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I need help choosing between Bergen co and Rockland co. I have school aged kids, budget of approx 350000 for small single family home. Schools, walkability, safety, train, friendliness are all important. I worry about Rockland co as it seems a bit shabbier than Bergen in areas around Pearl River but like the town itself. Also I'm concerned about the Hasidic community and the possible future effects on the schools and tax base. I am excited about the new scholarship for free in state tuition at SUNY/CUNY though. In NJ I have narrowed it down to Hillsdale and Westwood but worry about the affluence issue as I would be at the low end of housing market and would have to put kids through college. Any thoughts on why I should chose one state over the other? Concerns I should have other than what I've listed? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
I would take Bergen County over Rockland for the reasons you mentioned. That's just me. I grew up right along the border there and I always felt like you could feel the difference when you crossed over. This isn't very helpful but just thought I would share. Hillsdale and Westwood are nice towns, I wouldn't worry about being at the "bottom" there...lots of modest homes in those towns.
I agree with the above. Westwood and Hillsdale are great towns, not snooty, pretty, good shopping. Can't comment much on across the border as far as tax difference or schools (guessing not nearly as good) other than, yes, large hassidic population.
I like Pearl River and would not be surprised if you bought a house there now and did very well when it comes time to sell. Very Irish, don't think the Hasidic issue is something you need to be concerned of in that town.
Hillsdale and Westwood are also nice so imo you really can't go wrong in any of these 3 towns if you are able to get enough house for your needs on your budget
I like Pearl River and would not be surprised if you bought a house there now and did very well when it comes time to sell. Very Irish, don't think the Hasidic issue is something you need to be concerned of in that town.
Hillsdale and Westwood are also nice so imo you really can't go wrong in any of these 3 towns if you are able to get enough house for your needs on your budget
I've heard that about Pearl River too but I think that might be changing now..
Quote:
An onslaught of door-to-door solicitations allegedly by Hasidic Jews from neighboring Ramapo, offering to buy any and all homes in Pearl River they can acquire for quick cash. The rash of doorknockers appears to have been concentrated in the “dead presidents” section of western Pearl River, between West Washington Avenue, Crooked Hill Road and Pascack Road, and bordering the Village of Chestnut ridge in Ramapo.
Hillsdale and Westwood are not affluent and Westwood has a fairly large rental base. Affluence is not a worry in those towns. I would have the same concerns about pearl river but that might mean you'll get a great deal if your willing to take a chance. I do like the ny state college system better than new jersey's so if your kids are close to college age that is a consideration. Ny state taxes are higher if you work in ny.
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