Questions on Lawrenceville? - New Jersey (NJ) - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

MamaBee · 01-25-2008, 11:04 AM

Right, I was looking at places to move (out of state) and was appalled at the crime rating compared to Lawrence. I think it's all in the mind; I live close to Trenton with gang problems, etc. so I don't feel safe. However, I've never been the victim of a crime. About 4 years ago there were some break-ins in my neighborhood but it was all from one person that was caught. Other than that...nothing has happened near me. So the level of crime is very low. Interesting also, I rarely see the police around where I live. I'm sure that the actual town of Lawrenceville has an even lower crime rating.

CUTIG · 01-31-2008, 06:57 AM

As has been posted, most of Lawrence is a solid established community that I would feel comfortable in raising a family in. Most of the elementary schools and the high school are also established and sucessful. The high school and middle school have recently had major renovations and overall the school facilities are better than many in the county.

While some may suggest neighboring communities of Hopewell, Windsor or Princeton, you are paying a real premium for the perception of a safer (ie whiter) community. I personally don't think it's worth it, especially Princeton.

There is a "poor mans alternative" to the fine but expensive private schools identified in Notre Dame Catholic HS, although I would choose Lawrence High over that for quality of education, facilities and extracurricular opportunities.

If you do pursue looking at housing in the area, I would suggest you focus on the part of the township nearest to I-95.

b75 · 01-31-2008, 03:30 PM

I think I lived in the south end..if I made left out of my place the area was nice, if I made a right eeek....It was okay enough to live there alone as young woman BUT I wouldn't raise kids there...

Quote:

Originally Posted by MamaBee

If you're going to buy in Lawrenceville purchase a home in the North end, above 95...

I live in the South end and while it's not bad...if I had to do it all over again...

b75 · 01-31-2008, 03:33 PM

Montgomery...if you can get a a bigger lot b/c if you come into better finances you can maybe update/expand...OR if you aren't adverse to parochial schools buy in Lawrenceville & send the kids to catholic school for a fraction of the price - they don't have to be catholic to go (BTW I am not Catholic so I understand it isn't ideal but it's better then them going to a worse district.) Personally I'd buy the house in a better area for the kids.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UrbanQuest

I would love to, but the price.... Would it be more worth it to buy a smaller/older house in Princeton or Montgomery township than to buy a super nice one in Lawrenceville? Nothing against private schools, but your already shelling out a ton on property taxes there.

kebuzzi · 02-25-2008, 09:43 PM

I grew up in Lawrenceville, graduated high school in 2001. I had an wonderful experience growing up and often visit. I went to public school and thought the school system was overall pretty stellar. Alot of kids went to ivys or other top tier schools. I lived in the area right by the Lawrenceville school and that was a good choice by my parents. The houses on the other side of town, around Lawreneville Shopping Center, are smaller and much less desireable. Remember, your kids will end up being friends with other kids who live nearby, so you really should make the effort to live in the nicest past you can afford. The Lawrenceville Green and The Estates and very nice developments.

MamaBee · 02-26-2008, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kebuzzi

I lived in the area right by the Lawrenceville school and that was a good choice by my parents. The houses on the other side of town, around Lawreneville Shopping Center, are smaller and much less desireable. Remember, your kids will end up being friends with other kids who live nearby, so you really should make the effort to live in the nicest past you can afford.

Well, I happen to live near the Lawrence Shopping Center. I'm sure everyone wants a desireable home that's 3,000 square feet but not everyone can afford a $500,000 home in the north end, or the taxes that go with it. All the kids and teenagers in my neighborhood are good kids; don't cause any trouble.

MoorestownResident · 02-26-2008, 06:51 AM

I think if you stick near Rider or the Princeton side, you are fine. But I would buy in Hopewell, nicer area, better schools. My brother used to live there. You can get good value and a good amount of land for your money.

xpetexkx · 03-17-2008, 07:10 PM

we live off of darrah lane on rt 1 side pf princeton pike...dont know what part of lawrenceville this is considered....been here almost 2 yrs....havent heard anything bad about the schools from anyone...love that in this area the parents get together and walk their kids to school in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon...i asked a girl at coldstone in mercer mall that we knew that went to lawrence high school about it....she said it was a good school and she def didnt mention gangs...she was going ivy i think

LibertyandJusticeforAll · 03-18-2008, 11:30 AM

First of all why would you want to live in NJ. If you lived in Yardley before there should be no reason to really want to live in NJ since it now a TAX and spend state with typical no results from the government. It's a large welfare state. Taxes in Lawrence twp go up and up and the township is offering more of the same. So if your smart and want some freedom you might try PA first before getting a nice commute to princeton. Then again if you have alot of money then north Lawrenceville will be just find and so will the 15,000 a year taxes. New Jersey is an example of What America should not be and some people in this post are BLUE to the core and just love the welfare state, sustainable lawrence and all the other "inventive ways to spend tax dollars".