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We're looking to move to NJ and could use some advice on picking an area to move to. Here's some basics...
Where are you coming from? Staten Island, NY
Why are you moving? My wife and I are looking to settle into NJ and start a family
Where will you be working? Mostly remote, but sometimes I need to go to the office. Office is in midtown right off of Penn Station
Will you buy or rent? Buy
What is your budget ? $500-$700K (maaaybe a little more if needed +20k?)
What kind of place are you looking for? Newer construction, hardwood floors, not too large of a backyard
Will anyone (spouse, children, pets) be moving with you? Spouse
Do you need/want good public schools? Not at the moment, but would need in the longer term
Briefly describe the kind of neighborhood you'd like to live in - Safe, a bit of space between houses, close distance to some sort of town center, near a mosque/ muslim community if possible
There’s a mosque in Paramus. I’d look in oradell because it has a Main Street of stores and a train station. Houses in your price range. Good schools.
why would you recommend West Windsor over New Brunswick?
While New Brunswick has a major advantage in terms of easy access to NJ Transit, its disadvantages (high crime rate, schools that are... not good, and almost no new construction homes) far outweigh that one advantage.
Just curious- why would you recommend West Windsor over New Brunswick? Both areas have come up a lot on my research.
I’ve lived in West Windsor a long time. If you don’t currently have kids and you anticipate that your income will increase enough over the next 2-3 years to continue to afford West Windsor, my recommendation would be to wait until you have kids a couple years old before coming to West Windsor. Otherwise you’re just throwing money away on taxes for little benefit. It’s a nice town but really no reason to live here if you don’t have kids. Just my two cents. Also in case you didn’t know, Plainsboro shares a school district with West Windsor and there are some lower taxes there. Granted, it’s not as close to the train station. But if your wife can drop you at the station each morning and pick you up, it’s really not a big deal.
I’ve lived in West Windsor a long time. If you don’t currently have kids and you anticipate that your income will increase enough over the next 2-3 years to continue to afford West Windsor, my recommendation would be to wait until you have kids a couple years old before coming to West Windsor. Otherwise you’re just throwing money away on taxes for little benefit. It’s a nice town but really no reason to live here if you don’t have kids. Just my two cents. Also in case you didn’t know, Plainsboro shares a school district with West Windsor and there are some lower taxes there. Granted, it’s not as close to the train station. But if your wife can drop you at the station each morning and pick you up, it’s really not a big deal.
Well, they said they were going to have kids in the future, which is why I picked it over New Brunswick, plus what Retriever pointed out, especially with the schools.
Well, they said they were going to have kids in the future, which is why I picked it over New Brunswick, plus what Retriever pointed out, especially with the schools.
Also the mosque is beautiful.
True, but my experiences in my group are that many many people these days have fertility issues, so I’m coming from the don’t count your chickens angle. Hate to buy somewhere expensive and it not work out. Could have spent that time saving or doing IVF, etc. Obviously I hope they have no issues at all and have a wonderful family. And even with no issues, West Windsor is really only good for the schools (and even that is debatable when factoring in student mental health) so living there without kids, especially with the town developing every square inch isn’t that pleasant.
Just curious- why would you recommend West Windsor over New Brunswick? Both areas have come up a lot on my research.
Have you been to New Brunswick? There are a lot better options available. I don't know anything about northern NJ but many do, so they will weigh in. I would never consider New Brunswick, with or without children.
Mercer county where I live is expensive, whether you rent or buy, there are properties available in your price range and the train ride to NYC averages around 1 hr and 10 minutes unless you get the milk train.
Good luck!
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