-fashioned "neighborly-ness."
I grew up in Montclair - while I like the diversity, culture and restaurants, the population is too transient (folks don't stay there, moving as soon as kids get out of school), taxes too high - and in general, too much 'tude . For me, Bergen County the same - too much stifling competition and attitude - both lack ... innocence (which is maybe just a non-existent romantic notion...)
Moving to PA or the south - while a kinder, gentler way of life - may sacrifice too much of the culture criteria (though it does seem like EVERYONE is moving to North Carolina, right?
So here are my selections for the Holy Grail of NJ Addresses in which to Plant Roots:
1. Madison
2. Summit
3. The Caldwells
4. Chatham
5. Westfield
6. Basking Ridge
7. Red Bank / Middletown area
8. Scotch Plains
9. Clinton
10. Princeton
Please, all - what do you think? Am I missing any hidden gems?
Besides the towns you mentioned
You could also take a look in Colonia (middlesex county)
Manasquan, Point Pleasant and Allentown all fit the bill. The first two are near the water, Allentown is inland, but all are great communities with lots of charm.
#1- Montclair - Overall a successful, diverse, town with one of the best suburban downtown's in America.
#2- Verona - A very family oriented town with great schools.
#3- Tenafly - Some of the best public schools in America.
#4- Basking Ridge - Great schools and in a beautiful location
#5- Chatham - Best town to raise a family in its county
#6- Toms River - A very safe, fun, and family oriented town.
#7- Leonia - A great town when it comes to education and family.
#8- Nutley - Good schools and one of the most family oriented towns in NJ
#9- Maplewood - Diverse and the most family oriented town in NJ
#10- Cherry Hill - The best suburban town of Philly.
I could move to any of those places and be happy as a clam.
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. For me, Bergen County the same - too much stifling competition and attitude - both lack ... innocence (which is maybe just a non-existent romantic notion...) 
