Any area could be a good area, but only you can made that assessment. Shop around for a neighborhood. Typically buyers should scout into areas where they would like to purchase a home. If you prefer to purchase a home in a dead end street then scouting would be most effective. Dead end streets offer privacy, but they are certainly not for everyone.

An older couple may have such preference as well as a growing family with small children. Yes you could use fancy websites that map properties online but this does not compare to the onsite experience.

When you are scouting for your next neighborhood do not call every listing agent on every sign unless you are prepared to track who is calling you again and again. The ideal situation is to get a list of properties from your real estate agent and drive by the area yourself. You will have all the time and space you need to look over the area.

If you see houses for sale in that area not on your list, write down the address and speak to your agent about it. It probably was excluded due to some feature you did not request like no finished basement, etc.

Visit my site and let me know if you see any house you like.

Tue May 6 2008, 16:24

Hi Alison. I am assuming you are referring to East Orange, New Jersey. As an agent I cannot tell you what areas you should and should not considering living in but I will tell you that a home in East Orange will most likely not appreciate over the next few years. What type of home are you interested in? A single family or a condo? There are quite a few 2 bedroom condos within an hour distance to New York and some single family homes that may or may not be in that great of condition depending on what you are exactly looking for.

Contact me either by phone or email and I can get you some properties within your price range, supply you with town and crime information. You can also start by comparing towns through this link: http://www.relocationessentials.com/aff/prunewjersey/default.aspx

Good luck and contact me to get a list of the homes available.

Gina Chirico, Sales Associate
Prudential NJ Properties
Caldwell
973-715-1158 (cell)
973-228-1000 ext 132
GinaChirico@PruNewJersey.com

Sat May 3 2008, 10:47