New to the township...

[jcarm22]

and hopefully soon new to the borough.

My wife and I are currently renting in Freehold Township, and looking into buying a house in Freehold Borough. I was just wondering what people's opinions are of the Center Street area, specifically between 1st and 4th Streets. There are some properties in that area that we are looking at, and I wanted to get the community's opinion on the area.

Wife and I both grew up in a small, working-class town in Burlington County, and we have enjoyed Freehold so far. We're hoping to begin contributing up here soon!

Thanks in advance for your input!

[lisas84]

Hi, Jcarm. May I suggest if you don't already have a Realtor to call up Lisa Kristiansen at Weichert in Holmdel? She lives in FB and knows the town housing stock very well. She's also a buddy who I trust. I know she can answer all your questions and she won't pressure you.

[BrianSullivan]

jcarm22,

Welcome to the site and more importantly, the borough. You are right to ask questions about various locations in the borough. Some are better than others.

I do not know enough about what you are looking for specifically or the Center Street area to give you a good answer to your question. I can tell you that I live in the north part of the borough. IF you do not mind a cape cod style house, then check out Runyon, Mead, Douglas, and Shiverea. I have been in this area for 15 years and it is a great place to be. No crime to speak of, good neighbors, very family oriented and above all, quiet!

Also, I hope you take the time to read through this site. You will learn a lot about the borough. The people here in town are great.

Lisas84 mentioned the name of a local realtor. She is honest and will help you out a great deal if you are looking for an agent.

[jcarm22]

Feb 23, 2010 12:12:19 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

jcarm22,

Welcome to the site and more importantly, the borough. You are right to ask questions about various locations in the borough. Some are better than others.

I do not know enough about what you are looking for specifically or the Center Street area to give you a good answer to your question. I can tell you that I live in the north part of the borough. IF you do not mind a cape cod style house, then check out Runyon, Mead, Douglas, and Shiverea. I have been in this area for 15 years and it is a great place to be. No crime to speak of, good neighbors, very family oriented and above all, quiet!

Also, I hope you take the time to read through this site. You will learn a lot about the borough. The people here in town are great.

Lisas84 mentioned the name of a local realtor. She is honest and will help you out a great deal if you are looking for an agent.

Thank you. We are already working with a realtor, and are sort of trying to figure out what the neighborhoods are like.

There have been some properties in the Schivarea/Mead area that interested us, but are currently a little out of our price range. We're just looking for a quieter neighborhood. Living around immigrants isn't that much of a concern. She's a music teacher, I work retail. No children yet, so schools and traffic aren't a top priority at this point in time. We grew up in Roebling, which was a fairly diverse town, both economically and ethnically.

I am looking forward to having a new town to permanently call home, and have liked what Freehold has to offer thus far.

[lisas84]

Jcarm, maybe you two should spend an afternoon driving around the various streets and little enclave neighborhoods and see what you may like? There are lovely little streets all throughout.

[Mike Rosseel]

Jcarm.

Maybe check out www.bettertheboro.com, there are good freehold people on that site that could possibly give you some information. Its our Neighborhood Pride Committee in town, one of admins favorites!

[BrianSullivan]

jcarm22,

Mike brings up a very good topic-the NPC. Here is something of interest for you....

freeholdvoice.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=neighborhoodpride&action=display&thread=3631

Since you are looking at Center Street, it is good for you to know that the town has been active in bettering the area. If you move there, you can be a positive part of that.

And Mike is right, the NPC is one of my favorites. In the above posted thread you will see some of the many compliments I have given them. With the recent changes (the council liaison) in that committee, I bet this successful committee has an even better year than last year.

[jcarm22]

Feb 23, 2010 16:12:33 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

jcarm22,

Mike brings up a very good topic-the NPC. Here is something of interest for you....

freeholdvoice.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=neighborhoodpride&action=display&thread=3631

Since you are looking at Center Street, it is good for you to know that the town has been active in bettering the area. If you move there, you can be a positive part of that.

And Mike is right, the NPC is one of my favorites. In the above posted thread you will see some of the many compliments I have given them. With the recent changes (the council liaison) in that committee, I bet this successful committee has an even better year than last year.

We've been through the area a couple times looking at houses, and I've driven through there once or twice on my own, just to try and get a general feel for the place. The area seemed to have a bad reputation of sorts, because one realtor we went to wouldn't show us properties on that side of town.

