I think many home buyers underestimate the importance of the area that surrounds the house they are considering. That includes the block, neighborhood, town, the surrounding towns and even the region.  That isn't to say that buyers ignore these things. Rather, I think the surrounding area should be weighted more heavily in the decision.  That is why I love living and doing business in the western-most towns of Essex County, NJ. 

It helps, of course, to have a love affair with NYC, which I unashamedly have (NYC is only 15 miles to the east), but the area also stands on its own as a wonderful place to live and raise a family.  In fact, that core idea is the reason I launched my Web site called West Essex County Neighborhoods and Homes (www.wessex-home.com).  From the home page:

Welcome to My Neighborhood
My name is Brian McCabe. Over the years I have sunk some pretty deep roots in Essex County. At one time or another, I've lived in Belleville, Nutley, Glen Ridge, East Orange and Montclair and I currently live in the Caldwells. For the past few years, I have purchased and rehabbed single- and multi-family houses in Newark, Irvington and East Orange. Now, as a realtor in the Caldwell office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, I want to share with you what I know about Essex County and help you find your dream house in this incredibly diverse and dynamic neighborhood.

Don't be under any false illusions.
You will not get a fair and balanced point of view from me because I could be New Jersey's biggest cheerleader. I love the towns, houses, restaurants, shopping, parks, mountains, road-side vegetable stands, the Jersey shore, seafood, the Giants, Jets, Nets, Devils and Essex County.

I love Essex County because of its rich mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods...and even a working farm or two...combined with its proximity to the greatest city in the world, New York City. So that's why I've made New Jersey and Essex County my home and they may be some of the same reasons that influence you to do so, as well.
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Please accept my invitation to visit my wsb site at www.wessex-homes.com where you will get a hefty dose of geographic bias (did you expect anything less?).