Opinions on Raritan Township, Hunterdon County (Somerset, Flemington: real estate, apartment complex, to rent)

[sphat_mc]

Hello, can anyone provide me any info on Raritan Township... good/bad/parts to avoid/elementary schools. How does it compare to Readington?

Thanks in advance!

[Rowen]

Raritan Twp. is a very good place to live especially if you have children. The elementary schools are all good. The high school has been labeled a "blue ribbon" school but it is a large high school with a very high student population which I personally wouldn't send a child to because it can be very intimidating atmosphere. I know others will disagree with this and say their child received a great education there which I'm sure is true but for some kids it can be overwhelming experience socially.

A lot of McMansions built over the past 15 years so there is plenty of housing though these houses usually start at the high $400,000's and up. The taxes are high of course. There are also good deals on older homes to be had for less money.

The only place to avoid is buying at or renting at the Hunters Crossing complex on Rt. 202 and the apartment complex (I forget the name) on Thatcher's Hill Road. If you are renting, Sun Ridge and Concord Ridge are much better options. It's not part of Raritan Twp. but I would not buy in Flemington proper.

There is plenty of shopping and restaurants. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the closest indoor shopping mall The Bridgewater Commons and to Route 22. About 25 minutes or so to get to Route 78.

There really isn't much of a difference between Readington and Raritan Twps. that I can see. The kids from Readington attend Hunterdon Central which is located in Raritan Twp.

Hope that helps a bit!

[digi21]

Hunter's Crossing is Readington Twp. I actually think that's a really nice place to rent or buy. Storage is an issue but the condos were quite nice and (as of several years ago), they flipped fast on the market.

I just drove by Hunterdon Central at the end of the school day (it IS a big school). I have to say I was amazed at all the kids lighting up cigarettes. It seemed like they couldn't get off school property fast enough in order to start smoking.

[Phish Head]

I think Readington gets a little more urban spillover from Somerset County and is not as "country" as Raritan Township. I also think that Flemington is a great place to live if you like a small town location- its vibrant, busy, low in crime, and the housing stock is gorgeous. And there is a Tractor Supply Company and a dog park in Raritan Township

On the downside, Raritan Township is quite expensive and has very high taxes, even by Hunterdon County standards. Friends I have that live in the township pay over $14k a year for a 4 bed, 2 bath home on one acre lot. Traffic on the Route 202/31 circle is atrocious during rush hour and on weekends (the Dvoor circle is still good).

[Rowen]

There have been a couple of fires over at Hunter's Crossing in the past few years and police complaints and arrests in that complex which would make me nervous but I agree a few years ago it was very nice.

Flemington has a lot of traffic to deal with and has become a "sanctuary" city or town in this instance and real estate prices are coming down especially on Thatcher's Hill. Not a good long term investment IMHO but if this doesn't bother you there are some pretty houses around town. I just want the OP to be aware of this. It may or may not be an issue for them. Hunterdon has one of the lowest crime rates in NJ but the crime rate went up the past couple of years especially in Flemington and Raritan Twps. though not enough to be concerned about yet.

[digi21]

Originally Posted by Rowen

There have been a couple of fires over at Hunter's Crossing in the past few years and police complaints and arrests in that complex which would make me nervous but I agree a few years ago it was very nice.

Ahhh..... okay. I haven't been there in about 8 years so that makes sense. I do remember that they were famous for dryer fires though. Something wonky with the set up. I think they were mandating that everyone have their dryer vents cleaned every 2 years for that reason.

[Rowen]

digi21 I never heard about the dryer problems before and if there is something screwed up with the venting or electrical systems this could have been the cause of those fires. I know a couple units were completely fire damaged and other units suffered extensive smoke damage. The complex does sit on a pretty peice of property though.

I've watched the kids coming out of Hunterdon Central and saw them lighting up too! I can't believe the way some of the kids dress (or undress) either. We couldn't even wear pants to school!

[sphat_mc]

Thanks everyone. I think we may have found something in the Rolling Hills section, specifically Rustic Trail. Any opinions on this area?

Thanks again!