Relocate to Morris county? (Toms River, Morristown: apartments, condos, townhouse)

[Laur76790]

My husband and I currently live in the Toms River area and are considering moving to the Morris County. I would like to find out what cities there have reasonable property taxes, a nice downtown area, and small to medium size parks where we could walk our two dogs. Where we live now there are mostly highways throughout and no side streets to travel on to get to places. We'd like a more "homey" type of town not too far from an area with local shops and be able to avail ourselves of parks in the area.

[Sanderling]

You've pretty much described all of Morris County, actually. There are several really lovely towns that would fit your criteria (well, except for the "reasonable property taxes" part, ha ha).

Parkland isn't a problem just about anywhere, if you're willing to drive to get to one. Denville, Morristown, Boonton, Chester spring to mind as towns with attractive and walkable downtowns. Other towns like Mountain Lakes, Montville, East Hanover, Morris Plains are more spread out but still close to compact towns.

[Sanderling]

I just looked at a map to check the county borders, and realized you might also want to look at Madison and Rockaway. Madison is lovely, especially.

[andrew.mensch]

Once again... what is your budget?

[flyonpa]

Where is work?

[Smartone]

Originally Posted by Laur76790

My husband and I currently live in the Toms River area and are considering moving to the Morris County. I would like to find out what cities there have reasonable property taxes, a nice downtown area, and small to medium size parks where we could walk our two dogs. Where we live now there are mostly highways throughout and no side streets to travel on to get to places. We'd like a more "homey" type of town not too far from an area with local shops and be able to avail ourselves of parks in the area.

I'd look into Morristown, Morris Plains, Denville, and Boonton. These towns are all in good locations, they all have downtowns, and they have a variety of housing options - if your budget is lower (below $500,000) you'll find more in Boonton or Denville, but all offer a variety of options - townhomes, apartments, condos etc.

[Laur76790]

Originally Posted by Sanderling

I just looked at a map to check the county borders, and realized you might also want to look at Madison and Rockaway. Madison is lovely, especially.

Thanks! I have heard good things about a few of the towns you mentioned. We're not looking for high-priced homes, we'd like to stay in the lower $300K range if that's possible. Would any towns you mentioned fit this criteria??

[Laur76790]

Originally Posted by flyonpa

Where is work?

Work is not a criteria. Husband and I recently took early retirement; he could find P/T job in his field in most NJ areas. Just looking for a comfortable, safe community near things to do ! Thnx.

[Laur76790]

Originally Posted by Smartone

I'd look into Morristown, Morris Plains, Denville, and Boonton. These towns are all in good locations, they all have downtowns, and they have a variety of housing options - if your budget is lower (below $500,000) you'll find more in Boonton or Denville, but all offer a variety of options - townhomes, apartments, condos etc.

Thanks. Yes, budget is in the lower 300K range. We prefer single detached home to a townhouse. How are taxes generally in these areas ?

[Sanderling]

For $300K you would have to look more north and west, not in the Madison area. Denville, Boonton, Rockaway might all have some housing stock worth looking at. There are some new townhome complexes around that seem nice, if you're not looking for something with room for kids.