Long Valley, NJ (Hackettstown, Chester: home builders, buying, YMCA)

[snuffybear]

Hi,

We are thinking of moving to Chester or Long Valley. Well, first we preferred Chester because of some specifics about the Elementary/Middle schools and the town pool, but realized we can get a nicer house just a few miles away in Long Valley.

My questions are:
- How are Old Farmers Elementary and the Middle Schools? (Do they differentiate learning if the child is advanced? Do they have a science program?)
- Overall, are the kids and parents NICE and welcoming to newcomers?
- What is the closest hosptial? I am used to being 5-10 min from a few, so I worry about the distance.
- Where do you go for stores like Target?
- Can you join Chester's town pool as out of town (cost?)

Thank you!

[snuffybear]

I should have titled it Long Valley and Chester NJ -- can't seem to fix the title.

Also, any thoughts on the new "Estates at Long Valley"? Not sure if we'd want a brand new home, but this location is great for us if we chose Long Valley, and my husband loves the idea of a new house on a golf course.

[tahiti]

i don't have a lot of time, but I can tell you the schools are excellent.

people are VERY welcoming to newcomers.

The Estates @ Long Valley is a new development, not very built out, and is having trouble (like most new home builders). The golf course to my knowledge is on hold. I personally would be very wary of buying in there in this climate - Toll has NOT dropped prices at all, and they are VERY overpriced for the area. Taxes are INSANE on them as well (over $20K). You can get a similar sized home, a few years old, for MUCH less with MUCH lower taxes.

[snuffybear]

Thanks, the taxes may be a dealbreaker. We do want to keep it under $20K. I wondered whether the prices were good or not. We certainly don't need a brand new home...just prefer newER as we live in an older home now and it has been a lot of work.

I do have a unique question - would you mind if I direct mailed you (i'm thinking you're the one that lives in LV?)

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by snuffybear

Thanks, the taxes may be a dealbreaker. We do want to keep it under $20K. I wondered whether the prices were good or not. We certainly don't need a brand new home...just prefer newER as we live in an older home now and it has been a lot of work.

I do have a unique question - would you mind if I direct mailed you (i'm thinking you're the one that lives in LV?)

LV is a great choice! Excellent schools..great recreational activities for the kids... you have schooley's mtn. park (lake) for swimming plus they also have paddle boats : ) It's a great choice.

[snuffybear]

Paddleboats - that sounds fun!
How about a YMCA - would the West Morris one in Randolph be the closest?

[Stace08]

New Target just opened in Mt Olive. Approx. 15 minute drive from LV.
Hackettstown, just the other side of Schooley's Mtn. has a Shoprite, Lowe's, Marshall's, Applebee's, Home Depot, Friendly's, Weis Supermarket, Staples.....

[Calico696]

Old Farmer's Road school is good. DH, his 3 brothers and sister all went there. My MIL was a teacher's aide there for years. Long Valley is an extremely nice area and people are very friendly. There are many young families there. I prefer it over Chester. The closest hospital would be in Hackettstown.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by snuffybear

Paddleboats - that sounds fun!
How about a YMCA - would the West Morris one in Randolph be the closest?

There's Camp Bernie on the califon side..YMCA Affilate I believe. I might have a deal for you as well. Was just talking to a friend yesterday who lives in LV on the Chester side... Naughright Road / Bartley Rd. they are considering selling ... maybe I can catch them before they go to a realtor : ))) Save you both a few bucks
Like others have stated..plenty of shopping in neighboring Mansfield and Hackettstown. Hackettstown also has a comm. pool plus they have tons of spring festivals sponsored by M&M's... FREE Candy!!! lol : )

[SIZE=3]Camp Bernie-Ymca[/SIZE]
www.campbernieymca.org

327 Turkey Top Rd
Port Murray, NJ 07865
(908) 832-5315

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by Stace08

New Target just opened in Mt Olive. Approx. 15 minute drive from LV.Hackettstown, just the other side of Schooley's Mtn. has a Shoprite, Lowe's, Marshall's, Applebee's, Home Depot, Friendly's, Weis Supermarket, Staples.....

The Target is in LV not Mt. Olive.