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I am looking for opinions on good towns with good schools that are close to NJ Transit for commute to NYC in the 400K budget. We are considering Middletown, NJ as one such area and open to any and all advise and suggestions. Preferably affordable taxes, must have good schools (don't need the best, but need to be good, safe, decent), home prices 400K for 4 bedroom, close to NJ Transit. I know, hard to come by in NJ, but appreciate any advice!!
I would like to suggest Kenilworth. Commute from nearby Roselle Park train station to NY Penn is an hour depending on walk, commute to Wall St area is an hour, ten minutes depending on walk. Homes are in your price range. Average schools.
For your budget, it will be hard to find a 4 bedroom in a town with really good schools and decent commute to NY.
Rutherford. I just bought a nice 3br house with a yard that is a 38 min coommute to my office in midtown for 410k. Good schools. Taxes aren't great but that's nj. It even has recently renovated bathrooms and kitchen.
You can *certainly* get a great place under $400K but will have to dig dig dig to figure out where the best value is....it takes time. Can't do all the research online either - taxes might appear low but some towns have smaller homes on tiny lots bunched together. Flood areas, main roads, condition of homes - all concerns.
My suggestion is to go to open houses all over - even in areas that are both above and below your price range. You will get a feel for areas that way and will end up making an informed decision.
And be realistic. Every town has its positives and negatives. Consider both.
Some general advice.....drive an insanely hard bargain and be patient. A home is imo the worst investment one can make in this time period in America/NJ.
When it comes to buying a car, blue jeans, mayo or mustard - most people will be quite intelligent and wait for a sale.
When it comes to housing however - most people let the banks and realtors (and other debt/homeowners - many of whom are on this thread) dictate what things are worth.
A house is only worth what YOU (and others) are willing to be in debt for and with NJ going broke and taxes rising faster than wages - be very very careful. I have seen many a white-collar family make a horrendous decision.
It might take a year or more to find a good deal but it is a huge purchase, expense and responsibility and if done poorly, can cause major damage to your life. Caveat emptor.
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