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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?
what kind of list is that?? Nothing south of Princeton..
South jersey is a better place to raise kids due to lower costs and less population density.. no question..
The ideal list would be town that have lower taxes while still having a tight community base and good school and plenty of things for you to do with your family.. That would leave most of th eNorth Jersey towns out as well as Morrestown..
Are you asking the best town for the well to do of the best town for everyone? BIG difference.
frank - you're right. First, I guess I am inclined to the northern half of the state due to my upbringing and where my friends live. Secondly, you're right again - the list is rather high-end. (I'm planning on writing a best-seller ... smile). That said, I do believe Madison is attractive and has good schools - and has low (for NJ) taxes being in Morris county.
How far south are you talking? What would be a town that is "the best for everyone"?
what kind of list is that?? Nothing south of Princeton..
South jersey is a better place to raise kids due to lower costs and less population density.. no question..
The ideal list would be town that have lower taxes while still having a tight community base and good school and plenty of things for you to do with your family.. That would leave most of th eNorth Jersey towns out as well as Morrestown..
Are you asking the best town for the well to do of the best town for everyone? BIG difference.
i would venture to say a lot of north jersey has a lower pop density than many places in south jersey. although i'm not quite sure what population density has to do with being a "better place to raise kids". I'd sure take westfield over vineland any day.
frank - you're right. First, I guess I am inclined to the northern half of the state due to my upbringing and where my friends live. Secondly, you're right again - the list is rather high-end. (I'm planning on writing a best-seller ... smile). That said, I do believe Madison is attractive and has good schools - and has low (for NJ) taxes being in Morris county.
How far south are you talking? What would be a town that is "the best for everyone"?
and I would take Cherry hill over Jersey city anyday too.
Lets talk sense here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tahiti
i would venture to say a lot of north jersey has a lower pop density than many places in south jersey. although i'm not quite sure what population density has to do with being a "better place to raise kids". I'd sure take westfield over vineland any day.
just did a search in Morris county for real estate and the CHEAPEST house there for sale right now is $730k and $12k tax. Umm, thats not an area that is for 'regular' people
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matthew in Jersey
frank - you're right. First, I guess I am inclined to the northern half of the state due to my upbringing and where my friends live. Secondly, you're right again - the list is rather high-end. (I'm planning on writing a best-seller ... smile). That said, I do believe Madison is attractive and has good schools - and has low (for NJ) taxes being in Morris county.
How far south are you talking? What would be a town that is "the best for everyone"?
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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...) 
