For those looking to escape city life in favor of a safe, suburban community – or for those looking to make a jump from one such community to another – Bergen County is a top destination in New Jersey. A safe haven just a hop and a skip from bustling Manhattan, Bergen County has copious small towns within it, eighteen of which were named the Best Places to Live on NJ Month’s magazine list of 100 Top Towns. In particular, the Mahwah Township in Bergen County came in at number nine.
The median purchase price for a family home in Bergen County is $425,000. At present, the most affordable township within Bergen County is Ridgefield Park Village, where the average price for a family home is less than $385,000.
Bergen County has the highest county population in the state of New Jersey, and it’s continuing to grow. Many factors contribute to the overall attractiveness of life here. With its proximity to Manhattan, those who have business that keeps them in Manhattan by day are able to commute easily each morning and evening while still maintaining a family lifestyle in the safe suburban world of Bergen County. Further, those wishing to go to Manhattan often for entertainment find the commute similarly brief and doable.
Bergen County has been named one of the highest-income counties in the United States, and due to its affluent population offers a lifestyle that – while not terribly out of reach – is extremely attractive to young families. From in-town entertainment to great school districts and beyond, Bergen County is a destination for families. With plenty of parks, quiet outdoor spaces, and homes with yards, Bergen County is great for those seeking respite from the bustle of the city. In fact, Sundays in Bergen County are especially quiet – a county law requires that all stores but grocery stores close on Sundays.
If you are considering a move to Bergen County, you should be aware that the property taxes in Bergen County are some of the highest in the United States. To offset that cost, you will want to sell your current home at the highest price possible. Some effective upgrades to homes that increase selling prices are window and siding replacement as well as minor remodeling in the kitchen. A complete remodel of the kitchen or any area of the home is not recommended, though, as the cost of such renovations are not typically recouped with an increased selling price.
Upon finding your new dream home in Bergen County, it is of course important to have a home inspection performed by a licensed NJ home inspector. As with any professional associated with home ownership, purchasing, or remodeling, ensure that the inspector you decide to work with is licensed, operates with a reputable company, and has professional references to back up his or her credentials.
As a destination for young families, Bergen County continues to grow in popularity. If you and your family are looking for a safe community within a short commuting distance from Manhattan, Bergen County may just be your answer.