Princeton - Moving To Princeton in March 2010 (Middlesex, Jamesburg: for sale, to rent)
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Hello everyone.
I'm accepting a job in the Princeton area in March - moving from San Diego, CA. My wife and I have a newborn, and we plan on renting short term; then buying a home or condo in late summer (would like to check out the areas before buying).
We are active 40's (ride bicycles, jog, etc..), sociable, enjoy the arts/culture/history, garage/shop wood work and dogs - and am looking forward to all the East Coast has to offer. We don't care about a large homes and probably prefer to rent a townhome or condo (w/garage). That said, we also like the open spaces.
We hadn't had a lot of time to look around the area, and are completely new to the East Coast. I went through Belle Mead and some northern towns and thought they were gorgeous. I'll be working in the Princeton Township area - off the 1 and don't wish to commute more than about 1/2 hour average.
Like most, we're looking for (nirvana ) nice areas; safe, clean, quiet, community oriented, and reasonable prices - 400k home prices. I hear the taxes there are bad - so some recommend driving from PA.
By the way, I've found the people in New Jersey to be really nice, warm friendly people - and if you're one of them - that's a compliment to your state.
Princeton is a lovely little town, with theaters, art galleries, parks etc. Unfortunately there are few places to rent in Princeton and there are very few condos and townhomes.
But if you look at realtor.com and use Princetons zip, 08540, several condos and townhomes (well within your price range) pop up. Parts of Plainsboro, South Brunswick, Franklin Township, West Windsor and Montgomery share Princetons' zip.
I am familiar with Canal Pointe (West Windsor) and Princeton Landing (Plainsboro) and they are both very close to Princeton and very popular. Both of these complexes have condos (with garages) for sale and rent.
Mercer County Park is very close and has 2 golf courses, a lake with paddle boats, indoor/outdoor tennis, ice skating, ball fields and several miles of biking, jogging, walking trails.
Thank you so much. We can also look at a home in the short time - which sounds like there's more selection there. Anyway, thank you so much. I also wondered about Jamesburg - but some said it's was just ok.
OP--I'm a current resident of Princeton Landing and happy to fill you in on anything you need to know, as I researched this area heavily prior to moving here from NYC. I will say this---Do not be drawn away by the $400/mo HOA fees. This is a fair price when you consider that the community has the most unique curb appeal relative to the area.
Take a newer community like Windsor Ponds for example. It is a little over 5 years old (let's say it's new construction) but everyone has the same small patch of manicured grass in front of their homes. Conversely, Princeton Landing, has lush foliage, unique trees and even the smaller homes has landscaping that stands out from the neighbor's home. Now Windsor Ponds fee may be around $250 (not sure) but that is one of the major differences between the two. Also, Princeton Landing has 2 pools and a large clubhouse (which I believe will have a gym in the future but does not at this time). I would also add that anyone living in a luxury community pays an HOA fee. Take for example my cousin who lives in a condo building in Long Island. This is a high rise with no lawn and no special views and not near a train station. He pays $1000 a month!!! Also consider how much you'd pay for landcaping if you lived in a single home!!! And don't forget the HOA covers extensive snow removal, which was very necessary this season. That means walkways, sidewalks and of course driveways.
Finally, Princeton Landing I believe is the only community with both 2-car garages and (in most cases) finished basements as a feature in every home. A lot of what you'll see in the newer construction is 1-car garage, no basement, and in some cases, no pets. Hope this was helpful and feel free to PM me with any questions.
Jamesburg is a nice, quaint, family oriented town in the midst of a revitalization. I live here and I would recommend it to anyone. I am a Realtor specializing in the Southern Middlesex County area so feel free to email me for more information. If you purchased a home already, congratulations and good luck! jeff@centraljerseyagent.com
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) nice areas; safe, clean, quiet, community oriented, and reasonable prices - 400k home prices. I hear the taxes there are bad - so some recommend driving from PA.
Princeton Landing
