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Old 04-08-2014, 07:40 PM
 
Location: Elsewhere
88,092 posts, read 83,961,306 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by julsp View Post
If you visit France, you'll see then only the famous places.
And you won't experience life in France, cost of living, pros/cons. I'm not saying France is a bad country to live in, just that it's like elsewhere, with pros and cons. Like in the US I guess.

I visited bergen county trough...googlemaps. :-) It seems that there are cities with trees, garden, houses with backyards, not only industries with smoke
Honestly I would have prefered another place in NJ, but we have chosen the school first, and place to live in consequence.

Anyway thanks a lot for your feedback.
I lived most of my life in Bergen County, next to Ridgewood. Very little of Bergen County is industrial. It was traditionally farmland that grew into small towns and then suburbs. Some areas are more affluent than others. New Milford is a tree-lined suburb, as are the towns around it.

Here is what New Milford looks like.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.9342...IJTV7sILSA!2e0

Neighboring River Edge is nicer than Bergenfield on the other side. Paramus is another town for you too look in that's within the driving distance.

All of these types of middle-class suburban towns have activities for children. Most of them have weekly town newspapers that list social activities and events.
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Old 04-08-2014, 07:43 PM
 
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Midland Park, Hillsdale, Ramsey, Dumont, and Fair Lawn would be some towns I would suggest.

As a general rule of thumb, west of route 17 is less congested and will be easier to get to work. All of the above should be about 15 minutes to New Milford (except Dumont which is right next door)
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Old 04-08-2014, 07:46 PM
 
Location: Elsewhere
88,092 posts, read 83,961,306 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GiantRutgersfan View Post
Midland Park, Hillsdale, Ramsey, Dumont, and Fair Lawn would be some towns I would suggest.

As a general rule of thumb, west of New Milford is less congested and closer to the highways that you will need to get to work. All of the above should be about 15 minutes to New Milford.
I'd rule out Midland Park. I think it's closer to 25-30 minutes to New Milford. I lived there for years and only went to New Milford once or twice, but we were on the opposite side of Ridgewood from Paramus and then you have to get through Paramus to New Milford.

I just looked it up on Google Maps. 21 minutes in current traffic, so it's a little less than I thought.
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Old 04-08-2014, 09:23 PM
 
11,337 posts, read 10,981,366 times
Reputation: 14993
Quote:
Originally Posted by julsp View Post
If you visit France, you'll see then only the famous places.
And you won't experience life in France, cost of living, pros/cons. I'm not saying France is a bad country to live in, just that it's like elsewhere, with pros and cons. Like in the US I guess.

I visited bergen county trough...googlemaps. :-) It seems that there are cities with trees, garden, houses with backyards, not only industries with smoke
Honestly I would have prefered another place in NJ, but we have chosen the school first, and place to live in consequence.

Anyway thanks a lot for your feedback.
Whenever you get here, welcome. You are going to love it here I am sure. Despite the complaining you will hear on this forum, the area you are choosing in which to live is gorgeous and convenient to almost everything. There is no place that is perfect as we all know, but New Jersey will do until such a place gets here.
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Old 04-09-2014, 03:47 AM
 
Location: Abruzzo
169 posts, read 292,152 times
Reputation: 346
Quote:
Originally Posted by julsp View Post
Dear all,

I’m a French (almost) 40 years old french guy, I’m going to move from France to NJ next summer (August) for my job.
I’m married, and have 2 children (4 years od and 3 months old).
My job will be in Secaucus and my first child will go to school in New Milford (bilingual school)


I’d like to find a single family home located in New Milford, or 10 miles / 15mn drive radius from New Milford because :
- my wife will have to bring my child to school every morning, and to bring her back at home. I’d like to avoid her too much time in the car
- I’ll drive to Secaucus for work, I’d like to avoid to have to drive more than than 45 mn to go there

I have identified following cities which could match the requirements :
BERGENFIELD, CLOSTER, CRESSKILL, DEMAREST, DUMONT, EMERSON, ENGLEWOOD, HARRINGTON PARK, NEW MILFORD, ORADELL, PARAMUS, RIVER EDGE, TEANECK, TENAFLY
Do you think that some other cities might be included in this list ?

As I’m looking for a single family home in a safe and quiet place, is there any of these cities to avoid absolutely, or some areas in these cities to avoid ?

Thanks a lot.

Where are you coming from? France
Why are you moving? My Job
Where will you be working ? Secaucus

Will you buy or rent? Rent
What is your budget ? 3000$ (for a 3 bedrooms single family home with a backyard)
What kind of place are you looking for ?

