Places to live in NJ (Newark, Edison: 2009, rent, crime rate)

[dfab86]

I'm originally from NJ and have spent the last 4 year in the Marine Corps in NC, and plan on relocating back in a month or so. What are currently the cheaper areas to live in as far as house pricing goes, assuming its not the "ghetto" and have high crime rates? I know Westfield, Plainfields, etc are out of the question. If anyone knows of specific towns that are affordable I'd appreciate it, ty.

[Ms.Charlotte]

dfab86,
Welcome back. Can you give us A LOT more details? Are you renting or buying? Which part of NJ are you looking at? Is commute a factor? Schools? What can you spend?

[dfab86]

I plan on buying....considering all parts of NJ...since I won't have an AMAZING job when I relocate I'd say 120k is my max unfortunately (at least 3 bedrooms, 1+ bath). Commuting not really a factor and don't want to live in places like Irvington, Newark, Camden, etc. Thanks!

[Ms.Charlotte]

You're not really going to find a safe, clean area for $120,000. Especially if you are looking for a 3 bedroom. Why the large place? Do you have children.

I wouldn't rush to buy with your budget, dfab86. Why not rent until you can purchase a small home in a more desirable area? For $120k you'll be in places like Trenton, Ewing, New Brunswick. If that's what you're looking for, I'm sure you can find a small co-op or trailer.

[Thosepeskyfacts]

For far less than $120K, you can buy a 2-bedroom co-op in the Margate complex in Edison. It's a very safe area right across the street from the Menlo Park Mall, and a very short drive to MetroPark train station as well as the Parkway and Turnpike.

There are no 3-bedroom units there, though. The management sucks, but as far as buying a decent place in a decent area for a very inexpensive price in Central Jersey you can't do any better.

[RutgersParent]

If you would consider Piscataway ranked #23 of Top 100 Best Places to Live in America by CNN Money magazine, you may be able to get a 3br house at your price range. You just need to keep click on it to see any good deal pop up.

Or, if you would consider Edison ranked #35 of Top 100, you may also be able to get a 3br at your price if you keep monitoring.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by dfab86

I plan on buying....considering all parts of NJ...since I won't have an AMAZING job when I relocate I'd say 120k is my max unfortunately (at least 3 bedrooms, 1+ bath). Commuting not really a factor and don't want to live in places like Irvington, Newark, Camden, etc. Thanks!

My area may work for you. There's a renovated colonial around the corner from me..currently listed at 175K... taxes less than 3K yr. Cute little village just off of rt. 78... close to shopping, etc. Hot air balloons fly overhead every weekend... very charming . Check out Greenwich Township in Warren County . Neighboring Alpha is affordable as well.

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[DailyJournalist]

Look at Burlington County in South Jersey.

[JG183]

some "best" places in NJ :

The Most Expensive Small Towns in America: Stone Harbor, N.J. - BusinessWeek

The Most Expensive Small Towns in America: Far Hills, N.J. - BusinessWeek

The Best Places to Raise Your Kids 2009: New Jersey - BusinessWeek

[thebreakfastman]

i'd look for homes in Irvington, NJ. there's virtually no crime rate and its a great place to raise young children