Need help to get started to buy a house ~30-45 mins from Manhattan

Homebuyer Forum
1

I have never bought a property in the US and am at a loss for where to start.

Starting point:

  1. I work in Manhattan and do not plan to change it for the next 5 years.
  2. I have a preapproval letter from a financing company.
  3. I would love to spend around $8,000-$9,000 a month including mortgage, insurance, and all payments on a house.
  4. I have never lived in the suburbs, only in apartments, so I don’t know if a house with a big property is good for me. Privacy is important to me.
  5. I would love to spend up to 45 minutes commuting to Manhattan, 2-3 times a week.
  6. I am an immigrant and don’t know any areas around Manhattan.

What would be my ideal home:

  1. House with property in a suburban green area, 3-4 bedrooms.
  2. Safe and good schools (should I consider schools now since my oldest is 14 months old?).
  3. 30-45 mins commute to the city.

I could not make any decision for the past 2 years, but living in a city is not an option anymore. I need space for my sanity and for my kids.

Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated. Where do I start? How do I approach my search? How do I look for agents? And what are the best areas?

2

Well, start with what state do you want to live in? NJ, CT, NY (Westchester or Long Island)?

3

Long Island, NJ—that’s what I thought.

4

Try Hudson, Bergen, and Essex counties in NJ. Hudson is the closest. All three have plenty of public transportation right into Midtown.

5

I wouldn’t do Hudson with kids—focus on Essex County for better schools.

6

Finding what you want with a max 45-minute commute is going to be difficult. You should assess the real commute time with your desire for space and green.

7

NY area is one of the most expensive real estate markets. Most neighborhoods surrounding Manhattan under 45 minutes will be above your price point.

8

Use Zillow or some real estate search tool. Find areas within that commutable distance and search for homes that meet your criteria.

9

Consider Stamford, CT, or in New York: New Rochelle, Harrison, Larchmont, Rye, or Mamaroneck for good schools and homes in your price range.