We're interested because we can see a lot of new builds going up in areas like Bond and Hudson Streets, which aren't too far away from where we're looking. The roads seemed to be well-kept, and the houses all looked to be at least taken care of.

Thank you all for your input, as I am definitely going to be using the information given to aid in our decision.

[Mike Rosseel]

Jcarm,

The NPC even has a beautiful garden in that general area, it is a nice side of town. Admin, aren't you getting a garden plot this year? so nice to see positive words from the past about the NPC! In recent post on App.com, some post people have made about a NPC event was off the wall, Excuse me for getting off topic! Jcarm, its a good area, some fine freehold familes live there, keep looking around, hope you find what your looking for in Freehold!

[Mike Rosseel]

By the way, Jcarm, great to see that in less then 24 hours you have got such a good grip on who to quote etc on here, your way better then me, took me forever...lol

[jcarm22]

Feb 23, 2010 17:37:00 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

By the way, Jcarm, great to see that in less then 24 hours you have got such a good grip on who to quote etc on here, your way better then me, took me forever...lol

I am not sure if admitting to a few years of message board use beyond here is a good thing, but if it makes for better communication, so be it!

Once again, thank you all for your input. It's good to see an active community in cyberspace as well as in the real world!

[Mike Rosseel]

HAHAHAHAHA! Nice talking to you! best of luck with your search!

[lisas84]

Jcarm, I'm a little befuddled as to why you haven't addressed my two helpful points, but seem to have ignored me. Dont' worry, I dont' have an ego.

I suggested that you, being in the township, can take the wife and drive around the borough, through all the neighborhoods. You are also close enough to meet people and ask them questions. There are also other prominent websites. PLUS, and this is nice, there are some semi regular posters here who are "half" of young, wonderful couples that will probably make for some nice friends. There's a lot here for you.

A note of friendly advice: first, only look to buy and get settled. THEN if you and the wife want, choose what group(s) to get involved with. Just remember, there are (thankfully) so many! This site is a good source, as is Facebook and the Freehold Borough website.

One thing at a time - most important, enjoy!

[jcarm22]

Feb 23, 2010 20:47:38 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Jcarm, I'm a little befuddled as to why you haven't addressed my two helpful points, but seem to have ignored me. Dont' worry, I dont' have an ego.

I suggested that you, being in the township, can take the wife and drive around the borough, through all the neighborhoods. You are also close enough to meet people and ask them questions. There are also other prominent websites. PLUS, and this is nice, there are some semi regular posters here who are "half" of young, wonderful couples that will probably make for some nice friends. There's a lot here for you.

A note of friendly advice: first, only look to buy and get settled. THEN if you and the wife want, choose what group(s) to get involved with. Just remember, there are (thankfully) so many! This site is a good source, as is Facebook and the Freehold Borough website.

One thing at a time - most important, enjoy!

Thank you for the advice, lisa.

We definitely have felt comfortable in some areas of town when we were seeing properties, while others weren't quite what we were looking for. Speaking to the neighbors is also advice we were given before, so I guess we should take that to heart .

Thank you for giving me some more resources to help the search, as well. Every little bit helps!

[lisas84]

You're welcome, Jcarm. I am positive you'll find your new home. You'll know it when you see and feel it!

[Mike Rosseel]

amazing how many people are looking at this tread?? great job Jcarm...wink wink...lol

[ddigler]

Are these post regarding the Center Street area as a good area, with a garden for real? Jcarm, do yourself a favor and visit the police department or speak to an officer for the real deal, it is the highest crime area and drug area in town by far. The NPC can plant all the gardens it wants, it hasnt changed a thing in that area. The garden is surrounded by a barbed wire fence for a reason.

[Mike Rosseel]

Ddigler,

That is an extremely unfair statement, first off the garden has nothing to do with Center Street, it is just something in that area. Secondly, being a resident of this town my entire life, i can tell you a few areas that are alittle more dangerous then Center Street. It has a bad rap from years ago, not saying its the best street in town but certainly isn't the worst!

Glad this is the first and orginial freehold pride site! Hmmmm!

[richardkelsey]

Feb 24, 2010 11:02:52 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Ddigler,

That is an extremely unfair statement, first off the garden has nothing to do with Center Street, it is just something in that area. Secondly, being a resident of this town my entire life, i can tell you a few areas that are alittle more dangerous then Center Street. It has a bad rap from years ago, not saying its the best street in town but certainly isn't the worst!

Glad this is the first and orginial freehold pride site! Hmmmm!

Mike -- you crack me up.

