You've made the decision to buy a home. You've researched, asked your friends and co-workers, and (drumroll please) decided to move to Livingston, New Jersey!
Now the work begins..........which is the best neighborhood for you?...Do you want to be close to the NY bus? Close to shops and the Livingston Town Center? Near parks and recreation?
Do you like a multi-level split level home, or a traditional and comfortable center hall colonial?...........perhaps a spacious, no-step ranch....or a bi-level which can offer separate guest quarters for visiting family or friends? We have them all...in different sizes and different prices to accommodate whatever your budget might be.
The choices can be a bit overwhelming. Livingston is close to 14 square miles in size with a population around 28,000. The new Town Center creates a nice hub in the center of town - the bus to NYC is at the corner.
When I take out buyers for the first time, I tell them to think of Livingston as the letter "H"....the 2 vertical lines represent Mt Pleasant Avenue and Northfiled Ave. The horizontal line is Livingston Avenue. All commercial businesses, library, restaurants, shops, banks, grocery stores, town hall and even Chinese food take out and pizza places are primarily along those roads, with the emphasis on Livingston Ave.
As far as what is the "best" area in town?
There is no best area - it is in the eye of the beholder. Everyone seems to think their area is the best area! (isn't that the way it should be?) Styles vary throughout the town - from starter-size 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranches and cape cods.......to sprawling colonials and contemporary designed homes with over 6,000 sq feet - there is something for everyone.
Livingston also offers easy townhome living with several complexes to choose from. Elegant gated communities include The Fairways, The Regency and The Pointe (an over 55 upscale complex with valet, concierge, and numerous other amenities). Brand new, and still under construction is Cedar Gates, within walking distance to the NY bus........and don't forget the convenient Town Center complex which offers 1 floor living in an elegant elevator building with concierge, plus multi-level "brownstone" type units with elevators!
The downturn in the real estate market does have somewhat of a silver lining.......it has made Livingston more attainable, with prices now starting in the mid $300,000's. They can soar to multi-million dollar ranges, too.
Currently, there are 6 elementary schools in town - Riker Hill, Collins, Hillside, Mt Pleasant, Burnet Hill and Harrison School. To avoid overcrowding, the board of education reserves the right to place children in schools anywhere in town. So, if you're buying in a particular neighborhood for that particular elementary school.......be aware of that.
All students go to Mt. Pleasant Middle School for 6th grade, and Heritage Middle School for 7th and 8th grades. Students in grades 9-12 attend the highly rated Livingston High School.
There are 2 town pools to enjoy all summer long, as well as a variety of town-sponsored recreational opportunities and tennis.
So......whether it's a Riker Hill ranch.......... a Collins area split....... a Laurel Hills or Forest Park area contemporary ..........or a new Bel Air brick colonial..........you can find it here!
I welcome you to Livingston!
