I used to work in Washington (farther West than Hackettstown) and like the town of Hackettstown itself as well as many of the little townships surrounding it.
M&M Mars is a big draw. Nice small town feel, a little bit country. For NJ, the home prices are fantastic.

There is also a great skate park in Hackettstown called Skate 57. It is one of the largest indoor skate-boarding, inline skating and bike parks on the east coast. It also has a roller rink with speed skating, inline hockey, fun zone etc. Great for birthday parties.
Just a shameless plug for a friend. My kids are there every other weekend - great for families. Good luck.

Prices are much lower in Hackettstown than in communities closer to NYC. You aren't overlooking anything, unless you need to commute to the city on a daily basis. Then, you will want to consider the time factor. There are people who do make the commute, from Hackettstown, or even further.

For information about schools, in addition to the NJ Report Card at the state site, also check
http://GreatSchools.net
http://SchoolMatters.com

If you want to search properties, you can search and save properties here:
http://peninsulafirst.idxre.com/idx/search.cfm?ll=1&cid=3705

Community information, demographics and school information
http://new-jersey-real-estate-for-sale.com/community.htm?pag…
Take into consideration that some areas outside of Hackettstown share the Hackettstown mailing address including Washington Twp, Independence, Allamuchy and some areas of Mt Olive. So you may find that in your search other homes come up that may be listed in different towns

I live only 8 miles west of Hackettstown and shop there frequently! Everything compared to Bergen County will seem low!! Lot's of growth recently, great new restaurants, theaters, shopping ect. A nice downtown feel with main street and now the new "box stores" are there as well . Lowes & Home Depot. Plenty to do here and many town sponsered events. Feel free to call with more questions.

Hackettstown's most recent claim to fame was being named by Money Magazine as #72 out of the top 100 towns to live and work in the US (2005). It has a small town feel with local shops and restaurants on Main St and some beautiful Victorian homes around the college area. There are 2 elementary schools and a Blue Ribbon Award middle school. The high school serves Hackettstown and 3 neighboring townships. For commuters there is a Martz bus service to NYC and a train service either to Hoboken or Penn Station via Midtown Direct and by road Hackettstown itself is located only a few miles off exit 19 of Interstate 80.
It is located in Warren county right on the border with Morris county, however Warren county home prices are generally lower. As you head West of Hackettstown, Warren county becomes distinctly rural and only 20 miles away you are in Worthington State Park at the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area.
It is so very different to Bergen county that the only way to appreciate the area is to visit and take a good look around. Please call me to arrange a guided tour.

There is a town center with many local shops. M&M Mars have a large office in Hackettstown. Centenary College is located in Hackettstown. As you move North West in New Jersey prices do come down. Depending where you are commuting to it could be a long commute. As for schools I would suggest you check out http:education.state.nj.us/rc/
This will let you compare schools side by side. It is the New Jersey Schools Report Card. I hope this information helps. If you have any further questions feel free to contact me.