Where to home shop? (Fairless Hills, Penn: best suburbs, mortgage, new home)

[nemmert]

I accepted a job in Camden a few months back and am looking to relocate to the area. We've been looking in South Jersey for a new home but would also like to explore Pennsylvania and possibly Delaware. The issue is I know nothing at all about PA or what's commutable to Camden (40 minutes or so 1 way would be about the most I'd want). Everything I've read says NJ schools blow away PA and DE schools based on test scores but I know there's more to education than that. PA seems to run a few hundred a month lower in property taxes which would be nice. We're looking to keep our payment in the $2,500 to $3,000 a month range with taxes which I'm guessing means about $350,000 - $375,000 for a mortgage in PA, 4+ bedrooms 2 1/2+ baths... any places you can recommend I start my search? Thanks!

[kyle19125]

In terms of your criteria I'd point you toward Lower Bucks County, just north of the PA Turnpike around the intersection of Mill Creek and Edgely Road (Fairless Hills).

[bryson662001]

Although it is debatable most people seem to think You get more for your money on the PA side. There is no question that property tax is much higher in New Jersey. With a very few exceptions, the public schools in all the suburbs are excellent. Unfortunatly the best suburbs are west or north west of the city and they get better the further west you go so you are fighting traffic headed into the city even as you are trying to get past it to get to Camden which is basicly right next to downtown Philly across the river. I think I would stick to NJ but just be aware of the property tax for each house you consider. The further you get from Camden and the river the better things get from a socioeconomic standpoint. Cherry Hill, particularly the east side of town is nice but has a reputation for high taxes for some reason. Moorstown is also very nice.