We want more space! (Orange, South Orange: house, school district, tax)

[GiantRutgersfan]

i think you should consider Ringwood.

I do agree the Rockaway/Denville area is too far of a commute.

[ansky]

Originally Posted by Relocator20

Wow, 90 minutes between Denville and Fort Lee would be the norm??

There are 3 areas along Route 80 that always have big traffic problems:

- The section between Rockaway and Parsippany/I-287
- The section that passes through Paterson
- The section approaching the GWB

There are always accidents, construction, and other problems in these areas. If you're traveling during the normal morning and evening rush hours I would budget at least an hour.

[Relocator20]

Originally Posted by GiantRutgersfan

i think you should consider Ringwood.

I do agree the Rockaway/Denville area is too far of a commute.

We did consider Ringwood, but took it off the list for a few reasons. Pretty inaccessible, mediocre high school and HIGH property taxes.

[Relocator20]

Thanks for the responses everyone! It looks like Rockaway and Denville will come off the list sadly. By default, so will Randolph, since it’s even further away. Keep it coming!

[DannyHobkins]

Traffic isnt a concern when youre out west until you get to Bergen County on 80. You will be basically sitting in the same amount of traffic either way.

[ansky]

Originally Posted by DannyHobkins

Traffic isnt a concern when youre out west until you get to Bergen County on 80. You will be basically sitting in the same amount of traffic either way.

That is 100% incorrect. Route 80 between Rockaway and Parsippany is a nightmare during morning and evening rush hours. I work in Essex County with people that commute in from Morris County on I-80 and they constantly complain about the traffic. Read my post #12 above where I have highlighted the 3 areas of traffic concern. If you don't believe me, good luck in your travels.

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by Relocator20

Wow, 90 minutes between Denville and Fort Lee would be the norm??

Originally Posted by ansky

There are 3 areas along Route 80 that always have big traffic problems:

- The section between Rockaway and Parsippany/I-287
- The section that passes through Paterson
- The section approaching the GWB

There are always accidents, construction, and other problems in these areas. If you're traveling during the normal morning and evening rush hours I would budget at least an hour.

I agree. You'd be sitting in that crawling Route 80 traffic in the mornings. Don't forget all the commuters coming from the rest of Jersey that lies farther west on 80 than Denville plus the Poconos of Pennsylvania. They will all be on Route 80 at the same time you are.

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by DannyHobkins

Traffic isnt a concern when youre out west until you get to Bergen County on 80. You will be basically sitting in the same amount of traffic either way.

Maybe 20 years ago. Not true now.

[foodyum]

I would look north in north eastern Bergen or Rockland. Least traffic to fort lee and choice of alternative local routes via local roads before getting caught in bridge traffic for the last few miles. These are less expensive and less developed towns because of the lack of trains in to the city. Housing prices have fallen so there are deals. Some have better schools than others. Taxes high because the houses were assessed higher a few years ago. Might be something in palisades which is about 20 minutes north.

[Relocator20]

Originally Posted by foodyum

I’d expand the search in to Rockland county. Pearl river or tappan. Not a bad commute to fort lee on the palisades or 9w. Should be able to get a nice sized property in your budget.

Originally Posted by foodyum

I would look north in north eastern Bergen or Rockland. Least traffic to fort lee and choice of alternative local routes via local roads before getting caught in bridge traffic for the last few miles. These are less expensive and less developed towns because of the lack of trains in to the city. Housing prices have fallen so there are deals. Some have better schools than others. Taxes high because the houses were assessed higher a few years ago. Might be something in palisades which is about 20 minutes north.

We have taken your advice and started looking in Rockland as well. However, we don’t know much about the school districts. We’ve been looking in the Pearl River, Clarkstown and Orangetown school districts. How do these districts compare to the good school districts in New Jersey? Thanks!