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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!
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.?
There are lots of lovely neighbourhoods in East Windsor. We looked at many homes in EW when we first moved here but found the property taxes to be rather high for the area. The schools are probably about average for the State, problem is, they get compared to neighbouring districts that are considered top performers in the State. They are, certainly, not crappy.
Hightstown is a small "doughnut hole" town in the middle of EW. We found the traffic in Hightstown to be heavy for such a small town. I don't know if people are cutting through from Rte. 130 to the Turnpike or what.
I don't know what the property taxes are now but check that out. Everything I have read about the mayor of EW is pretty good, she seems to have a good grip on the running/planning of that town.
...We found the traffic in Hightstown to be heavy for such a small town. I don't know if people are cutting through from Rte. 130 to the Turnpike or what. ...
The turnpike entrance is being moved closer to Twin Rivers and Rt. 133 (the Hightstown by-pass). Originally, the turnpike entrance was built close to town to cause more traffic to come through the town to increase business. Be careful what you wish for.
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.?
East Windsor is fine. Many people want the West Windsor or Princeton school districts.
A real estate agent told us once that she no longer handles real estate in East Windsor because people with school-age children only want West Windsor.
I live on the order of Middlesex/Mercer in West Windsor. I wish my home cost $200k. Not even close.
If you want good schools and cheap homes in this area, consider Plainsboro. You can get homes for as low as $450K and their school district is the best (or second best depending on which year).
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