Longshot but any Essex County NJ folks here

So DH and I decided to take the plunge and start looking at houses. We are planning on buying early-mid next year.

Right now we live in Manhattan and work in Manhattan. We crossed LI off our lists for various reasons but mainly because of the commute and the exorbitant cost of the LIRR.

I started to do a google search and heard good things about Montclair, W. Orange, S. Orange area. We took a drive around the areas last week and fell in love. I love the feel of the neighborhoods (tree lined streets, parks, etc) and from some google searches it seems like the houses have a lot more character which I love plus a lot of young families that have transplanted from Brooklyn which is cool.

I know the taxes are high and I hear mixed reviews on the school districts. Does anyone have any input? We are also open to the surrounding areas as long as they have the same feel. Our budget is under $450K. Is that doable? Thanks.

Message edited 8/14/2013 5:37:17 PM.

Re: Longshot but any Essex County NJ folks here

I grew up in Essex County ! Let me know if you have any questions. I know a lot about those areas and was going to mention high taxes and iffy school systems. Plus some areas are much nicer than other areas in each town. Some parts have mansions, gorgeous tudors, older colonials etc but other areas are not as nice or safe.

Parts of Montclair and South Orange that have the restaurants, cafe's, shopping etc are really nice and I go there a lot.

FM me if you have any questions and I can go into more detail about what I know.

Its further out but have you looked at Summit or Westfield ??

Re: Longshot but any Essex County NJ folks here

I agree with the PP, I would stay away from the Oranges, the school are not as great. Essex county is also going to give you higher taxes.

If you want to be close to Manhattan also take a look at Bergen County.
I love Tenafly, Closter, Demerast and there is one more town that I can't think of that is in that circle, so to speak. They have a great school system too.

I am in Central Jersey and love our area. With the express bus it is about 60-70 minutes.

Longshot but any Essex County NJ folks here

I don't live there but, I have coworkers who live in Fairfield and Cedar Grove and love it there. The train service is eh - the friend in Fairfield takes the bus.

Longshot but any Essex County NJ folks here

I rented in South Orange for a period and didn't like it. I felt like certain areas of town weren't safe. I also had to drive through very bad areas to get there. IMO, it is way too close to East Orange / Irvington (very high crime areas). But i guess the other side of town might be more desirable.

Message edited 8/18/2013 3:06:57 PM.

Re: Longshot but any Essex County NJ folks here

If you like the looks of south orange and Montclair, then what about looking in Milburn ? They have a downtown with shops and restaurants , you are right by short hills mall and they have one of the best, top rated school systems ? You can also look in summit. They are right by Essex county but in union. Very cute town with charming homes.

There is a lot of very not safe parts in the oranges.

Longshot but any Essex County NJ folks here

Thanks everyone. Definitely taking everyones input into consideration. Yes I agree with the above poster the proximity to Newark and Irvington scares me..we are still researching.