Give Butler, Pa a shot.As the wife and I had pretty much decided on the Middletown DE area and have now been down to the area a number of times pricing homes- we get to learn so much more.
First, if you want any property at all- you will be in a dump of a newer home that is not near anything. Any home that is fairly new and in a nice neighborhood and close to shopping- the home prices are lower than NJ for sure and taxes much lower too but...not a damn person down there is willing to negotiate at all and all think their house deserves %0k+ over any comp in the area. And while it may still be cheaper than here- it is not cheaper for there.
Property tax- some good some bad- it is much lower but going to climb fast as younger people are buying up the cookie cutter spec homes and needing new schools.
The good thing is that at the age of 65, you get to start getting a reduction of the school tax. But, not as much as what they made it sound. Maybe $500 off.
And there is a fear of what happens a few years down the road- so many of the homes are in these new developments in the corn fields. But, what happens down the road if another builder buys up the field next to you and either builds a dump or worse yet, a better neighborhood.
And then- the contractors, we were looking at a really nice home with an unfinished basement. Wanted to get pricing on what it would take t finish- just the basics- dryway- electric, plumbing(maybe a rough in or maybe just a powder room) carpet doors. And they are all coming in at 100-200 k which is more than I would pay here in Bergen Co.
So- we are going down again this weekend. hopefully we do find what we like.
But, also thinking Pa now too but I am not familiar...Does anyone have a suggestion of a good area, reasonable, safe, nice homes, community, shopping nearby? and not out toward Ohio...:)
OK, shoot me. Too soon?