Choosing between Western NJ and Eastern PA (Hellertown, North East: transfer, schools)

[meredithT]

Hi - my husband has been transferred to Clinton, NJ. We need to choose between living in that area (Hunterdon county) vs. easten Pennsylvania -- Upper/Lower Saucon, Hellertown, Coopersburg are the areas of most interest to us based on schools.

The conventional wisdom seems to be choose PA because of "taxes". We are trying to analyze this very closely and would like advice on web sites for source data. So far, we see about a $4 K difference annually and that's not enough to matter. Reducing commute would be more than worth that. But we may be missing part of the picture.

I would also welcome anything you have to share about the area and living there. Thank you for helping.

[meredithT]

C'mon, PA, how about some info? Anyone want to tell us it's worth the commute to NJ?

[stevo6]

I haven't lived in either place, but i did live to the east of Hunterdon Cty. many years ago as well as various parts of eastern PA. My impression is that both areas have seen a lot of growth in the last few years. Hunterdon Cty. probably has more new development as a whole, while PA has significant pockets of "rural" left, which is good or bad depending on your view. With the higher taxes in NJ you also get more services, and probably better schools. My view would be to live as close to the job as you can, unless you can't afford it or want more open space.

[paintballer1708]

Well your looking at lower taxes in Pennsylvania over New Jersey. PA is really starting to hit it off on its economy. New Jersey really isnt. New Jersey just got passed by North Carolina as the 10th most populous state. New Jersey really isnt doing too well.

[covebound]

North East Pennsylvania is a good choice. Like paintballer mentioned the taxes are lower there. There are plenty of nice areas to choose from also.