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Towns like Alpine and Harding have limited to no town services. That's what helps keep the taxes low.
This is patently false and sounds quite absurd. First off, I assure you the difference in garbage pickup doesn't account for a 2-3x difference in tax rate. Furthermore, in some respects towns such as Harding, Saddle River, Rumson and Alpine actually have better town services. The school systems are quite strong, and the police depts are basically concierges for the residents (eg cops in these towns will go and turn residents alarms when they are in Europe, good luck getting cops in Lodi to do that).
The reason the rates are low in these places is because most of them don't have high schools or train stations. They are also more spread out so the density of population is low, a good portion of the kids go to private school so the schools have less demand even if they are solid and megamansions add to the tax base making things easier for the mass affluent.
We are in Bergen County - with over $30k in taxes. We love our house and the area, but the taxes are killer.
We need a town with low taxes $10-15k, modern homes, an incredible school district and not far from civilization.
I love that I can walk to the new Whole Foods, we have several supermarkets and health food stores within 10 minutes, shopping and lots of parks with walking or a short driving distance. I'd love that. We have a 2.5 yr old and an infant. A Jewish population a plus. Budget around $800-900K. (Healthy places are key - health food stores, gyms or boutique fitness places)
Where can we move?
Ridgewood seems good but the homes are so old (we don't like "character").
I know taxes are low in Alpine, but I thought that was because they don't a school system? Or am I crazy
No, it's due to the huge tax base -- really low rates x really high home prices = more than enough revenue. They have a small K-8 school and a sending/receiving relationship with Tenafly for HS.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nyc_Boulder
Yes it's new construction (2010) and that's what we prefer.
My guess is either you're overpaying and can appeal it down and/or Closter overcharges for new construction even above the market premium, 3%+ tax rate in Closter is really high.
Towns like Alpine and Harding have limited to no town services. That's what helps keep the taxes low.
In Harding you pay $84 every other month for garbage, bring your recycle to recycle center, Most homes have well water and septic. If you are on sewer it's $210/quarter. You can join Morris Twp pool as non-resident. They do have a Memorial Day Parade and a great Fall auction.
I'd take less services for a savings of $7K in taxes.
In Harding you pay $84 every other month for garbage, bring your recycle to recycle center, Most homes have well water and septic. If you are on sewer it's $210/quarter. You can join Morris Twp pool as non-resident. They do have a Memorial Day Parade and a great Fall auction.
I'd take less services for a savings of $7K in taxes.
a little off topic, but $210/quarter seems a bit high? I pay $68.
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