Should I buy a townhouse in the Barton Run development in Marlton, NJ? (Tuckerton: foreclosed)

[jmd2122]

My boyfriend and I found a townhome in the Barton Run development in Marlton, NJ. We love and want to offer on it but know nothing about the development. We were told be careful which area in marlton you live in because some areas have become "ghetto". We are not racist one bit but we do not want to live where people do not keep up with their houses and want to feel safe. The home was listed for 220k and reduced to 205k. Is this a fair price for a 4bedroom 2.5 bath townhome? It is 1900 sq ft. but it needs a lot of cosmetic work. We want to live in a nice neighborhood right now and we also want to make sure we buy something that will be good for resale.

Any info on this area would be greatly appreciated!!!

[JerzBoy]

I'm not familiar with the specific subdivision of Barton Hill but the area it is located in is fine. You're practically in Medford over there.

[Gerania]

The area is fine, very low crime rate, and yes, close to Medford which is another good area.

There are single family homes over on Lakeside Dr, (I know someone who lives there and loves it) newer condo's by Tuckerton Rd., and the fairly new Forest Glen development south of there near Taunton Lake RD.

You would be close to the municipal park, branch library, a (small) supermarket, pharmacy, gas station, Wawa and a pizza place - some of the things which make life bearable.

Not everything is golden. That's an older townhome community and a few people haven't maintained neighborhood standards. I looked at a rental over there about six years ago and it was in poor condition. The owner had been renting to college students and the place was a mess. The neighbors left and right had huge storage sheds in their tiny yards. I declined.

That said, it is a nice community in a very desirable area. The price of the place is amazing; it looks like the best deal in the area. I checked. Location and school districts sell. Evesham township is a great place to live and the schools are top notch.

Your 'ghetto' places in Marlton are going to be middle aged to older homes, developments too close to wide highways which have no amenities.

[jmd2122]

Thank you so much that was very insightful and made me feel better bc it's not a done deal yet so if it wasn't a good place we did not want to continue on with it.. I was just worried bc there is a boarded up house across the street.

Comparables from our agent show they are selling anywhere from 190k-195k but they are much nicer isnide and he has only come down to 199 so far.

I really appreciate your reply!

[Gerania]

I'd be concerned about the boarded up property. I'd wonder how long it's been that way and why. Maybe that's the reason the price of the place that you're looking at has dropped so low. You should go over there a time or two, walk around and have a look at the immediate neighborhood, the other homes, the people who would be your neighbors.

If you're looking at decent lawns, a pot of flowers on the steps and cheerful seasonal decorations, maybe the place is OK. If it's all rusty mailboxes, yards strewn with toys and broken statuary and the constant 'serenade' of blaring music, you should keep looking.

[MoorestownResident]

Originally Posted by jmd2122

My boyfriend and I found a townhome in the Barton Run development in Marlton, NJ. We love and want to offer on it but know nothing about the development. We were told be careful which area in marlton you live in because some areas have become "ghetto". We are not racist one bit but we do not want to live where people do not keep up with their houses and want to feel safe. The home was listed for 220k and reduced to 205k. Is this a fair price for a 4bedroom 2.5 bath townhome? It is 1900 sq ft. but it needs a lot of cosmetic work. We want to live in a nice neighborhood right now and we also want to make sure we buy something that will be good for resale.

Any info on this area would be greatly appreciated!!!

There are no ghettos in Marlton. When you're talking about townhomes, though, you are talking about class A-C or lower tenants. Townhomes attract all walks of life.

[jerseywill]

Hi jmd. I don't know if you decided yet but I figured I would chime in. We moved to Barton Run in 2006. We rented a condo in Medford for a few years before. We wanted to stay in the area when we bought our house so we chose here. This end of Marlton is basically Medford. Woods, lakes, low crime and quiet. To me there are no ghettos in Marlton considering I was born and raised in Philadelphia. But from living in these parts for a few years I know people call some parts developments in Marlton on the other side of 73 'ghetto'. Most people who come up here don't even realize this is Marlton still. I live around the corner from that boarder house. We live on Foxwood lane and know people that live on that street. The story goes that the house was foreclosed a few months ago and the family decided to take their new windows with them! Its a eye sore but nothing crazy happened there. We pretty much know everyone here and everyone is friendly. As in everywhere you have one or two minor things that happen. Like a woman getting drunk in her house and passing out and 6 cop cars show up lol. So it looks worst than what it is. Very safe neighborhood. I have small children and always feel safe with them out playing. If you have any questions or concerns please ask.