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Hello. My wife and I have decided that the Union County-area is the most convenient area for us in terms of work. We are looking to purchase our first home and want to spend low 400's. Although this budget is tight, we have been able to find some decent homes in Springfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and Clark. We have a little one at home (and another on the way), so schools are important as well. Can someone give me the scoop on these towns; and any others that I may have missed? We are looking for a nice family-friendly town where we can grow, meet new people etc. Any info would be appreciated!!
OP mentioned Mountainside? Of the towns mentioned, i would reco Scotch Plains the most, particularly if the home is not right on the Plainfield border. They are all decent value-for-the-money towns, but usually Scotch Plains-Fanwood is the best school system and its also got some very nice areas near the Westfield border (and proximity to downtown WF)
Scotch Plains would be my recommendation out of the towns you listed. Best schools of the bunch( and really good overall)). Your budget will get you a cape, split or small colonial that needs a little updating.
It is the epitome of a nice, small, family friendly town. In many ways Scotch Plains and Fanwood can be considered as one community, although they are 2 different towns. They have a common school system, which was fantastic when I was there (I left for college in '73), and I suspect it is still very good.
Both have a variety of neighborhoods and housing at different price levels.
Springfield has free part time pre-k and full day kindergarten. If you are only planning to stay a few years, it might be a good choice (I really do not recommend it, the only people that make money on starter homes are brokers). But the north part of Springfield to the south part of Scotch Plains is pretty far, so I guess it depends on where you want to be in Union County
Scotch Plains / Fanwood are essentially the same thing, both are very nice and they share good schools. Clark schools are OK, (and by what I always notice) the town is not ethnically diverse (I see that as a negative). Springfield is also nice, but I think it had a few cutbacks to its arts (and other) programs a couple years back. Only Scotch Plains / Fanwood has a train station out of the bunch. Scotch Plains / Fanwood is on a slightly higher caliber than the other towns, more prestige. Scotch Plains / Fanwood would be my pick, but your money may go farther in Springfield in terms of taxes.
Hello. My wife and I have decided that the Union County-area is the most convenient area for us in terms of work. We are looking to purchase our first home and want to spend low 400's. Although this budget is tight, we have been able to find some decent homes in Springfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and Clark. We have a little one at home (and another on the way), so schools are important as well. Can someone give me the scoop on these towns; and any others that I may have missed? We are looking for a nice family-friendly town where we can grow, meet new people etc. Any info would be appreciated!!
I agree with the other posters- go for scotch plains/fanwood. Stay away from Plainfield border, but frankly all of the towns listed are low crime. Diversity would be a plus but safety for families comes first. I should note that the sleepy hollow/nether wood section of Plainfield is a nice section with some beautiful homes.
Last edited by King of the South; 08-01-2014 at 09:52 PM..
We moved to Scotch Plains last year. Very nice town. Crime free. Schools are good too. My only concern is tax. Scotch plains tax is ridiculously high. For 2014-2015, the average tax raise is 3% to 4% which is very high. Also there is no free pre school programs. Monthly fee is $325 for PreK Program. I love the commute to NYC. Very convenient. NJ Transit Express bus service to NYC is only 50 minutes on a normal weekday. Nice downtown and beautiful parks.
Hi I am a local realtor and have lived in Westfield, Cranford, and now live in Scotch Plains. Contact me if you would like any more detailed information about any of these towns or to see some current listing so you can compare them. I can be reached at robin.azcarraga@bhhsnj.com
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