Choosing an Essex Town

Choosing the Best Town in Essex County for You

I recommend that you start with writing down a list of what is important to you in a town. What are you looking for in the community? What are your needs? Your family's needs? Maybe you're unsure of the answers which is common. Some things of importance when choosing the best town in Essex County for you may include:

• THE SCHOOL SYSTEM: If you have children, intend to in the future or even if you don't plan on having any children, you should care about the school system.  Communities begin with their school system and good schools increase property values. If the schools are compromised, not only do the students and schools suffer, so does the community and property values. The Best High Schools in Essex County, New Jersey in rank order were listed on the Essex County Home page.  Another good source is Essex County, New Jersey's 2010 School Report Card.

  

• COMMUTE TO NEW YORK: One great thing about buying a home in one of the towns in Essex County is its close proximity to New York. If you work in the city, how do you want to commute? By car, bus or rail? Do you want to be within walking distance to a bus stop or rail? The Midtown Direct Rail Lines serves the Orange, Highland Avenue, Mountain and South Orange train stations; also leaves from Pine Street, Montclair (off Bloomfield Avenue Montclair) and Glen Ridge Station.

• PROPERTY VALUES AND TAXES: What is the average residential Essex County property value in the town? What was it five years ago? Ten years ago? Have the property values appreciated or depreciated? What is the average property tax bill? Remember the property taxes will be factored into your monthly mortgage payment. On another note, you may pre-approved for a $350,000 mortgage on a house with $6,000 taxes but if you are looking at a $350,000 house with property taxes of $12,000 - you most likely will not qualify for a $350,000 mortgage any longer. If your loan officer did not explain this scenario when issuing your pre-approval, call him/her and have them explain this to you. Can you afford the current property values and taxes? Compare Towns Stats in Essex County to measure data including demographics, property tax, ratable, crime and municipal employee staffing data for all 566 municipalities in New Jersey.  Governor Chris Christie just launched YourMoney.NJ.Gov, another great site for public data.

• CRIME RATE: Being safe in your home and in the town in Essex County  you choose is top priority. Contact the local police department or check the Internet to find out more about the crime level.

• LOCATION: "Location, location, location" is one phrase that you will always hear when choosing a home but location is important when choosing a town in Essex County too. I've covered commuting to New York above, but not everyone needs a commute to New York. If you need to commute to your job, does the time and commuting cost make sense to you? What proximity would you like to be to public transportation, highways, hospitals, your job, houses of worship and your relatives? Are you looking for urban or suburban? What's the Walk Score?   

• IMPRESSION: the same town in Essex County and neighborhood you saw during the day can be a totally different at night. The same thing can be said about rush hour traffic. Visiting different towns in Essex County at different times of the day and different days of the week and weekend is suggested. 

Whether you are relocating, moving to a new area or buying your first home in Essex County, New Jersey, taking the time to outline your needs will help ensure you make the right choice when choosing the best town in Essex County for you and its ok if you find that a few towns in Essex County satisfy your needs.  As Your Essex County Real Estate Agent, I will take them time to go through the Steps on How to Buy a Home, from choosing the best town(s) in Essex County to finding the right property and moving in..........

.....Whatever your real estate needs are and whatever your price range is, there's a home for you in Essex County that fits your lifestyle and pocketbook.  

Make Essex County.....Home

 
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