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Woah, that's high! Summits taxes are cheaper than that. How is that?

Do these people have any idea what the residents of Montclair pay in property taxes? I have friends who are paying over $25,000 a year. Those taxes will be going up soon enough.

Affordable New Jersey: Six towns near New York City that have fair home prices

New York Daily News
by Chris Campari
Friday, March 27th 2009, 4:00 AM

When a New Yorker thinks of hightailing it to New Jersey, it might be hard to see beyond the sparkling Jersey City and Hoboken coastline. Still, this splendor comes with a hefty price tag. Hoboken recently raised property taxes 47%, and Weehawken is not far behind.

It?s no surprise, then, that New Jersey towns with lower-cost housing and sometime stronger school districts look more attractive every day. In Bergen, Essex and Hudson counties alone, home hunters have great possibilities for neighborhoods with cultural attractions, fine restaurants and easy transportation to midtown Manhattan.

Besides, who can resist a $300,000 quality home? Here are six New Jersey towns that might not make you miss New York.

Montclair
Considered the jewel of Essex County, Montclair has often been a top choice for New Yorkers looking for a suburban alternative. One reason is the town?s international aspect, as residents can dine at an Ethiopian restaurant, check out Native American art and take in a French film without walking a mile. ?People don?t like to leave Montclair,? said Mary Tetzloff, sales associate for Montclair Realty Realtors. ?Once you?re here, you?re here.?? Culture may be one reason. The historic Wellmont Theatre, a former movie house that dates to the 1920s, reopened last year as a concert venue featuring artists like Tony Bennett. The Montclair Art Museum displays modern and contemporary art among its collections and has a art summer camp for kids. Tetzloff sees one- and two-bedroom condominiums in the $200,000-$300,000 range, perfect for starter families. Split-level Colonial or Cape Cods cost $375,000. A custom-built home with four-bedrooms, three baths and skyline views of New York was recently listed for just under $800,000. Manhattan is a 45-minute bus ride away. It?s $13 for round-trip bus tickets and $11 for round-trip rail service from the Bay Street train station.

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http://www.nydailynews.com/real_estat ... y_six_towns_near_new.html