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Things have got lot better with ppl working from home it seems. Crossing at ridge rd and 522 at. 9 am is no more than 2 signal Times.
Just beyond me why ppl keep coming back with Montgomery, rocky hill suggestion when you have better towns in every way in same price range available. I commute through 518 everyday and traffic is okay now but it seems such depressing sleepy and boring town. And if you trying to get away from Asian population for diversity (funny we are talking about diversity in reverse way. Towns like Edison, franklin, n Brunswick, Monroe really need to encourage white, black, Spanish to come. Some schools in Monroe have 90% Indians) Montgomery has highest influx of Asian last 5 years.
Geographically Montgomery is worse situated with canal and river on east, you are just 1 rainfall or storm away from being blocked. Raritan valley on west with no humanity for miles, north and south are always blocked on 206
Better towns than Montgomery? Other than Princeton itself, which ones do tell?
My spouse is interested in a job at Princeton University. We know nothing about NJ and would be coming from out of state. To make it work, we would need to be able to afford a 4 bedroom home, in a GREAT school district (3 elementary kids including one with special needs), in a clean, safe area. Can we find this in the $600-650K range (or a bit higher)? What schools/neighborhoods would you recommend? Thanks for any feedback!
for this budget princeton school district is not possible. best bet would be montgomery or west windsor
AVOID West Windsor- For 600k you will get a small, dated home in a less than desirable area.
It is also very hard to keep up in this town and I don't see it suitable for kids (yes I grew up here). An above average kid will be below average in academics, sports etc. Grew up here, moved to a top school district in another state (arguably better than WW-P) and felt more comfortable and was also a student who could understand the material (in AP's and honors) without seeing tutors 5 days a week and was considered top of the class at graduation. I believe it is not the curriculum that makes WWP appear fabulous but the willingness of parents to pay $60+ a week in tutors. That said, Hopewell/Pennington are far more family oriented and more laid back. My family's biggest regret was not moving to Pennington. Also, it is cheaper and IMO nicer and prettier. WWP is just strip malls with minivans and high end cars and families rushing to tutors/sports/piano.
Forgot to mention: Don't forget about the close PA neighbors. A lot of people commute from Bucks county (new hope, Buckingham, Newtown). These areas are a lot nicer, similar in price, lower taxes, and prettier
AVOID West Windsor- For 600k you will get a small, dated home in a less than desirable area.
It is also very hard to keep up in this town and I don't see it suitable for kids (yes I grew up here). An above average kid will be below average in academics, sports etc. Grew up here, moved to a top school district in another state (arguably better than WW-P) and felt more comfortable and was also a student who could understand the material (in AP's and honors) without seeing tutors 5 days a week and was considered top of the class at graduation. I believe it is not the curriculum that makes WWP appear fabulous but the willingness of parents to pay $60+ a week in tutors. That said, Hopewell/Pennington are far more family oriented and more laid back. My family's biggest regret was not moving to Pennington. Also, it is cheaper and IMO nicer and prettier. WWP is just strip malls with minivans and high end cars and families rushing to tutors/sports/piano.
Forgot to mention: Don't forget about the close PA neighbors. A lot of people commute from Bucks county (new hope, Buckingham, Newtown). These areas are a lot nicer, similar in price, lower taxes, and prettier
Wow, thanks for the candid feedback on WWP. Hopewell looks like it ranks a lot lower than Montgomery though? Just looking at Niche rankings. Does it have a good reputation?
Wow, thanks for the candid feedback on WWP. Hopewell looks like it ranks a lot lower than Montgomery though? Just looking at Niche rankings. Does it have a good reputation?
School ranking is mainly due to test scores. The scores are skewed by a small number of super smart kids whose parents are academics, engineers or work in research of which there are a ton of labs around Princeton.
Hopewell Township has a lot of newer homes on acreage and is beautiful but less expensive than Princeton, West Windsor and Montgomery. Hopewell Valley Regional S.D. is classified as "elite," indicating that it is way above average. Next door Ewing Township real estate is a bit cheaper than Hopewell and there are many nice areas.
Why don't you tell me how these towns are "better towns in every way imaginable" than Montgomery
It's pretty simple. Route 206 doesn't run through them.
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