Will anyone (spouse, children, pets) be moving with you ? Spouse, 2 children (4 years old, 3 months old)
Do you need/want good public schools? Not a requirement, but I guess good school districts may have a more valuable neighborhood ?

Briefly describe the kind of neighborhood you'd like to live in
Residential, family, quiet


List three things that are important to you in order of importance.(examples: nightlife, outdoor activities, rural/urban, safety, downtown area, charming, new construction, proximity to XYZ, family oriented, easy parking, short commute, etc)
Approximated 15 mn by car from New Milford
Safe and quiet
Available activities for a 4 years old kid
Hi there julsp, et bienvenu aux Etats Unis ( croyez-moi vous aimerez bien NJ et surtout le Bergen County) Actually, I don't know what all these posters are talking about. Most of Bergen County and especially all the towns you mentioned are very nice, come with a lot of property and green space, and are close to shopping (Paramus is a shopping Mecca). Also, in this part of Bergen County there are no industries just residential areas which this time of year and through summer and fall are great. There are lakes, ponds, streams, parks everywhere in Bergen County including more than 30 kilometers of bicycle trails all connected via the Saddle River County Parks. You can also go hiking anytime at the Ramapo Mountain Reservation (also in Bergen County). Your best bet for finding a home is right off the njmls.com which is the site where all real estate listings in this area are displayed for the public. You can also find private listings on craigslist.org but since I assume this is the first time renting in America it may be worth it to have a realtor so he/she can work on your behalf and ask the right questions so that you will end up happy in the house you choose.
In all honesty, the towns you mentioned are all pretty great for your price point keep in mind though in NJ (and America) unlike Europe each town has very different price points. For instance for your budget of $3,000 you will get a lot more house in Teaneck and Bergenfield then you will in Demarast, Tenafly, and Cresskill as these areas have housing that goes into the millions of dollars.
Actually, now I don't know which part of France you come from but the terrain in NJ does resemble that of the northern part of France. You see most of the posters on here see Europe as some lush paradise (I'm currently living in Pescara in Abruzzo Italy and it is beautiful here) however like I tell everybody a place that you vacation in is far different than the place you live in. Also, as somebody who has lived in Italy and Germany trust me you will be very happy in NJ (where a lot of essential services and food/convenience stores are open 24 hours a day!)
Also, living in NJ you will indeed find there are many beautiful areas to this small state as well. If you do not mind a 1hr or less car trip you will find Somerset and Sussex counties in NJ to be very nice with an almost English Country feeling to them (yes my fellow New Jersyans they do, you guys need to come over to Europe more often and if you need suggestions I'm here for you all just ask!)
Anyway, JUSLP when you get to America (like anybody who moves) there will be an adjustment period and ultimately you will like it very much there although I'll warn you now everyone you meet will give you the "Oh my GOD you left France to come to NJ? WHY?!" Honestly, and again I have lived in many places and the NJ (and New York Tri-State) area is one of the best places in which to live. Also, because you will be close to New York you will not be lacking on culture (like other places in America). The Louvre for instance is the worlds largest art museum but the Metropolitan Museum of Art is number 2 and New York as well as NJ has beautiful cathedrals on par with what you are used to. For the children the Liberty Science Center is close by (awesome place) as well as Natural History Museum and NJ also has some of the largest amusement and water parks in all of America. Trust me you will be very happy living in this area.
As far as the towns go honestly I would wait until you get there and take a drive around. Although keep in mind that the towns in Bergen County average 5 square miles per town (very small) and it doesn't take more than 20 minutes to drive through all the towns that you mentioned so ultimately whatever house you like the best for your price point is worth taking as all the towns you mentioned are very nice, close to everything (and each other).
Bonne Chance!
PS. If you do choose to rent a home privately I found a basic checklist (questions that should be asked to the landlord) http://www.gardenstateapartments.com...0Checklist.pdf
I think these are all import things to make sure of before leaving a rent deposit.
Although, because houses in America are built far differently from those in Europe (as well as heating cooling systems) I again would recommend using a Realtor who can also narrow the "RIGHT TOWN" if you provide them with your credentials. Also, they can explain to you all the features of American houses such as baseboard vs forced air heating etc (which isn't common at all in Europe).

