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We're considering a relo from Southern California (Orange County) to N.J. working in Carlstadt. Looking for cities with young families similar to O.C., mixture perhaps of newer and older/eclectic homes - definitely updated, larger homes w/larger lots and kid-friendly. We currently have a single-story 3000+ sqft home, 4 bed/3 ba, 16,000 sq. ft. lot, so looking for something comparible with excellent schools for younger kids.
W/o knowing your budget, I would suggest Ridgewood or Glen Ridge. These are affluent neighborhoods that may have what you would generally be looking for - new/old, larger homes and perhaps larger lots. You get what you pay for. Don't count out Montclair either.
We're considering a relo from Southern California (Orange County) to N.J. working in Carlstadt. Looking for cities with young families similar to O.C., mixture perhaps of newer and older/eclectic homes - definitely updated, larger homes w/larger lots and kid-friendly. We currently have a single-story 3000+ sqft home, 4 bed/3 ba, 16,000 sq. ft. lot, so looking for something comparible with excellent schools for younger kids.
since you are coming from orange county, i'm taking a guess that your budget is over $1million?
i agree that ridgewood would be a good place to check out. great schools, great downtown. the downside though is that the driving commute on rt 17 depending on the time of day could be disasterous.
i'd also suggest checking out chatham and summit. both have excellent schools systems. summit has a great downtown. chatham twp you will be able to get a little more house and land for your money.
Re: budget, $1M-1.3M likely, but wouldn't mind staying below $1M if possible. For commute to Carlstadt, under 1 hour one-way would be ideal - assuming typical 7:30am-6pm work day.
Re: budget, $1M-1.3M likely, but wouldn't mind staying below $1M if possible. For commute to Carlstadt, under 1 hour one-way would be ideal - assuming typical 7:30am-6pm work day.
Why not under 1/2 hr. given gas prices, NJ auto insurance rates, and your LONG working hours? NJ auto insurance rates will be proportional to commute distance.
For Carlstadt I would recommend Rutherford, Heights (Hasbrouck Heights), Wood-Ridge, maybe Wallington (up on the hill), River Edge all in Bergen County. Since you do not work in NYC I see no advantage at all of living in Essex County (e.g Glen Ridge, Maplewood). It would be insane if you considered Essex County due to the tax load and crazy commute by car IMO. Unless of course if you enjoy paying high taxes (as some in NJ actually do).
Quote:
Originally Posted by KewlGuy
Rutherford sounds like what you're looking for. You can also try Hasbrouck Heights. Both of these towns are just a short distance from Carlstadt.
Bingo !
Last edited by Spincycle; 08-01-2008 at 06:16 PM..
We're considering a relo from Southern California (Orange County) to N.J. working in Carlstadt. Looking for cities with young families similar to O.C., mixture perhaps of newer and older/eclectic homes - definitely updated, larger homes w/larger lots and kid-friendly. We currently have a single-story 3000+ sqft home, 4 bed/3 ba, 16,000 sq. ft. lot, so looking for something comparible with excellent schools for younger kids.
Its a major downgrade in quality of life IMO (to go from OCCa to NoNJ).
A plunge perhaps.
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