Salary to live in New Jersey?

coolatta19 · Nov 18, 2004

My husband works in Newark, but we chose to live much, much further south. We live in Burlington county and it takes him an hour to get to work (works the night shift). We were able to find a 3 bedroom 1 bath house for under $240,000. It's one heck of a commute for my poor husband, but we're happy.
We also moved here recently from out of state. We were told that northern NJ is very congested and much more expensive than southern NJ. In fact, a friend of mine from southern NJ described northern NJ as 'yuck'. Now of course I can't say whether or not it's really that bad because I don't live there and very seldom go up that way.
One of my biggest surprises about this state is that it's very pretty! Well, at least in the more rural areas.
You know, overall, I like it here.:)

Hi Kar212!

Don't believe everything your friend tells you. North or Central Jersey are not "yuck." I live in Central (Somerset County) and my township is lovely. And you're right, Jersey is a beautiful state. Have you driven up North, say, around Hunterdon or Somerset Counties? In the fall, certains towns are gorgeous. One thing for sure, it is more expensive up here, I can agree to that. My husband also works in Newark (the port) and I know what that drive is like. I urge you to explore a little more of Jersey...:)

Regards,

Coolatta

in Somerville

Faby · Nov 27, 2004

Hi Kar212!
Don't believe everything your friend tells you. North or Central Jersey are not "yuck." I live in Central (Somerset County) and my township is lovely. And you're right, Jersey is a beautiful state. Have you driven up North, say, around Hunterdon or Somerset Counties? In the fall, certains towns are gorgeous. One thing for sure, it is more expensive up here, I can agree to that. My husband also works in Newark (the port) and I know what that drive is like. I urge you to explore a little more of Jersey...:)
Regards,
Coolatta
in Somerville

Hi Coolatta. how is it living in Somerset? I mean, how much should I make to have a pleasant life? Is it as expensive as itis said?

Thank you

laurasc · Nov 28, 2004

Well, I want to thank you all for your replies. The job possibility for my hubbs in NJ fell through and he ended up taking another position in a town about 30 miles from here. It's about a 40 minute drive through what I call "Cow patty land" (farmland) but he's very happy there.

But your description of NJ has peaked my interest and we may just vacation there one day.

Thanks again!

coolatta19 · Nov 30, 2004

Hi Coolatta. how is it living in Somerset? I mean, how much should I make to have a pleasant life? Is it as expensive as itis said?
Thank you

Hi Faby! If you want to own a home in Somerset County, it's high priced but doable. Somerset County is the wealtiest county in Jersey and I believe the most diverse. We chose Somerville because the diversity and school system. A 3 bed/ 1.5 bath home will run you about $250,000 for starters...that's a Cape...or a Colonial that needs TLC...Property taxes are higher as well...For the home I just mentioned, you can expect to pay around $5000 & up yearly...

To rent, a one bedroom starts at about $750, 2 bed $950 & up....

There is mass public trans everywhere...on time most of the time...:-)

As for salary, I would say to live comfortably, 2 incomes of at least $100,000 and up. If you don't have children, you can live on less and if your single and renting at least $45,000. Hope this helps!

Take care!