Last edited by njusa2013; 04-09-2014 at 04:51 AM..
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Old 04-09-2014, 06:01 AM
 
Location: Elsewhere
88,092 posts, read 83,961,306 times
Reputation: 114361
Lol, only ONE poster, obviously not familiar with Bergen County, claimed it was industrial.

But nice welcoming post otherwise.
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Old 04-09-2014, 07:58 AM
 
9 posts, read 14,990 times
Reputation: 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by samanthayakobchuk View Post
When are you looking to move, by the way? I saw you said next summer... So August 2015, not 2014?
Regardless, there are some options in your price range. Hopefully, by the time you move, there will be more!
My move is planed for August 2014.
Thanks a lot for your answers


Quote:
Originally Posted by MiamiLIFE View Post
It's not that I think that France only has beautiful places, it's that I can't see what NJ offers over France? We have the highest taxes (property and income) in the country and NJ is financially rated one of the least solvent states in the U.S. And we have recently socialized our medical care. I just don't really see how NJ can offer better prospects than France. But, as you said, I don't know everything about France and how life is over there. I just never thought I would hear someone say they were coming to NJ for lower taxes. That is a first for me!
There must be confusion here : I don’t come to live in the USA to pay less taxes than in France : I’ve an opportunity in my professional career to live abroad for some years, with a different job, but still in the same company than in France. I feel lucky to have this opportunity, the only issue being to negotiate enough $$ to keep a good level of life. And I think it’s what I did (more or less). I could be a nice experience (I will only know that in some years…)

I would have loved to explain in details for the rest, but finally BugsyPal did it for me :

Quote:
Originally Posted by BugsyPal View Post
France is more than Paris in Spring, the Louvre or Eiffel tower. Such things are all very well for tourists and or those that have various romantic notions of the country, but having to live and make go of things is another matter.

As with all Western European nations with vast socialist government schemes the effective tax rate in France is high, very high especially when compared to the USA. See: Think Your Taxes Are High? The 5 Countries With the Highest Taxes

France's economy has not been well lately and indeed the policies of M. Hollande and his government have failed to reverse high unemployment other declines in the economy.

Many French *are* leaving especially young adults. Many are decamping to the UK, but you also find a large and growing number of singles and families moving to the United States.

Then there is the fact despite the French Revolution many outside France would be surprised just how much the ancien régime still controls many sectors. It is often who one knows, one's family and other connections that largely determine how one gets on.

France's legendary vast and byzantine bureaucracy makes innovation in many sectors including employment difficult. While there have been some tech start-up successes, that sort of thing requires far more effort than say in the USA.
I agree with almost everything. And I insist on the fact that the tax level in France is one of the highest on Earth (even if to make a global comparison is a really hard job).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kunniholm View Post
The taxes and bureaucracy of NJ are probably as terrible as they are in France though. I know France, so that's why I say this.
I also agree with this.
And I thank you for your whole answer.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc Paolella View Post
Whenever you get here, welcome. You are going to love it here I am sure. Despite the complaining you will hear on this forum, the area you are choosing in which to live is gorgeous and convenient to almost everything. There is no place that is perfect as we all know, but New Jersey will do until such a place gets here.
Thank you Marc, this is really hopeful.

