These days house hunting is getting harder for home buyers especially in towns with close proximity to NYC NJ transit commutes.  You’ve seen it on the news, mortgage rates are slowly inching up and prices are following incremental increases depending on where the home is located.  With low housing inventory and increasing buyer interest, that combination is a recipe of disaster for hopeful home buyers and a recipe for a good fortune for home sellers.

What does this all mean for home buyers with homeownership goals? If you’ve set your family budget before you factored in your “home” budget, then I encourage you to stay the course and exercise patience.  If you’ve budget for a home under $300,000 and are interested in 1 or 2 towns, maybe an idea is to explore other towns.  You may need to widen your search area.  Make it fun!  Drive through the neighboring towns, research the schools (online resources are great), have lunch with the locals and soak it in.  Can you see yourself living here?

There are clients that are coming in from New York and don’t want to leave the state. I fully understand since I was one of those many moons ago.  Yet recently, I remarked I’m in LOVE with New Jersey now.  Don’t get me wrong, I still have an endearing fondness for New York, but now it’s more of a treat vs. a necessity.  If you find yourself in the same predicament as you’re searching for towns in New Jersey.  Then read on.  You’ll soon understand why so many New Yorkers and local Jersey folks have grown to love it here.

SPOTLIGHT TOWN | MAPLEWOOD NJ

There is so much to love about this town.  It’s quaint with tree lined streets and offers a nice sense of community.  Really.  There are so many new comers in the township that it’s easy to just wave a hello and receive a warm greeting in return. Now that’s neighborly!

Here are some of the best reasons to fall in love with Maplewood, NJ:

1. Staying on budget

Listen, I know what you’re thinking!  “It’s IMPOSSIBLE to find a home under $300,000 in the township.” And my response to you?   That is true.  To date, there are 3 homes under $300,000 and 2 of them have already accepted offers.  However, if you increase your budget by another $25,000, you’ll find 4 additional homes that could work.  And when you crunch the numbers on your handy mortgage calculator, you’ll find the monthly mortgage may still be within your budget parameters.  When you stay on budget, you can also focus on your other budget buckets: family budget, retirement budget, living budget, school budget, meals budget, travel budget and the list goes on.

2. Close to Jitney NYC

Here’s what so great about a commuter town!  If you’re not within walking distance to the train station, don’t fret the jitney is near!  Take a look at the map and see where your future home may be. Maplewood NJ Jitney Schedule is a helpful tool to navigate your search.

3. Brunch in Maplewood Village

Yes, moving to New Jersey does mean brunching with your partner and family!  Maplewood Village is dotted with some local favorite spots. Arturos Osteria & Pizza is a local favorite as are a ton of other eateries.  Hey you’re in New Jersey now so be sure to check out the diners! 

4. Culture lovers

The township is rife with creative and cultural activities for the whole family!  Be sure to check out the township’s Facebook page for up to date activities and Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts 

5. Parks Galore

Nothing seems to compare to NYC Central Park but when in the Garden State, you’ll find plenty of parks for a run, walk or just read a book.  Maplewood NJ has 6 parks to enjoy!

6. Community Pool

Pretty amazing to have a town pool serving the 24,000 residents (estimated) for those hot summer months.  With a paid membership, bring your family and friends!  Anyone say pool party?

Have you been looking in Maplewood NJ?  I would be happy to help you in this township and other towns close to commuter lines.

Here’s a beautiful starter home in Maplewood NJ that won’t last long!