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We are fed up with Bergen County taxes, crowds and shops closed on Sundays... We used to commute to NYC so it made sense at the time, but now we don't. We want to stay in NJ but really aren't familiar with any other area.
Any suggestions of areas and specific towns where we can find what everybody always looks for: good schools, safe community, reasonable home prices and taxes. We would like to be near a Jewish community but we are not really observant so it's not a must. Our budget is $370K for a 4-5 bedroom house.
Westfield is nice..study that area..still close to NY.
Since no need for NY anymore..hell.. NJ is open galore for the money you can spend. Lots of places central to south Jersey since you gave up with north Jersey.
Since you said no need for NY..I figure kids all gone..at retirement age..plenty in Ocean county and more south for guys in your boat...most way cheaper then North jersey but more open space and a life alive feelings I suppose at your age group ( if at retirement age).
Personally I like northern Passaic county area (Wanaque, Ringwood, West Milford, etc). Close enough to Bergen county as well.
But its not for everyone. If you could say a little more about yourself (age, kids, what you enjoy, where you work, etc) people would be able to give you some better help.
Some more about us: He works from home - could live anywhere as long as there is Internet connection and lots of coffee , I'm looking for work. I'm in healthcare - happily, it's in a field that has jobs openings just about anywhere in NJ, although I'm trying to find the right fit so I'm casting my net wide in terms of geography and types of facilities. So it's really just a decision of where I want to center that job search. We have two school age kids, so good school are a must. We're not big shore people, but we do like nature and green spaces. Nature trails and playgrounds would be appreciated. We'd love to find a place with clean, well kept sports facilities - indoor swimming is a year round thing for a few of us and Bergen County pools are old and crowded. A good community center or JCC would be perfect. A reform or conservative Hebrew School that we could afford would be awesome - right now the kids are missing out on that due to our tight finances. We enjoy small towns with a real center, like strolling down the main street in Princeton (yeah, I know, very $$) or New Hope. Shopping and malls are not our thing, but we love a good bookstore and lively library. Hope that helps.
I've gotten a few suggestions from people but don't know how appropriate they are for us.
How is New Brunswick / Highland Park area?
Does anyone know anything about Hunterdon County?
How about the towns around Princeton - any good value places that we could afford?
Is Vorhees and Cherry Hill a reasonable area price wise?
If you plan to settle long term, you might want to get an idea about the current pollution in NJ. This site will help: Pollution Locator: USA
Just plug in a zip code, and it will provide county specific data on toxic chemicals, smog, superfund sites, air quality, water. You can further look up which companies contribute to what (once you narrow down the search).
I would not favor Toms River or Ringwood due to the above considerations.
Just looked up Brick and was very encouraged by the prices of homes. Looks like it's right in our budget. Now, how are the public schools there? Any areas to avoid..? Thanks everyone, you are being helpful
Just looked up Brick and was very encouraged by the prices of homes. Looks like it's right in our budget. Now, how are the public schools there? Any areas to avoid..? Thanks everyone, you are being helpful
Public schools are good. It's also an extremely safe community, so no real areas to avoid. There are a couple condo complexes that have some trouble (it's rented to some section 8 people) but unless you live in the complex itself, it's out-of-sight, out-of-mind. There are a good number of parks, including Windward Beach (which is on the water and where they have summer concerts) and the town just purchased a huge marina on the bay and are developing it as a park and town marina site. Obviously, Pt. Pleasant is next door for plenty of fun.
If you're looking for Jewish-related activities, there is Temple Beth Or in town. I'm not Jewish personally, but I've met the rabbi there and he's a great guy. Plus, Lakewood is nearby so the sky is the limit in that sense.
wow, thanks. Good info. Is this a year-round community or is it deserted in the winter?
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, I'm looking for work. I'm in healthcare - happily, it's in a field that has jobs openings just about anywhere in NJ, although I'm trying to find the right fit so I'm casting my net wide in terms of geography and types of facilities. So it's really just a decision of where I want to center that job search. We have two school age kids, so good school are a must. We're not big shore people, but we do like nature and green spaces. Nature trails and playgrounds would be appreciated. We'd love to find a place with clean, well kept sports facilities - indoor swimming is a year round thing for a few of us and Bergen County pools are old and crowded. A good community center or JCC would be perfect. A reform or conservative Hebrew School that we could afford would be awesome - right now the kids are missing out on that due to our tight finances. We enjoy small towns with a real center, like strolling down the main street in Princeton (yeah, I know, very $$) or New Hope. Shopping and malls are not our thing, but we love a good bookstore and lively library. Hope that helps. 
