Place to live with Salary of 40k+

[NickL28]

Originally Posted by doc1

I can't even imagine what kind of life one would have if they were trying to support a family in NJ for 40K/year.

What about a person supporting themselves on $40,000 or even $80,000 a year in the NYC metro area? That is unless you have lived in the same rent stabilized apartment for the past 20 years or are able to live totally rent free with the parents or have them pay the rent in full.

Housing costs & taxes are out of control but most people in their 20's & 30's would rather go without health insurance than without expensive designer clothing & shoes (according to NY magazine).. And of course the trendyness factor is what drives up rents in working class areas like Jersey City & now even Newark where one bedroom apartments start at least $1,500 a month.

[free46]

I presently live in Phillipsburg nj and do plan to sell in the near future. The homes you have perhaps seen were in the worst of shape. I love living here but unfortunately my commute for me/children is too much!!!! I have a large, beautiful colonial home with a fireplace. The price at least $210,000, negotiable. Maybe the realator is steering you to the worst of homes/area. I find it extremely safe and quiet and of course cheap taxes.

[jstar41]

I would suggest to look in Elizabeth.. it still one of the few places where you can find affordable housing.. depending on areas you might be able to find something for you.. good luck!

[joe moving]

Originally Posted by NickL28

Where exactly can you buy a condo (or rent one) on a 40K salary?? Even in Newark & Jersey City (the bad parts) condos start at well over $400,000 with some crazy amount in monthly HOA fees & taxes. Home prices & rents are crazy for people who are not fortunate enough (and lucky enough) to be making in the six figures. Not to mention that all of these condos going up all over Hudson county look like absolute crap. How does one save $100,000 to put down on the average condo in most of NJ??

But South Jersey or near PA or DE is better than North Jersey & the extreme cost of living in most of North & Central NJ which is really like a sixth & seventh boro of NYC (with the same display of extreme consumerism & snobbery).

I know this is an old post but, 400k for a condo in a bad area? Our house was under 400k in a very nice Bergen County town. I saw decent condos in Wayne for 225-260k. Possibly less, these are just the ones we looked at. It did not meet the needs of wife, myself and a dog, with a garage requirement (me) and possibility of a child, but would be quite comfortable for 1 person.

[billb7581]

You like Cape May? Villas (Lower Township) is decent.

[JerzBoy]

You can get nice condos in South Jersey (Philly Metro) for $170-200k