where to move to? help please! (Union, Bloomfield: fit in, real estate market, 2009)

[shorty68]

I am considering moving to NJ (from CT) to be closer to family that lives in Short Hills (part of Millburn?). I could never afford to live there, but it would be nice to live close by. The most important criteria for me, personally, in a town would be the following: Safe, at least somewhat artsy, diverse, great sense of community, lots of people out and about, plenty to do, great downtown area, lots of sidewalks, not a bunch of rich people (otherwise I will certainly not fit in!), good schools, and some single men! I am a single mother of a middle-school-aged girl and it's been very hard to meet anyone. I don't want a community where EVERYONE is already married! I was actually thinking of moving to Brooklyn because I love the vibe there. However, I think i'd be even worse off financially, and wouldn't be close enough to my family.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! This is a tough decision. If I am going to uproot my daughter, it needs to be the right place and it needs to be worth it!

[BobKovacs]

You mentioned that you can't afford Short Hills, but you didn't mention what you can afford- do you have a rental or purchase budget in mind?

[shorty68]

I guess since this is so preliminary, I'm not even sure. If I search real estate listings and get discouraged, I would probably scrap the whole idea. I would also need to find a job first, and I have not looked. I feel like if I find a town that I can fall in love with and get excited about, that would jump start the whole process for me.
I would definitely be looking for a condo, since I don't want to worry about taking care of a yard by myself. There is no time for that! Do you think I can find something for 250-300?

[Lusitan]

Originally Posted by shorty68

I guess since this is so preliminary, I'm not even sure. If I search real estate listings and get discouraged, I would probably scrap the whole idea. I would also need to find a job first, and I have not looked. I feel like if I find a town that I can fall in love with and get excited about, that would jump start the whole process for me.
I would definitely be looking for a condo, since I don't want to worry about taking care of a yard by myself. There is no time for that! Do you think I can find something for 250-300?

Dont get too discouraged. Prices are expected to fall 25% in this area in 2009. You should take this year to take your time exploring different towns and trying to find a job nearby (which might take a year in this economy!). You'll end up with a more solid plan for moving, and you'll probably save yourself a bundle as well.

In terms of towns to look at, you should consider Maplewood/South Orange, both are very close to Millburn and not as expensive, but still nice towns.

For now, save your money by waiting, and do your research. Good luck!

[elflord1973]

Originally Posted by shorty68

I guess since this is so preliminary, I'm not even sure. If I search real estate listings and get discouraged, I would probably scrap the whole idea. I would also need to find a job first, and I have not looked. I feel like if I find a town that I can fall in love with and get excited about, that would jump start the whole process for me.
I would definitely be looking for a condo, since I don't want to worry about taking care of a yard by myself. There is no time for that! Do you think I can find something for 250-300?

Depending on what kind of neighborhood you need, you can get a decent condo for 300. There are nice towns in Essex county in this price range.

But I'd say wait a year and rent for a while. Then you can check out some towns before buying. If you feel like you're being priced out of the market, take comfort in the fact that you're not the only one. The correction won't be complete until the median income earner can afford the median housing option. Most of these places that are going for 400k today were less than 200k in 2000.

[Sergio M]

Originally Posted by Lusitan

Dont get too discouraged. Prices are expected to fall 25% in this area in 2009. You should take this year to take your time exploring different towns and trying to find a job nearby (which might take a year in this economy!). You'll end up with a more solid plan for moving, and you'll probably save yourself a bundle as well.

In terms of towns to look at, you should consider Maplewood/South Orange, both are very close to Millburn and not as expensive, but still nice towns.

For now, save your money by waiting, and do your research. Good luck!

Here we go again! Some people just love spreading the doom and gloom over someone else's dreams. The truth is, there are condos available in your price range, and from what you are describing, I think moderatley priced towns with train access would best suit you. You really don't give enough information to suggest a town, however parts of Union are very nice and Rahway is a diverse artsy town that is transition, with a lot of newer condos available.

[seeta]

shorty68...look into Collingswood Nj. It is artsy, diverse, great restaurants. There is a new area called The Lumberyard which has brand new condos from $250,000 and they are building more. It is in the South Jersey area. We are close to Phila, NY & Del. Train runs through the neighborhood.

[midagegirl]

you can try chatham - very nice town.

[Lusitan]

Originally Posted by Sergio M

Here we go again! Some people just love spreading the doom and gloom over someone else's dreams.

Um, what dream would that be? The dream that the real estate market isn't falling apart at the seams? The dream of a commission? What the heck are you talking about?

[Newarkbomb]

Union (the town) in Union County sounds right around your range and prefrences. You can find decent to nice homes with your budget, the schools are ok (not great), it's very diverse, pretty safe, and it's in decent distance from your family in short hills. (about 10 miles)

Union Township is a pretty big city (54,550). Usually towns with this kind of population in this area of jersey isn't too safe, but Union is a nice town.. (I was thinking of moving there but decided not to own just yet)

Good luck with everything


Other suggestions
Bloomfield/Belleville
Perth Amboy
Parsippany