So -- it is dangerous -- but not as dangerous as others? If you name the others does that mean you have no Freehold pride. LOL

I can't speak to the issue of which street is the best or worst -- but the poster was asking for input and he got it, along with some solid advice.

People can be proud to be from Freehold and still point out things about it that we wish would improve. The site is filled with Borough Pride stuff -- but I don't think anyone would ever call us an all Borough Pride site. (They could, but I would have to disagree)

Actually, researching crime statistics, school scores, house values, and the like are all sound practices prior to buying any where -- in any town. One thing I also researched was sexual offender registration sites. In fact, in some states, the websites must be disclosed with the real estate disclosures.

Anyhow -- I thought this was an interesting thread when started, mostly because people who grew up in Freehold during a certain period often associate areas of the town based on their own experiences. It was interesting to see an outsider come in and ask about a part of town that some don't consider the first choice for moving. The truth is, lots of very fine folks have lived there for many years.

Neighborhoods are a bit like online fora -- they are what the posters/neighbors make of them.


Minor edit -- lest the big boss delete and clean up my thread. Let's move any off topic subject to a new thread. I don't think this poster cares a wit about whether or not we are a pride site, and how long we have had that pride. That discussion might be an excellent topic for another thread.

[BrianSullivan]

Rich Wrote:

The site is filled with Borough Pride stuff -- but I don't think anyone would ever call us an all Borough Pride site. (They could, but I would have to disagree)

Mike probably gets his reference to the footer where it states "Freehold Voice- The first and longest running borough pride web site."


I will respectfully disagree, this site is a borough pride site, but it is also one dedicated to open and honest discussion. Sometimes those discussions are not favorable to the town, but this site does not create the conditions that may reflect Freehold badly. It is a long proven fact that we attract people who care about the town and at times are willing to discuss concerns. Most of the more negative discussions are also more constructive in nature, just what would be expected from people who care about the town.

Beyond that, the vast majority of topics found here is very positive. I would say that is all something to be proud of.

But, that is all just my opinion. I realize others have their own. There are some people who prefer rose colored glasses and cannot handle the open discussion of concerns. To each his own.

[richardkelsey]

Feb 24, 2010 13:08:45 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Rich Wrote:

The site is filled with Borough Pride stuff -- but I don't think anyone would ever call us an all Borough Pride site. (They could, but I would have to disagree)

Mike probably gets his reference to the footer where it states "Freehold Voice- The first and longest running borough pride web site."


I will respectfully disagree, this site is a borough pride site, but it is also one dedicated to open and honest discussion. Sometimes those discussions are not favorable to the town, but this site does not create the conditions that may reflect Freehold badly. It is a long proven fact that we attract people who care about the town and at times are willing to discuss concerns. Most of the more negative discussions are also more constructive in nature, just what would be expected from people who are about the town.

Beyond that, the vast majority of topics found here is very positive. I would say that is all something to be proud of.

But, that is all just my opinion. I realize others have their own. There are some people who prefer rose colored glasses and cannot handle the open discussion of concerns. To each his own.

That's funny Brian -- I just edited my post thinking you would want to move the pride discussion off topic.

[Mike Rosseel]

Rich.....now you crack me up!

Didnt you read Ddigler post, he refered to Center street as the highest crime street and biggest drug area, does that not indicate danger? Fences with barb wire around a garden, dangerous? Can drugs be sold on Jerseyville Ave, Barkalow, Brinkerhoff? Sure they can! Center Street, and Rich even though you don't live here, I think you know this, has some very old and well respected Freehold families. Hear say or old reputation isn't fair to tell a new resident or a hopefully new resident, the street has actually improved alot over the years. Homes are looking good, improvements to the churches, the street is actually pretty nice now! Thats my point Rich. Center street isnt what everyone thinks it is, its no different from other streets, all of which could have issues from time to time!

And I didnt call you a Boro Pride site, look above the post boards, you called yourselves that!

[admin]

Feb 24, 2010 13:11:04 GMT -5 richardkelsey said:

Feb 24, 2010 13:08:45 GMT -5 BrianSullivan said:

Rich Wrote:

The site is filled with Borough Pride stuff -- but I don't think anyone would ever call us an all Borough Pride site. (They could, but I would have to disagree)

Mike probably gets his reference to the footer where it states "Freehold Voice- The first and longest running borough pride web site."


