Perfect town for yuppies with low budget? (Bloomfield, West Orange: short sale, foreclosure) - City-Data Forum

TarheelsInNJ · 02-02-2010, 07:28 PM

My husband and I are planning to move from Manhattan to NJ, and would like some suggestions for towns to consider. We have a low budget (for NJ!), under $300k, but yuppie taste! I know we can't afford the "perfect" town yet, but I'm sure we can find somewhere we'll be happy for now.

Here's a bit about us and what we're looking for:

I grew up in Maplewood, and while it's in many ways the perfect town for us I'd prefer to live somewhere else (just a personal thing). Not ruling out South Orange though. I'm surprisingly unfamiliar with the rest of New Jersey, so looking for any and all suggestions!

I'll be working in the city, and would like to keep the commute at about an hour.

I know $300k usually won't go very far, but the short sale/foreclosure market has opened up some more options than usual (i.e. I've actually seen properties in Maplewood and South Orange!), and we're also not afraid of a house needing TLC or, for the right house, some extensive renovations.

We have one child, but he's still an infant so school system isn't a factor for this home - only really paying attention to that for resale value. Safety of the area is our primary concern.

When I say we have "yuppie" taste, I mean that we're coming from a Manhattan sensibility. We'd ideally love a downtown or to be at least convenient to restaurants/shops, and would like a walkable area with sidewalks where we can stroll with the baby and the dog.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

GiantRutgersfan · 02-02-2010, 07:50 PM

Bloomfield might work.

elflord1973 · 02-02-2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TarheelsInNJ

My husband and I are planning to move from Manhattan to NJ, and would like some suggestions for towns to consider. We have a low budget (for NJ!), under $300k, but yuppie taste! I know we can't afford the "perfect" town yet, but I'm sure we can find somewhere we'll be happy for now.

Here's a bit about us and what we're looking for:

I grew up in Maplewood, and while it's in many ways the perfect town for us I'd prefer to live somewhere else (just a personal thing). Not ruling out South Orange though. I'm surprisingly unfamiliar with the rest of New Jersey, so looking for any and all suggestions!

I'll be working in the city, and would like to keep the commute at about an hour.

I know $300k usually won't go very far, but the short sale/foreclosure market has opened up some more options than usual (i.e. I've actually seen properties in Maplewood and South Orange!), and we're also not afraid of a house needing TLC or, for the right house, some extensive renovations.

We have one child, but he's still an infant so school system isn't a factor for this home - only really paying attention to that for resale value. Safety of the area is our primary concern.

When I say we have "yuppie" taste, I mean that we're coming from a Manhattan sensibility. We'd ideally love a downtown or to be at least convenient to restaurants/shops, and would like a walkable area with sidewalks where we can stroll with the baby and the dog.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

West Orange. SO or Montclair if you're willing to go with a condo.

mdpesq · 02-03-2010, 05:37 AM

If you're not willing to go with a condo, rent until you can afford to go up to 375-400K...

Whoelsebutcharles · 02-03-2010, 11:54 AM

How about Woodbridge? Large town but a nice downtown area complete with a train station, take you right into the city.

tceffo · 02-03-2010, 06:42 PM

Montclair

findinghope · 02-03-2010, 06:53 PM

rutherford maybe?

hrjersey · 02-03-2010, 07:05 PM

I grew up in South Orange. I personally think the taxes are much too high. For slightly lower taxes and better schools you might check Cranford. Your budget may be a little low but it might be worth looking into. It would be my 1st choice if I moved back from the shore.

veuvegirl · 02-03-2010, 11:17 PM

I would check out Montclair, Westfield and Summit. I doubt you will be able to get anything in your price, but it is worth a try.

AnthonyB · 02-03-2010, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrjersey

I grew up in South Orange. I personally think the taxes are much too high. For slightly lower taxes and better schools you might check Cranford. Your budget may be a little low but it might be worth looking into. It would be my 1st choice if I moved back from the shore.

Cranford is a good suggestion. Cute walkable downtown, more affordable than Westfield.

With a budget of $300k, money sounds tight, Montclair taxes would kill you.