Relocating to New Jersey
 

Hi all,

I am relocating from New York City to Princeton (5 minutes from the Princeton Junction station) in February and would appreciate information about the best places to live. I would prefer to move somewhere in between Princeton and NYC so that my commute to either location will be reasonable. I am in my late 20's and single but plan to get married and have children in the next 5 years (keeping those fingers crossed!). Can anyone recommend something? Thanks in advance.

I recommend Metuchen, NJ.

Are you thinking about renting or buying a house? Give us an idea as to what you can afford and you may get more help.

Having taught in Metuchen for many years I feel it is ideal for your suggested commute by train into NYC but the houses and real estate taxes are quite high.

Thanks for the responses.

I am looking to buy a 2-3 bedroom house for under $500K somewhere between New York City and Princeton.

What are the housing prices and real estate tax in Metuchen?

We've moved from NJ and I couldn't give you exact figures. Check the newspapers or go online. Since you want a smaller house you may be able to do it but Metuchen has practically no rateables so its real estate taxes are quite high compared to other areas in NJ. However walking to the train station (the town is quite small) gives it a great plus for commuting.

I'd recommend you forget about NJ and move to the Atlanta, Georgia area. Plenty of great jobs and just outside Atlanta - 30 miles - you can buy a 4-5 bedroom, 4000 S/F home - brand new on a golf course for $400-500, and your taxes will be in the 4K range. What would the cost and taxes be in NJ?

I would stick with the Jersey plan. Have had a couple of friends and one colleague return reently from stints in Atlanta. They all hated it - the heat, the lack of a real downtown, the fact that there are few walkable neighborhoods - and most of all the lack of museums and theater.

With your plan you wold have relatively easy access to both New York and Philly - IMHO a much better plan overall.

Thanks for the Metuchen rec. I'll look into it.

Anyone have any other recommendations for nice towns in New Jersey between Princeton and NYC?

Hi Sprite:

I have lived in New Jersey for over 22 years.

Westfield is a wonderful "town" . It is close to commute distance to NYC and about 1 hour from Princeton.

Although I have never been there, Money Magazine rated "Moorestown" the "Best Place to Live" in the USA ( although I find that quite hard to believe!! The best place in the USA!!! But that town is closer to Philly

JOhn

I agree with the poster who suggested Westfield and Metuchen, though both can be pricey. Plainsboro (right next to Princeton Junction) is cute -- no "starter" homes there, but you can get a four-bedroom for $450 and up. Also, Piscataway (a few miles from Metuchen) is friendly, slightly more affordable and has a solid school system. Property taxes there run about $6000-8000/year. Not sure on Plainsboro, but I believe taxes are fairly low there as well (for NJ!).

Good luck! You'll love having a lawn. :)

Many people who work in Princeton live in Pa. Bucks county area. Although it is not cheap it is more reasonable than N.J closer to N.Y the more expensive it becomes. More historical homes, I would think. There is Washington Crossing area, Newtown, etc. Just another option.

Have you considered Maplewood? It's got a great little downtown area, nice neighborhoods (some with a daily shuttle to the in-town city train!)...
Good luck~