Are you considering moving to Millstone, New Jersey, and wonder what it might be like living here? In this episode of Monmouth Redefined, I’m going to welcome you to Millstone and give you an overall rundown of what life is really like here. We’ll look at everything from the location to housing costs so you know exactly what to expect.
Welcome To Millstone
Millstone, New Jersey is located in the southwestern section of Monmouth County. It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from New York City and is considered to be in the central part of New Jersey. Until recently, Millstone was considered to be something of a hidden gem here in Monmouth County.
When people talked about or thought about the towns in Monmouth County, Millstone typically wasn’t top of mind. However, since the pandemic, Millstone has become much more popular and desirable.
A Rural Atmosphere
The number one pro of living in Millstone is the rural atmosphere. Residents love the feeling of Millstone Township, as it’s unlike most other towns here in Monmouth County. The homes in Millstone are set on large lots, most of them at least two acres or more. The town has scenery of rolling countryside with many parks and trails.
Millstone is also rich in history, dating back to the Revolutionary War. Living here, you don’t have to worry about traffic lights—because there are none. The only thing you’re likely to stop for when driving through the 37 miles of the community is a deer. There are a lot of them in Millstone and very few streetlights, so be careful if you’re driving through, especially at night.
Small-Town Living
The second reason people love living in Millstone is because of the small hometown feel it offers. It’s definitely a place where everyone knows one another, and this can be either a pro or a con depending upon what you are looking for. Most residents living here in Millstone enjoy this aspect of it, and it’s one of the reasons they have chosen Millstone to live.
Throughout the area, you will find several horse farms. Aside from a handful of restaurants, a couple of convenience stores, and Frogbridge and Black Bear Summer Camps. You won’t find many more commercial businesses. Millstone also has very little crime. This factor along with its hometown feel are huge pluses for many.
Visual Appeal
The third reason people love to live in Millstone is its visual appeal and calm, peaceful atmosphere. The town itself is very clean, well maintained, and well kept. There are several grassy wooded areas, and it almost reminds me of something out of Little House on the Prairie.
There’s plenty of farmland throughout Millstone, adding to the beauty. This makes it a great place to live and raise a family.
Slow-Paced Living
Now that you know why so many people love calling Millstone home, let’s talk about the reasons some don’t. The number one con on the list is that it can be a bit dull and boring with the lack of businesses in the area. It can also be time-consuming and inconvenient to get places.
I would say if you’re more of an active, fast-paced type of person, Millstone is probably not the town you are looking for. On the other hand, if you enjoy more of a slower pace and don’t mind driving to do your food shopping, fill up your car with gas, or go to the gym, you will likely find Millstone refreshing and endearing.
For me, I would find it frustrating living in Millstone. Although it’s beautiful, I’m a very impatient person. When I want to do something or go somewhere, I want to do it.
Public Utilities
The second con of living in Millstone is that there are no public utilities. All of Millstone is on septic and well, and there is no public water or public sewer. This is because the property sizes in Millstone are so large. If you decide to live there, you are going to have to understand and learn how septic and well systems work.
Many people get nervous when they hear the word “septic” or “well.” However, if you take the time to learn about them and maintain them, it’s really not so bad. If you are considering purchasing in Millstone, I recommend you do a thorough septic inspection to ensure the tank has been maintained and is up to date.
The seller will also have to have the well tested and certified to ensure that is working and that there are no issues with the water. Septic and well can be a little intimidating and/or overwhelming at first, but once you understand them, it’s really not so bad.
The Cost Of Living
The third and last con to living in Millstone is the cost of living. As I discussed in the beginning, Millstone was not as sought after to live in prior to the pandemic as it is now. You can easily purchase a 4,000-square-foot home on two acres or even more for around $600,000 to $700,000.
However, thanks to COVID, that has all changed—at least for now. With more and more people moving away from the city and relocating to the suburbs, needing more space to work from home, $600,000 to $700,000 will no longer get you that sized home in Millstone. The prices throughout Millstone can vary greatly.
With a budget of $400,000 to $500,000, you can get into Millstone. However, it’s not going to be a large house. You’re looking at about 1,400 to 1,600 square feet, and the home is likely going to need a lot of updating and work. A larger budget of $650,000 to $750,000 will get you more square footage and less work to do. However, it’s no longer the 4,000-square-foot home you got a few years ago.
If you are looking for that size home with little to no work, you will need a budget of around $900,000 or so. Although I compared Millstone to Little House on the Prairie earlier, it’s definitely not like that in terms of cost.
Make Millstone Your Home
I hope this gave you a good idea of the pros and cons of living in Millstone, New Jersey. If you have any further questions about Millstone or any other towns in Monmouth County, please feel free to reach out and I’ll be happy to connect with you.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of Monmouth Redefined, my show all about everything and anything related to living in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!
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