Chatham Boro vs something else? (relocating from NYC) (Westfield, Maplewood: renting, house)
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Hello!
My family is looking to move to NNJ; we live in Brooklyn, NY.
Husband and I are mid 30s. He works in Florham Park and I'm a SAHM to three children under the age of three. Before taking a child care leave, I was a public school teacher (and may return to work once the kids are in school full-time.)
We would like to find a town that is child friendly ... schools first, but also playgroups, classes, activities, etc.
Husband does travel to Manhattan (often, but not daily) so we would like the convenience of a direct line to Penn.
A pedestrian downtown/Main Street appeals to me as well - I would really dislike a strip-mall style area (not quite sure what terms are most accurate, so no intention to offend.) I don't need a Lord & Taylor that I can walk to, but maybe coffee, restaurants, small shops, and the like.
We require a 4 bedroom house and have *almost* narrowed it down to Chatham. Before making a decision, however, I'm wondering if I'm neglecting a town that might work for us equally well, if not better.
We have tossed around Westfield and Summit. Any reasons to look at these towns more in depth? Any reason to avoid these two towns as well? Additionally, is there some obvious choice that I'm completely missing? Does Chatham sound like it may be a good fit for our family?
I don't want to leave Brooklyn too far behind, so going much further isn't really an option.
Hello!
My family is looking to move to NNJ; we live in Brooklyn, NY.
Husband and I are mid 30s. He works in Florham Park and I'm a SAHM to three children under the age of three. Before taking a child care leave, I was a public school teacher (and may return to work once the kids are in school full-time.)
We would like to find a town that is child friendly ... schools first, but also playgroups, classes, activities, etc.
Husband does travel to Manhattan (often, but not daily) so we would like the convenience of a direct line to Penn.
A pedestrian downtown/Main Street appeals to me as well - I would really dislike a strip-mall style area (not quite sure what terms are most accurate, so no intention to offend.) I don't need a Lord & Taylor that I can walk to, but maybe coffee, restaurants, small shops, and the like.
We require a 4 bedroom house and have *almost* narrowed it down to Chatham. Before making a decision, however, I'm wondering if I'm neglecting a town that might work for us equally well, if not better.
We have tossed around Westfield and Summit. Any reasons to look at these towns more in depth? Any reason to avoid these two towns as well? Additionally, is there some obvious choice that I'm completely missing? Does Chatham sound like it may be a good fit for our family?
I don't want to leave Brooklyn too far behind, so going much further isn't really an option.
Many thanks,
Enza
I do not think you can go wrong with Chatham or Chatham Twp., they are wonderful places to raise a family and have consistently been at the top of the lists as far as great schools. Don't forget to look at the Twp as well as the borough, because even when you are in much of the Twp you are only minutes from the downtown area of the borough. I'd add Madison to your list to check out as well, it is located right next door. If you search on C/D for threads on these towns you will find a wealth of info.
While Westfield has a lot going for it, it has several major drawbacks, not the least of which is the outrageous taxes. Summit has a wonderful downtown, but does not seem to have the small town cohesiveness and sense of community that you will find in the Chathams or Madison. While overall Summit is safe, parts of Summit are also a bit sketchy. Summit also has higher taxes then you will find in the Chathams or Madison.
If you live Chatham Township, you do not have parking privileges at the train station. Only the borough does. Therefore, you get more bang for your buck in the township.
If you live Chatham Township, you do not have parking privileges at the train station. Only the borough does. Therefore, you get more bang for your buck in the township.
...and you have the privilage of having a "chatitude". (well known in chatham).
I do not think you can go wrong with Chatham or Chatham Twp., they are wonderful places to raise a family and have consistently been at the top of the lists as far as great schools. Don't forget to look at the Twp as well as the borough, because even when you are in much of the Twp you are only minutes from the downtown area of the borough. I'd add Madison to your list to check out as well, it is located right next door. If you search on C/D for threads on these towns you will find a wealth of info.
While Westfield has a lot going for it, it has several major drawbacks, not the least of which is the outrageous taxes. Summit has a wonderful downtown, but does not seem to have the small town cohesiveness and sense of community that you will find in the Chathams or Madison. While overall Summit is safe, parts of Summit are also a bit sketchy. Summit also has higher taxes then you will find in the Chathams or Madison.
HTH
KoalaNJ
Compared to where? Westfield's taxes aren't any more outrageous than the Chathams or Madison. They certainly aren't on par with Maplewood or Glen Ridge.
Compared to where? Westfield's taxes aren't any more outrageous than the Chathams or Madison. They certainly aren't on par with Maplewood or Glen Ridge.
A quick search on Trulia indicates that the taxes on an approx. $600,000 home in Westfield is over $13,000, while the taxes in Chatham or Madison for an approx $600,000 home is around $8,000 to 9,000. That is what I based my statement on - checking multiple listings in the price range in all the communities mentioned.
A quick search on Trulia indicates that the taxes on an approx. $600,000 home in Westfield is over $13,000, while the taxes in Chatham or Madison for an approx $600,000 home is around $8,000 to 9,000. That is what I based my statement on - checking multiple listings in the price range in all the communities mentioned.
KoalaNJ
I can vouch for this having shopped in Westfield last year. Most homes starting around that range $600k or so), where about $12k. Some smaller homes, capes, that still had 70s carpeting would have lower taxes of about $8-$10k but that's without your remodeling dollars
Madison was a bit lower $8-11K but in the $600k bracket you were almost looking at only capes. Once you went to the next bracket of larger style homes than your taxes were also creeping up in the $12s and up....
...and you have the privilage of having a "chatitude". (well known in chatham).
I don't live in Chatham but definitely spend alot of time there. I never sensed the Chatitude. Chatham is a nice town but many of the homes are ehh, and some don't even maintain their lawns. Also, Chatham's downtown isn't all that interesting. It is fine but not uber exciting. Also, the place is a ghost town on Sunday. Nothing is open.
What's your budget? Renting or buying? Job location?
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