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I'm a young professional from Dallas, TX moving to Princeton for work (near college rd & Rt 1). My future employers have suggested that I consider living in PA as well, as it may be cheaper there.
I'm looking to rent a 1BR apartment. My salary is fairly low for the area (50K)--- putting my budget at around $1000/month. I have some wiggle room here, but I do not want to be house poor. Additionally, I'm concerned electric for heating/AC in older inefficient units will jack my rent up by $300 a month.
I'm single, no pets, no kids---no need for public schools.
I prefer to live in a neighborhood with other young people (because I don't know anyone), but it must be safe.
My top 3 priorities:
1)safety
2) budget
3) commute-- no more than 40 min(I'm from dallas, my commute was 2 minutes prior, so i'm spoiled).
3.5) quality of the apartment
My issues searching for apartments right now are that they all have TERRIBLE reviews (not sure if northerners are just an angry-review-mongering species or if the apartments are all pits of the earth).
Apartments that meet my standard of living that I'm used to in Dallas seem to cost around $1800---and are thus way out of my budget.
So please help! Hopefully you guys can give me some insight into great complexes to live in, because I'm not getting very far with google reviews. Thanks!
Your location (College and Rte 1) is physically in Plainsboro NJ so you might start looking there. Try Hunters Glen, Quail Ridge, Deer Creek, the area is very safe and your commute will be a breeze.
Can't comment on the reviews or the managers of these places but the neighbourhood in general is very safe and desireable.
Before you go over the river into PA, check out rentals in Lawrence(ville) and Ewing.
What about living with a roommate? If I was young I'd much rather live in Princeton than Plainsboro, Lawrenceville, or Ewing, or any of the nearby PA towns.
I don't have issues with living with a roomate, except I don't know anyone. I'm moving up here solo and I'm weary of craigslist. Is there another resource to find a roomate thats not as sketchy as craigslist?
I would also consider surrounding areas such as the Brunswicks, and New Brunswick (Rutgers Campus). You'll find affordable housing within commuting distance with some decent nightlife and areas to explore. You can look on uloop, and other sides to find the right roommate.
You might also want to try Hightstown, Cranberry, East Windsor, West Windsor, or even as far north as Kingston or South Brunswick. All of these areas would be under 1/2 hour commute and are safe, full of amenities as far as grocery stores, shopping, restaurants, bike trails, parks etc. At one time the "Route 1 Corridor" encompassed from South Brunswick to Plainsboro and over to Route 27 and Route 130 and was the place to live! If you could get a short term rental and do some interviewing for potential roommates, two of you would be able to find a 2/2 in a nice area.
Kendall Park could be another choice for looking for a place.
I am in a similar situation as you except my work is not as far down but Central NJ.
I def would look into the room shares and become a room mate there will be more options in that category.
Even the ones without a picture, read the description and inquire for pics.
I visited 3 places yesterday, 2/3 were easy to decide and move in right away.
Great price, all utls included, and clean.
I agree that Plainsboro may be a good choice for you. Really quick commute & close enough to get easily to the train station in Princeton Junction if you're going in to the City on weekends. You may want to spend a few weeks in a long-term stay hotel (there's a bunch out on Route One) i.e. Marriott Residence Inn, & several others. That would give you a few weeks to view different apartments, familiarize yourself with the area & gauge the commute.
If you're looking for events going on in the area (maybe find something to allow you to meet other young people) check out the events pages of the US1 newspaper. Just google US1 events & it'll come right up.
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