Orange County NY vs. Pike County PA vs. Sussex County NJ (Union: houses, school district)

[Vintage Sunlight]

I spent 3 days up here looking around and devoted 1 day each to each county. I lived in Sussex County for a short time at one point but never really explored the area. My opinion: Sussex County is head and shoulders above the other two counties, from what I can see, in quality of life. Its just such a nice place to live, and I'm DYING to get out of South Jersey and get back to Northwest NJ.

I'm not putting down Pike or Orange County at all, they are really nice too. But I noticed, especially in PA, the zoning there is terrible. So many billboards, big box stores, and really gaudy storefronts in neon yellow right next to homes and developments. Orange County wasn't as bad, but seemed quite a bit more run down than the other two. Sussex seems to be zoned well and still is quite rural. Also, from the home prices, it doesn't seem too much more expensive than the other two.

Is it possible to find a fixer upper 2 bedroom house in Sussex County for $125k? I'd live anywhere in the county, even Montague.

[Whoelsebutcharles]

Originally Posted by Union Federal

Is it possible to find a fixer upper 2 bedroom house in Sussex County for $125k? I'd live anywhere in the county, even Montague.

I don't know about the price range. But what is wrong with Montague?

[M & K]

I think I have seen small lake houses around Kittatinny Lake / Stokes Forest area in that price range (small and needing work....and not many!). The thing about Montague is if you have kids they will end up going to school in NY (not sure if this is an issue for you).

Personally I would scratch off NJ due to the high property taxes. Not sure how the other 2 counties you mentioned compared.

[Whoelsebutcharles]

Originally Posted by M & K

I think I have seen small lake houses around Kittatinny Lake / Stokes Forest area in that price range (small and needing work....and not many!). The thing about Montague is if you have kids they will end up going to school in NY (not sure if this is an issue for you).

Personally I would scratch off NJ due to the high property taxes. Not sure how the other 2 counties you mentioned compared.

Do they have to pay a toll up there to cross the state line?

If that means Montague is non-operating school district then wouldn't its taxes be low?

[Vintage Sunlight]

Nothing wrong with Montague at all- it's beautiful. But it is pretty isolated. Schools are no issue for me.

Anything in Branchville around $125k? Would that be Stokes?