Quote:
Originally Posted by njusa2013 View Post
Hi there julsp, et bienvenu aux Etats Unis ( croyez-moi vous aimerez bien NJ et surtout le Bergen County) Actually, I don't know what all these posters are talking about. Most of Bergen County and especially all the towns you mentioned are very nice, come with a lot of property and green space, and are close to shopping (Paramus is a shopping Mecca). Also, in this part of Bergen County there are no industries just residential areas which this time of year and through summer and fall are great. There are lakes, ponds, streams, parks everywhere in Bergen County including more than 30 kilometers of bicycle trails all connected via the Saddle River County Parks. You can also go hiking anytime at the Ramapo Mountain Reservation (also in Bergen County). Your best bet for finding a home is right off the njmls.com which is the site where all real estate listings in this area are displayed for the public. You can also find private listings on craigslist.org but since I assume this is the first time renting in America it may be worth it to have a realtor so he/she can work on your behalf and ask the right questions so that you will end up happy in the house you choose.
In all honesty, the towns you mentioned are all pretty great for your price point keep in mind though in NJ (and America) unlike Europe each town has very different price points. For instance for your budget of $3,000 you will get a lot more house in Teaneck and Bergenfield then you will in Demarast, Tenafly, and Cresskill as these areas have housing that goes into the millions of dollars.
Actually, now I don't know which part of France you come from but the terrain in NJ does resemble that of the northern part of France. You see most of the posters on here see Europe as some lush paradise (I'm currently living in Pescara in Abruzzo Italy and it is beautiful here) however like I tell everybody a place that you vacation in is far different than the place you live in. Also, as somebody who has lived in Italy and Germany trust me you will be very happy in NJ (where a lot of essential services and food/convenience stores are open 24 hours a day!)
Also, living in NJ you will indeed find there are many beautiful areas to this small state as well. If you do not mind a 1hr or less car trip you will find Somerset and Sussex counties in NJ to be very nice with an almost English Country feeling to them (yes my fellow New Jersyans they do, you guys need to come over to Europe more often and if you need suggestions I'm here for you all just ask!)
Anyway, JUSLP when you get to America (like anybody who moves) there will be an adjustment period and ultimately you will like it very much there although I'll warn you now everyone you meet will give you the "Oh my GOD you left France to come to NJ? WHY?!" Honestly, and again I have lived in many places and the NJ (and New York Tri-State) area is one of the best places in which to live. Also, because you will be close to New York you will not be lacking on culture (like other places in America). The Louvre for instance is the worlds largest art museum but the Metropolitan Museum of Art is number 2 and New York as well as NJ has beautiful cathedrals on par with what you are used to. For the children the Liberty Science Center is close by (awesome place) as well as Natural History Museum and NJ also has some of the largest amusement and water parks in all of America. Trust me you will be very happy living in this area.
As far as the towns go honestly I would wait until you get there and take a drive around. Although keep in mind that the towns in Bergen County average 5 square miles per town (very small) and it doesn't take more than 20 minutes to drive through all the towns that you mentioned so ultimately whatever house you like the best for your price point is worth taking as all the towns you mentioned are very nice, close to everything (and each other).
Bonne Chance!
PS. If you do choose to rent a home privately I found a basic checklist (questions that should be asked to the landlord) http://www.gardenstateapartments.com...0Checklist.pdf
I think these are all import things to make sure of before leaving a rent deposit.
Although, because houses in America are built far differently from those in Europe (as well as heating cooling systems) I again would recommend using a Realtor who can also narrow the "RIGHT TOWN" if you provide them with your credentials. Also, they can explain to you all the features of American houses such as baseboard vs forced air heating etc (which isn't common at all in Europe).
Wahoh, I don’t know what to say. And should I write English, French (or maybe Italian or German) ?
Thanks, Merci, Grazzie Mille, Danke schôn, for your answer, the inputs, and kind of warm welcome. I really appreciate.


And also thank you to Mightyqueen801 and GiantRutgersfan for the inputs and having taken time to answer.

I have to confess that I’m stressful about this move, not really about me, but my kids and the effect it will have on them.
And also stressful about finding the right house, in the right neighborhood, the issues with credit history, NJ driving licence exam, health system, lease cars, almost everything to learn again….But also excited !!
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Old 04-09-2014, 08:05 AM
 
Location: Abruzzo
169 posts, read 292,152 times
Reputation: 346
Quote:
Originally Posted by MiamiLIFE View Post
It's not that I think that France only has beautiful places, it's that I can't see what NJ offers over France? We have the highest taxes (property and income) in the country and NJ is financially rated one of the least solvent states in the U.S. And we have recently socialized our medical care. I just don't really see how NJ can offer better prospects than France. But, as you said, I don't know everything about France and how life is over there. I just never thought I would hear someone say they were coming to NJ for lower taxes. That is a first for me!
First of all GREAT OBSERVATION AND QUESTION. I do not mean to over-post (and I know I already put my 2 cents in) but I want to answer your question (it seems to be scratching at my soul)

Anyway, I have been living in Europe for the past 4 year (most of which Italy) now I have visited France and haven't lived there yet I know enough that I can comment on it. First off both Italy and France have 2 of the highest federal income tax burdens of any country in the industrial world. Italy and France are neck to neck in that if you are a business owner (and willing to pay all your tax which in Italy is a problem onto itself) you can very well be shelling out between 55%-70% of your total income!

It is as if these Awesome countries somehow are punishing their citizens for wanting and trying to be successful. Also, taxing companies to the high heavens does nothing for job creation as companies can no longer stay competitive with a tax burden that high and can no longer higher.

Now I know living in New Jersey is expensive yet does anybody shell out that much of their income to the tax man?

Also, I would like to say that this Global Financial Crisis can still be very much felt here in Europe and much more so than in the USA.

