Best area for families outside of Atlantic City (Hammonton, Mays Landing: homes, schools)

[DKM2]

Job relocation opportunity in Atlantic City, NJ and want to be away from the entire Casino environment and lifestyle. What areas within a reasonable (say no more than 45min) commute would be considered rather "friendly" for a fairly conservative family? Schools have to be rather good and have programs devoted to the honor-type student; best if good parks and recreation facilities and opportunities, as well as extra-curricular activities for the kids such as dance, gymnastics, sports, etc. Quiet living but not Remote - still needs to have easy access to shopping, culture and etc. activities to keep the wife happy/sane! Any suggestions/ideas?

[subwayfan]

Hammonton?

[Sunbrite]

Hammonton is a very nice area, and the housing there is extremely affordable- you get a lot for what you pay for. Sometimes we wish we had bought a place out there. There have a lot of smaller shops and smaller restaurants there. There aren't too many parks there that we are aware of (and we generally do quite a bit of searching for parks to walk our dog) but there is a lot of open space, country fields out in Hammonton. Very beautiful and nice community, home of a huge blueberry festival every summer. Some parts of Hammonton are remote, some are not, but that is how I would characterize Atlantic County in general.

I would definitely visit Hammonton. My husband and I live in Mays Landing, which we generally like. Mays Landing is divided more distinctly into the residential area, which I would describe as sleepy and your "typical" small town, and the business area, which has a mall and tons of chain restaurants and stores, whereas Hammonton has smaller cafes and more family-run restaurants. Now Mays Landing has central library for all of Atlantic County, and this library is top-notch.

One of the differences between Hammonton and Mays Landing would be culture. Specifically, the small businesses located near the residential areas. In Mays Landing, it's pretty much convenience stores, sub sandwich shops, some Italian restaraunts, and pizza, that's your primary food options. My personal opinion is that they are a bit more commercial in their taste here.

Hammonton, on the other hand, has more homestyle and family-oriented Italian restaurants, more mom-and-pop run. They also have a nice selection of nice Mexican restaurants, which you are not going to find in Mays Landing. (believe me I've looked here when I get the occasional burrito craving and unless you want a chain-style place, you're not going to find that)

We don't know much about schools here since we don't have kids, I would refer you to the websites that list test scores.

That should get you started, if you have any more specific questions, please feel free to ask, let us know where you choose ultimately. Great time to visit the area as well, since the temps are starting to get warm here!