I will respectfully disagree, this site is a borough pride site, but it is also one dedicated to open and honest discussion. Sometimes those discussions are not favorable to the town, but this site does not create the conditions that may reflect Freehold badly. It is a long proven fact that we attract people who care about the town and at times are willing to discuss concerns. Most of the more negative discussions are also more constructive in nature, just what would be expected from people who are about the town.

Beyond that, the vast majority of topics found here is very positive. I would say that is all something to be proud of.

But, that is all just my opinion. I realize others have their own. There are some people who prefer rose colored glasses and cannot handle the open discussion of concerns. To each his own.

That's funny Brian -- I just edited my post thinking you would want to move the pride discussion off topic.

Agreed! Lets keep this thread focused on answering any questions for our soon to be newest resident.

[jcarm22]

Feb 24, 2010 13:13:26 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Rich.....now you crack me up!

Didnt you read Ddigler post, he refered to Center street as the highest crime street and biggest drug area, does that not indicate danger? Fences with barb wire around a garden, dangerous? Can drugs be sold on Jerseyville Ave, Barkalow, Brinkerhoff? Sure they can! Center Street, and Rich even though you don't live here, I think you know this, has some very old and well respected Freehold families. Hear say or old reputation isn't fair to tell a new resident or a hopefully new resident, the street has actually improved alot over the years. Homes are looking good, improvements to the churches, the street is actually pretty nice now! Thats my point Rich. Center street isnt what everyone thinks it is, its no different from other streets, all of which could have issues from time to time!

And I didnt call you a Boro Pride site, look above the post boards, you called yourselves that!

This is most of what I'm looking for. The wife and I are no strangers to growing up in a town with its issues. Both the streets we grew up on had SWAT team drug busts on them in the last couple years. I was more concerned about things that may have been ongoing concerns, like unused lots or known gang activity. Since we're not really from here, finding out things like recent improvements are much more important to me than what I can see with my own eyes, like the rest of the houses around being kept in decent shape.

We look forward to being a positive part of the change that it seems some want to bring to Freehold!

[admin]

Jcarm,
Just out of curiousity, how did you find this site?

[Mike Rosseel]

<---------stands in corner with his dunce cap! hahahahahaha!!!

[jcarm22]

Feb 24, 2010 15:23:06 GMT -5 admin said:

Jcarm,
Just out of curiousity, how did you find this site?

I know I was Googling. I think I found mention of it on an APP board. I'd have to be home to figure it out exactly.

[lisas84]

jcarm, I just remembered something else, and certainly not to insult your intelligence or research skills: but if you and your wife will be first time homebuyers, I think there's a cool program for you that will assist your efforts.

Others on here can definitely chime in, as they know more about this than I do.

Meanwhile, I wish you two the best and know you'll find a lot of happiness here and in Monmouth County overall.

[richardkelsey]

Feb 24, 2010 13:13:26 GMT -5 Mike Rosseel said:

Didnt you read Ddigler post, he refered to Center street as the highest crime street and biggest drug area, does that not indicate danger? Fences with barb wire around a garden, dangerous? Can drugs be sold on Jerseyville Ave, Barkalow, Brinkerhoff? Sure they can! Center Street, and Rich even though you don't live here, I think you know this, has some very old and well respected Freehold families. Hear say or old reputation isn't fair to tell a new resident or a hopefully new resident, the street has actually improved alot over the years. Homes are looking good, improvements to the churches, the street is actually pretty nice now! Thats my point Rich. Center street isnt what everyone thinks it is, its no different from other streets, all of which could have issues from time to time!

And I didnt call you a Boro Pride site, look above the post boards, you called yourselves that!

I definitely agree that the area has some really fine folks.

Anyhow -- I thought this was an interesting thread when started, mostly because people who grew up in Freehold during a certain period often associate areas of the town based on their own experiences. It was interesting to see an outsider come in and ask about a part of town that some don't consider the first choice for moving. The truth is, lots of very fine folks have lived there for many years.

I am in no position to judge whether or not current crime in Freehold is worse on Center Street or on Brinkerhoff Ave. It is nice to get a look at how current residents view the area. To me, your representation that the area "is no different from other streets" is a great endorsement of the improvement in the area.

Often, areas that become blighted or gentrified can rebound when young, hungry would-be homeowners move in and help pump a new sense of community into such areas. It sounds to me Mike, like you are saying that is what has happened there.

Ddigler does not seem to agree. I guess that is why the poster was looking for input. I can't speak to the issue.

[Mike Rosseel]

<---------still stands in corner with his dunce cap! hahahahahaha!!!