Again I cannot speak for France, although I believe they are in a similar situation but here in Italy it honestly takes about 2,000 euro a month to live relatively well. The average Italian worker takes home less than 1,300 euro. Hold on I said AVERAGE, here more than 1/2 of the monthly salaries are less than 1,000 euros and more than 77% of pensioners are living on less than 1,000 euros. All around horrid situation! That is why every time I'm home in NJ it astonishes me as everybody still says "times suck" and I know they do yet when I go to the mall in NJ i see people leaving with their hands and arms full of shopping bags. Here in the South of Europe there are plenty of malls (I went to one yesterday) the hallways are full of people yet the stores are practically EMPTY! Many families here are having difficulty buying food.

Now this post was completely off topic I know and I wrote it for those of you back home in New Jersey. I would like to add another thing too. Yes NJ has a high/est tax burden amongst the states yet if you take a look at the first page of city-data.com you will see NJ is still amongst the 3 wealthiest states in the entire USA. Much of this has to do with you guys New Jersyans (and remember I lived in many places) the people of New Jersey have a brilliant work ethic and in plain English are awesome at getting things done which means more productivity = more money. Keep in mind NJ is home to the headquarters of some of the worlds largest and most renowned companies including many which were founded in NJ (such as Johnson & Johnson, Bed Bath and Beyond, Tumi etc)
I know an endless list of people who have left NJ to go other states to discover just how awesome NJ really is. Every thing from the food, schools (yes schools you guys keep insisting on this site NJ schools are not all they are cracked up to be yet NJ students and especially Bergen County outscore almost the entire country on every scholastic aptitude test there is so what do you have to say about that?) to the work ethic stinks every where else. Finally and again the average citizen of NJ is far wealthier than the average American and more educated as well plus living in NJ means easy access to the best culture/ institutions the USA has to offer.
Finally, for those of you who can afford a home in NJ, the average home value increase has always beaten the national average. Also in time of crisis many housing markets throughout the entire USA experienced a crash (or near crash) whereas NJ saw prices fall but plummet NO and an actual housing crash never happened! It would take a cataclysmic economic event before NJ sees a housing market crash therefore owning a home in NJ can be construed as a better investment than owning a home nearly anywhere else in the USA.
I said it once, I will say it again, and I will tell people until the end of my days, NJ is one of the best places on planet earth to call home unfortunately many of you won't realize that. That is until you (if ever) go live somewhere else then you will realize that.
Anyway, I hope at least this makes our French friend happy about his move!
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Old 04-09-2014, 08:21 AM
 
1,942 posts, read 3,295,821 times
Reputation: 1182
Quote:
Originally Posted by BugsyPal View Post
France is more than Paris in Spring, the Louvre or Eiffel tower. Such things are all very well for tourists and or those that have various romantic notions of the country, but having to live and make go of things is another matter.

As with all Western European nations with vast socialist government schemes the effective tax rate in France is high, very high especially when compared to the USA. See: Think Your Taxes Are High? The 5 Countries With the Highest Taxes

France's economy has not been well lately and indeed the policies of M. Hollande and his government have failed to reverse high unemployment other declines in the economy.

Many French *are* leaving especially young adults. Many are decamping to the UK, but you also find a large and growing number of singles and families moving to the United States.

Here in Manhattan cannot remember seeing so many French singles and families. You walk around parts of Harlem, the Upper Eastside, West Village or Upper Westside and you'd think you were in Paris. Our block has several newly arrived French families. Lycee de Francais is bursting and a new charter French/bilingual school has opened in Harlem. New York French-American Charter School » Who We Are

Then there is the fact despite the French Revolution many outside France would be surprised just how much the ancien régime still controls many sectors. It is often who one knows, one's family and other connections that largely determine how one gets on.

France's legendary vast and byzantine bureaucracy makes innovation in many sectors including employment difficult. While there have been some tech start-up successes, that sort of thing requires far more effort than say in the USA.
This is hard to hear...I thought socialism was the answer for the masses. In the US we are constantly told that capitalism is bad and responsible for all evils. To think that people are leaving the perfect socialist countries because there are no opportunities and taxes are too high to come to an evil capitalist nation is very disturbing indeed.
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Old 04-09-2014, 08:29 AM
 
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IMO it's far more complicated than a simple rethoric socialism vs capitalism. There is certainly pros/cons in each, but nobody has been able to find the right mix so far i guess.

And you can also want to change the country where you live not for tax reasons but to see something else in your life.
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