howell's south side v.s north side (Freehold, Ramtown: crime, house)

[mattsvan60]

Does anyone know anything about the south side of Howell? We are looking at homes there....they are newer and not as expensive as some towns further north. Just wondering....are there stores, malls, ymca's, parks close by, or is everything inconvenient.....long drive to everything? I know if you move on the side by route 9 there are lots of stores....but it's not as quiet there. Any input would be appreciated.

[nsa162]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean when you say "south side" of Howell. Are you talking about the Ramtown Section of Howell? Either way, all of howell is pretty much ok. There are sections that are nicer than others but crime is low and theres lots of trees, lakes and woodsy areas, compared to towns around it. As for shopping, you wouldnt have to travel more than 5 or ten minutes from anywhere in Howell, to have shopping, malls and parks. I personally wouldnt move to Howell. The taxes are higher than the surrounding towns. Look into Jackson as well.

[Shwa]

Originally Posted by nsa162

The taxes are higher than the surrounding towns. Look into Jackson as well.

I don't know about taxes being lower in Jackson... I recently spoke with someone who moved out of Jackson because of the high taxes. I think taxes in the desirable areas of NJ (which encompasses a huge area/s) is high throughout the state.

As for Howell, it is a large town. The northern part is more convenient to the Freehold area and the southern area is more convenient to Brick.

BTW, I believe Howell is Monmouth County and Jackson is Ocean County (not that this may be important!)

[nsa162]

I was in the market to buy a house not too long ago and It seemed like every for every house in Howell, there was an equal one in Either Jackson, Brick or Toms river, with lower taxes. I personally love Howell but i dont think i would be able to afford a house there. I believe as a whole, Monmouth county has higher property taxes than Ocean county.

[mattsvan60]

I like toms river also.....but what I am not so sure about is the water problems over there.....and past health issues....I know the taxes are lower there but I would always be worried about that issue...I have a 7 year old who is always catching colds...so I don't want to always worry about him getting a worse sickness. Does anyone know if the schools are better in Howell than in those other towns...jackson, brick, toms river. An agent (of course they might say anything) told me the schools in howell are very good....When I looked at the greatschools website all of the schools were given high ratings....7's, 8's, 9's even the middle and high schools. When I looked at the ratings for toms river schools...the elementary schools were given those ratings...but the middle and high schools were given 5's and 6's. Not so sure if this is a true reflection of how the schools really are. I think it goes by test scores, class sizes, etc. Again, thanks to anyone for some input.

[Busch Boy]

Monmouth has higher taxes b/c it has better schools than Ocean. It's also wealthier and more "desirable", even though Ocean is still pretty nice.