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I don't know that I would consider these counties "cheap", but they may be cheaper than other counties in NJ because they are kind of in no-mans-land as far as commuting to NYC or Philly. They are basically stuck in between the 2 metro areas which may be a good thing in some ways, but commuting to either city is not easy compared to towns in Bergen or Essex County (to NYC), and Burlington County (to Philly).
Well it seems that a few of the postings I found were in "adult communities" but weren't very clearly categorized as such - which would explain why they were cheap. I work in Newark and my husband is trying to find work (in nonprofit fundraising) basically anywhere in the tri-state area at this point. We'll keep exploring this area since it's between NYC and Philly, but any other advice for areas commutable to the "hubs" that are both pleasant AND affordable?
Well it seems that a few of the postings I found were in "adult communities" but weren't very clearly categorized as such - which would explain why they were cheap. I work in Newark and my husband is trying to find work (in nonprofit fundraising) basically anywhere in the tri-state area at this point. We'll keep exploring this area since it's between NYC and Philly, but any other advice for areas commutable to the "hubs" that are both pleasant AND affordable?
Keep checking communities along the NJ TRansit NEC
Hamilton (08691), Lawrence/Lawrenceville (08648), South Brunswick (08540, 08824), Franklin Park (08823), North Brunswick (08902)
In central jersey, if its cheap, its usually because of two factors, perceived reputation of school district, and lack of commuting options into NYC.
I say "perceived" because I'm not one to throw a lot of weight around and overpay to be in a "premier" school district. A lot of folks do that. Nothing too good for my billy/jane syndrome. As far as commuting, if you cant make it from your door to your office seat in 1.5 hours, then that commute is one many would consider to be undesireable. All of the townships i have listed above have good schools and are close to NJ transit stations for easy commutes into the city.
It must depend where you are within Middlesex, my parents' 3BR house in Highland Park (lots Rutgers professors living in HP, almost no crime, so-so schools) would go for 400K+ now.
But HP is a really nice place to live & is super close to the New Brunswick or Edison train stations. Commuting to Newark is nothing. I'm sure you could find a house closer to 200-300K in HP, especially if you only need 2 bedrooms.
It must depend where you are within Middlesex, my parents' 3BR house in Highland Park (lots Rutgers professors living in HP, almost no crime, so-so schools) would go for 400K+ now.
But HP is a really nice place to live & is super close to the New Brunswick or Edison train stations. Commuting to Newark is nothing. I'm sure you could find a house closer to 200-300K in HP, especially if you only need 2 bedrooms.
Yes, but more than likey it will be either on the south side close to Edison or in the "triangle". Anything on the north side or "presidential" section would have to be in pretty bad shape to sell for that little. That kind of money could go further elsewhere.
I understand what that means in theory, but what does that translate to in practice? Does that reduce the value of a home, should I be worried about crime, etc.?
My husband and I have started looking for houses near the border of Mercer and Middlesex counties (Hightstown, East Windsor, etc.) and I have found some great looking single family homes that aren't listed as short sales and are well under $200K. We would be first time home buyers, no kids yet, and we're also from Michigan (moved here just a few months ago) - am I missing something?
We're completely fine with more blue collar areas because that's what we're used to in Michigan. And we're hoping for a nice sized yard. Is there a problem with crime in these areas, a depressed economy, horrible schools, or what? We currently live in Morris county, which we like, but we'd rather get more for our money!
Hello there,
The homes in the area you mention are priced due to what the market can bear. Hightstown is a historical town so it attracts alot of tourists and also some of the homes are much older. You are close to the New Jersey Turnpike as well and NJ transit trains. Also, look at the school systems if you have children or not but that is a big factor in price of homes as well as property taxes. As a realtor I do alot of business in Middlesex County and as you move North into Middlesex County you start to see a rise in home prices due to commutability, younger homes and services the communities offer.
If you need additional information please contact me at [EMAIL="DanSurman@KWRealty.com"]DanSurman@KWRealty.com[/EMAIL]
If $400,000 is cheap,then its time for me to reconsider Nj as a predominate middle class state.
That's almost 4x my salary,and I make $100,000.
No wonder that many people rent in Nj. That's not cheap.
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