Possible relocation???

Hey guys, need some help. I may have to relocate to the area the beginning of 2006. If so, the job will be in Iselin, NJ. I want to keep the commute under an hour if possible (train is fine, Metropark is a block away from the office). Where is the best place to live? Looking for something quiet with decent schools and reasonable taxes. Would like to spend ~$300k or so (so I don't have to go get a mortgage) and would like 3-4 bedrooms, ~2500 sq ft. NJ, NY, PA are all fine. Pipe dream?

 

You are definitely cutting it a bit tight with the budget, but Islin in not in Northern NJ which would put you way out of you're budget range in both cost and taxes. The concern you must keep in mind is "good" schools and community on a low budget. I know that it's possible being that you want to be close to Islin, but then again you get what you pay for around here these days...and you have to really PAY! You should check out the website of local realtors to get a "feel" for the market in your target location. Here's a start for you:

www.njmls.com (multiple listing service...a great reference for your search)
www.coldwellbanker.com (large realtor)

Good Luck!

 

On the bright side, we have another potential member of the EC club

 

Yes, but, I'll have to learn the language. Lived in the south way too long (but don't make fun of me, I'm from Montreal originally).

 

Good afternoon:

Looks like we will be seeing you in NJ pretty soon. There are a few areas you could move into but I would recommend a location in NJ because after a while you are not going to want to commute from state to state. The traffic and length of the trip daily is just going to drive you insane. I am actually a real estate agent so if you are interested in looking at a few homes feel free to ask. Iselin is about 15 miles from my location.

Now as for price, that is going to be a difficult one since NJ has been on the rise for the last several years. I did a quick search for you in Iselin and the surrounding areas and for around 2500 sq. feet you are looking at $375,000+.

Hope this information helps

Talk to you soon

Keith

 

He's just been itching to say that! LOL

 

ERIK

DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN???? AND WHAT AGES??

I HAVE LIVED IN NJ FOR 20 YRS AND I CAN HELP YA

BRUCE

 

Bruce:

No kids yet. Probably going to start when we get back. Only got married last November, and we didn't want to have them while over here.

 

Hopefully we will see you in the Tri State soon. Join the East Coast, you will love it.

 

Forget housing Erik. You have to first tell us what you're planning on doing with your two babies. Are they in Shanghai with you?

 

No, they are sitting in my warehouse in TN.

 

Betcha can't wait to get back...

 

That is the understatement of the year.

 

School district most important. And plan on paying an arm and a leg for property taxes.

I would suggest looking into the (surrounding) Princeton area (Plainsboro, Montgomery, West Windsor). I believe Plainsboro has the lowest taxes. All 1/2 an hour by train to Metropark.

If you want somewhere close, I would suggest Edison, East Brunswick (where Keith lives) or South Brunswick. Metuchen is also good.

$300k should get you a nice mid size townhouse in these towns.

Goodluck.

 

I am not sure about that one. I know the townhomes in my area are shooting for at least $350K but taxes are CRAZY!

 

Wife said no townhouse. Been there, done that. We're not the type that will bend over backwards during a home owners association meeting. We both can swear in about seven languages to make sure no one is left out.

Further out is fine if needed. I'd be willing to look at a smaller home (~2000 sqft) to get in the range. We're not planning on selling our lake house in Florida, so I don't need to be too close to the water...

 

Well what we can do is when you arrive we can look at a few houses if you would like or I will be able to look at what is on the market then.

 

I appreciate that. I'm just trying to get my ducks in a row. We're still talking about 16 months or so and I want to get a good understanding of the area before I jump into something blind. Thanks for your help.

 

Keith, Were you wearing your mustard colored Century 21 blazer when you made that post? ....."we"..... lol....

 

That's so wrong. So wrong!

...but funny.

 

ERIK

FOR 300K, YOU CAN FORGET ABOUT BERGEN, HUNDERTON, OR SOMERSET COUNTIES..IT WILL GET YOU A SHACK WITH HIGH TAXES...DO YOU NEED TO BE CLOSE TO NYC??

I WOULD SUGGEST THE PENNSYLVANIA ROUTE...CALL ME AND WE WILL TALK

888 882 6965

BRUCE

 

It is wrong but pretty funny. I would have to agree. I am with the Ballon People.

 

No problem. I would suggest trying some of the home sites to get a feel for the area.

 

No, I don't need to be close to the city. PA is fine. PM me you regular number (I'm overseas) and I'll give you a call over the weekend.

Thanks!