Q Talk

[riley1]

Having lived in NJ for most of my life, I can tell you first hand it is beautiful & expensive - taxes in Passaic Cty where I was located were up to @ $13,000. And, a lot of areas in NJ have septic systems - something to consider. And yes, there are pretty areas and not so pretty areas with run down sections - you just have to be careful and drive around to different areas of NJ before you choose one spot. 

[RubyinNE]

Jack, Thanks for the information.  I think we're still in a place where we want our own home and backyard.  I will look into this though. 

Ruby

[RubyinNE]

Viviann, Yes, the areas change quite quickly. I am keeping that in my brain. DH and I both like to walk in the neighborhood.

[MyGirlsMom]

Waving hi to @RubyinNE!!!!  

I was thinking of you the other day..I remember when you posted photos of your soon to be married daughters wedding dress.

I've been away for 1 1/2 years so I miss the old regulars from viewpoints.

(MGM)

[RubyinNE]

Hi MGM!

I haven't been posting much either. Yes, it seems like only yesterday that my DD was getting married.  I'm a nana to a grandson, and a granddaughter is on the way in November. 

This new format is kind of strange.

I will try to post more often.

How are you doing?

Ruby

[FormerlyFabulous]

You may want to consider parts of Northern Ocean County like Point Pleasant and Toms River.Northern Ocean County in it's eastern parts has many housing options for 55 plus. The distance to South Orange is between one hour and hour and a half. How long has your DD lived in NJ?...perhaps she can offer some suggestions.

[KathyPet]

Sorry but I disagree with using Zillow for home pricing information.  Their estimates are wildly inaccurate.   Go to the realtor.com website and enter the city and state you want to look at listings for.  You can narrow to search by a certain price range, number of bedrooms and baths etc or just look at everything for sale in that town.  Full descriptions and photos are also available.  No password or sign up required.

[haddon9]

I agree with the poster who suggested to rent for a year.  Not only are prices high for a decent home but property taxes are ridiculous!  If you check Zillow you can see what the taxes are for any property.

I have a friend who lives in a very small home in a blue collar neighborhood in south Jersey (much cheaper than where you are looking).  Yet she pays the same property taxes on a very small bungelow that I do on a 4 bedroom colonial on a cul de sac in Bucks County, Pa which is right next to central Jersey.  A lot of people who live in my area work in NJ or NYC.

I would get a feel for the neighborhoods first before buying by living & renting for a while.  You might even consider southeastern Pa since taxes are so much more reasonable yet so close to NJ and NYC.

[Ibby114]

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@RubyinNE wrote:

ibb, At first my DD in NJ suggested Doylestown, PA, because of high prices.  We looked out there and decided 1 1/2 hours was too far away from where they live. Also, where are the 55+ communities. I haven't see any.

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Do a googleseach '55+ communities in northern nj'  and many options show up!

There are also  55+ communities in Monroe Township as well. That area is right off the NJ Tpke (exit 8 I believe)- probably  a 45//50 minute drive. 

[ChillyTulip]

Wow!  I think you may be the first person in the world who wants to move to Jersey after they retire!  Everyone is leaving this state in droves.  The latest property tax bill for us was almost $21,000.