River Edge vs. Dumont (houses, buying, schools)

[mylychee]

Would like some input on River Edge vs. Dumont.
We're looking to buy around that area. I know River Edge has a very good HS and we're just starting our family. Overall, which is a better area or nicer? We commute to work in Manhattan.

Thank you for all inputs.

[zhelder]

Both are good towns, but River Edge is quite a bit nicer. The schools are much better too. Be prepared to pay more for the "niceness" though.

[mylychee]

Be prepared to pay more for the niceness as in property tax?

I have seen taxes in Dumont that ranges from $7,500 - $10,500.
I'm just starting to look at River Edge and their taxes are actually around the same too.

[Liz555]

Property taxes AND home prices. Check out this site for both towns schools for your little ones too.
NJ.com: School report card

[zhelder]

I meant primarily in terms of housing costs, but that will obviously affect your taxes as well. I believe River Edge's tax rate is actually slightly lower than Dumont's, but because you're paying more $$$ for the housing, your tax bill in River Edge will almost certainly be higher.

According to City-Data, estimated 2007 median housing value in Dumont was $402,672. In River Edge, it was $514,275. Keep in mind that these values have come down a bit over the past couple of years, but the ratio is still probably similar. If you found two identical houses, one in Dumont, and one in River Edge, you could expect to pay around another $100,000 for the house in River Edge.

[JerseyGirl08]

River Edge is an easier town to commute from since it is closer to Highways. In my opinion the town itself is nicer too. The schools are better and taxes are about the same but you might pay a bit more for your house leading to higher taxes in River Edge. Both towns are nice however if I was buying I would be leaving toward River Edge.

[mylychee]

Yes, that's the dilemma I'm running into.
But so far, some houses in River Edge are around the same price or a bit higher than Dumont.
But most of the houses in River Edge is by the commuter train.

I'm not sure how bad that freight train by Dumont is.

Which is worse? The noise level for the commuter train vs. the freight train.
We will be having a little baby so that matters. And yes, schools matter!

[randi99]

I grew up in Dumont and yes River Edge is nicer. I don't think the freight train is much of a problem unless its running along your property line as it does on some streets.

[mylychee]

Randi - would you know if it's ok to park on residential streets to take the bus to commute to Manhattan?

I know there are some nice houes in the White Beeches area but we would need to drive to get closer to the bus. I don't know where we can park our car so we can take the bus.

Originally Posted by randi99

I grew up in Dumont and yes River Edge is nicer. I don't think the freight train is much of a problem unless its running along your property line as it does on some streets.

[PalmBch]

I lived in both towns.
River Edge is nicer town, much better schools, and better access and closer to highways, shopping, NYC etc. But, it's slightly more expensive though.