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Apartment complex hunting

For 2010, I've promised myself to get out of the parents' house and into a spot of my own. I *hope* to take advantage of the continuing first-time home buyers tax credit by purchasing something, however I have to wait until about March to find out how my job salary is going to continue :-)

To that end, I've also been keeping in mind the possibility of renting (as much as I get flack for even thinking about it). I would like to get opinions on complexes and locations that have been favorable to renters like yourself (if you do). My company is rumored to be moving to Morristown in 2010 however location is kind of a factor but not super critical.

The following locales I have considered so far: Parsippany, Morris Plains/Cedar Knolls, Morristown, Morris Township, Basking Ridge, Pluckemin, Bedminster, Berkeley Heights, Chatham, and Springfield (and any other small boros which may be near them). As wacky as it may be, I'm also considering as far south as Matawan, Laurence Harbor, and Sayerville. I am open to other suggestions.

I am pretty simple when it comes to my space however I do try to obtain the very best for myself and within my means.. Some of the things that are borderline requirements are:

- Large 1 bedroom or a 2-bedroom place
- Attached garage (I own a motorcycle and work on my own car)
- Easy access to public transit (bus, train to Hoboken/NYC)
- Washer/dryer in unit or in the complex
- Pet-friendly (don't have any just yet but will)
- A friendly, courteous Superintendent
- Pool, tennis, fitness area would be fantastic but are not dealbreakers

I am looking to do this on my own, no roommates as much as that would be cool. I've lived with people my whole life and need a break lol.

Please share your experiences and recommendations. Thanks very much for your help.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jacqueline Durett on December 27, 2009 at 3:17pm

Hi there! I live in a townhouse in Sayreville. However, while we don't have a lot of apartment complexes here, there is one on the border of Sayreville and Old Bridge: Winding Woods. Avoid at all costs! Lots of crime and it's in the middle of nowhere. (Sorry to offend if anyone lives there.)

Laurence Harbor/Matawan near the Parkway has some nice places.

Feel free to message me, as I've lived in plenty of apartments, including in Rahway, Jersey City and Manasquan. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Nicole Fulmino on December 27, 2009 at 4:29pm

My friends just moved into a really cool place in Morristown - they are brand new condos on Lafayette street I believe. They are pretty amazing and have everything but I believe the garage part that you are looking for. There is a garage but it is not individual to my knowledge.

I recently posted for a friend about a place in Roselle Park, where I live actually, though not sure if it has all you are looking for.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Dominick Velardo on December 28, 2009 at 9:01am

Nicole, yes I've passed those places, it's called Highlands at Morristown. They are very nice but SUPER expensive, quite a bit more than I want to spend.

Yea, the individual garage thing is probably the one must-have, if I could only pick one.

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Permalink Reply by Dominick Velardo on December 29, 2009 at 10:22am

Heh, yea I forgot that part.

As far as renting goes, looking to pay no more than $1200 + utilities. Once the price hits $1500+, it makes more sense to have a home and a mortgage at that point in my opinion.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Brown on December 29, 2009 at 5:12pm

For Morristown, other options are houses which will require some time searching on Craigslist - I was able to get a good deal for $1600 with all utils included, garage & parking behind house, W/D in basement, 2 bedroom place all for myself that's 2/10 miles to the train station. There are a LOT of subdivided houses in Morristown, just need to be aware which neighborhood you're in - for me, this was the 5th house I checked, pretty easy.