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02-08-2010, 03:02 PM
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1 posts, read 2,219 times
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My husband, kids and I are finally considering the relocation to a northern NJ home from NYC. For excellent schools and reasonable taxes, we would be willing to spend up to $1.7m for a home with nice greenery (we'd rather spend much less). Beyond great schools, racial and ethnic diversity is also a value for us, as is some degree of walkable civic life (sidewalks, restaurants, maybe some cultural institutions, decent parks). Lastly, we work in NYC and will need to commute, preferably by public means.
Is ours the impossible dream? Any thoughtful suggestions or serious observations would be most appreciated.
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02-08-2010, 04:24 PM
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Location: New Jersey
4,085 posts, read 8,317,495 times
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Money and conscience? That's like oil and water...
Anyway, with your budget I'd recommend Ridgewood or Montclair.
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02-08-2010, 04:52 PM
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Location: Nashville, TN
2,865 posts, read 8,974,419 times
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I'd recommend Basking Ridge or Chatham. I know some nice people that live in both those places, and both commute to NYC. That area is in your budget.
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02-08-2010, 05:14 PM
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Location: The Sand Hills of NC
8,773 posts, read 17,024,905 times
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If you can find a better place to live than Peapack Gladstone with direct train service to Manhatten I would like to know. Those Millionaires in the late 1800's who brought the train directly to their country homes knew what they were doing. The luxury spa at Natirar is located in Peapack Gladstone along with some of the most beautiful scenery in NJ. You might find something comfortable for 1.7M. Cheap taxes are another story.
Good luck.
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02-08-2010, 06:35 PM
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Location: New Jersey
2,715 posts, read 11,006,895 times
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Glen Ridge--the section close to Montclair.
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02-08-2010, 07:37 PM
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Location: New Jersey
2,715 posts, read 11,006,895 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MPBsr
You poor thing. Can't afford a house 2mm plus.
Our hearts bleed for you trying to find the impossible dream.
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In NJ 2 million doesn't buy you much. For that price expect a very small house in an okay area. |
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02-08-2010, 07:42 PM
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Location: Montgomery County, PA
2,771 posts, read 5,978,132 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RadProf
My husband, kids and I are finally considering the relocation to a northern NJ home from NYC. For excellent schools and reasonable taxes, we would be willing to spend up to $1.7m for a home with nice greenery (we'd rather spend much less). Beyond great schools, racial and ethnic diversity is also a value for us, as is some degree of walkable civic life (sidewalks, restaurants, maybe some cultural institutions, decent parks). Lastly, we work in NYC and will need to commute, preferably by public means.
Is ours the impossible dream? Any thoughtful suggestions or serious observations would be most appreciated.
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I'd second some of the other recommendations -- look into Glen Ridge, Montclair and Ridgewood. |
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02-08-2010, 08:14 PM
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Location: Mid-Atlantic
30,877 posts, read 31,504,076 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnfrisco
In NJ 2 million doesn't buy you much. For that price expect a very small house in an okay area.
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OK, it's bad, but it's not that bad. You find the best school districts in the target area then compare to walkable town areas. Or, you find the town, house, and if the schools aren't up to snuff, send the kids to private. |
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02-08-2010, 08:33 PM
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32 posts, read 65,322 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RadProf
My husband, kids and I are finally considering the relocation to a northern NJ home from NYC. For excellent schools and reasonable taxes, we would be willing to spend up to $1.7m for a home with nice greenery (we'd rather spend much less). Beyond great schools, racial and ethnic diversity is also a value for us, as is some degree of walkable civic life (sidewalks, restaurants, maybe some cultural institutions, decent parks). Lastly, we work in NYC and will need to commute, preferably by public means.
Is ours the impossible dream? Any thoughtful suggestions or serious observations would be most appreciated.
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Mod cut
I think Montclair is what you're looking for. Very good private schools in the area too.
Last edited by Viralmd; 02-09-2010 at 05:33 AM..
Reason: Not apropos to the question at hand.
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02-08-2010, 09:20 PM
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6 posts, read 10,225 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnfrisco
In NJ 2 million doesn't buy you much. For that price expect a very small house in an okay area.
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Kidding, right? My parents have a 2k sqft house and the final cost after buying + fixing it up is right around $500k and we're in Bergen county. One of the worst counties for buying houses in NJ.
But then again, you might consider 2k sqft small. I sure as hell don't though. It's more than enough for a family of 4. |
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