Help finding great neighborhoods in South New Jersey (Camden, Vineland: townhomes, new construction)

[Northeastcouple]

My family and I was wondering if some locals in south New Jersey could give us some pointers on some decent middle class neighborhoods. We have been looking on the south eatern shore region, mostly in Ocean and Atlantic Counties. Would prefer to stay on the eastern Garden State area but are more than willing to check out any recomendations more towards the Rt 95 south west part of the state...Some of the places we have seen and liked so far are : Waretown, Barneget,Tuckerton, and Somers Point. We want to be close to the water but not on top of it ( No beach homes or islands such as LBI or Ocean City).

Major factors for us: good schools ( we have two small children), flooding problems, water catamination and other evnviromental hazards ,houses that are around or under $300k. (we dont expect to find a castle on 100 acres just a small 3 bedroom house with a nice yard will do)

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!

[DailyJournalist]

Check out Mount Laurel

Mount Laurel, New Jersey - Official Website

Also check out Mays Landing

[VeradoDan]

Linwood (Atlantic County) sounds perfect for you. A little less than 10 minutes from the beach in Margate and a very lovely, middle class suburban town to raise a family in. I know one family with children there and they really like the schools.

[MoorestownResident]

Originally Posted by Northeastcouple

My family and I was wondering if some locals in south New Jersey could give us some pointers on some decent middle class neighborhoods. We have been looking on the south eatern shore region, mostly in Ocean and Atlantic Counties. Would prefer to stay on the eastern Garden State area but are more than willing to check out any recomendations more towards the Rt 95 south west part of the state...Some of the places we have seen and liked so far are : Waretown, Barneget,Tuckerton, and Somers Point. We want to be close to the water but not on top of it ( No beach homes or islands such as LBI or Ocean City).

Major factors for us: good schools ( we have two small children), flooding problems, water catamination and other evnviromental hazards ,houses that are around or under $300k. (we dont expect to find a castle on 100 acres just a small 3 bedroom house with a nice yard will do)

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!

In terms of quality and schools the southeastern shore areas don't compare to the Philly bedroom communities along the I-295 Corridor. It's up to you what you want. There are nice middle class towns in southwest Burlington county - Lumberton, Hainesport, Cinnaminson, Delran, Mount Laurel - in Camden County closer to Philly - Collingswood, Westmont, Oaklyn, Haddon Heights, Audubon, etc., in good locations with decent to good schools. If you want larger lot size, newer construction, check out the towns in Burlington County mentioned above. Finding something small around $300K with some negotiation should be doable in most areas but you might not find the pick of the litter. Keep in mind that nice townhomes in some of these areas are 250K-300K+. Once you start looking under $300K you are better off in a nice 10 year old townhome with garage in Mount Laurel or Marlton IMO than a $280K house in a bad area and/or needs a lot of work. The shore is only 45 minutes especially from Burlington County.

[ansky]

One town that comes to mind is Vineland, but it's certainly not for everyone. My friends live there and bought their house for 250k. It's a very large 3BR, 2.5Bath, walk-in closets, cathedral ceilings, etc. and it's less than 10 years old. They also have a very large yard with deck, pool, etc. I believe the town is growing fast since I have seen new construction everywhere. The problem is, the town is very isolated. It's at least a 1-hour commute to Philly and about an hour to AC and the shore. The only "major" highway in town is route 55 so it's not easy if you need to leave town. The town has a large mix of urban and rural sections.

[MoorestownResident]

Vineland is lower middle class with some very bad sections and the schools are not good. Plus there is nothing to do down there, everything is a drive.

[luckyshoes]

Maybe Galloway?

[heatherita]

If you liked Waretown and Barnegat, I would also say to look at Stafford Township/ Manahawkin. We live here in Manahawkin and there are good schools, nearby amenities an only 15 minutes to the beach (LBI).

[Blondie621]

Old Bridge is nice town also!

[timneh5]

Pine Beach, Beachwood, Ocean Gate, and Bayville (all Ocean County)

I don't know anything about the schools.