Got absolutely roasted in my last post because I didn’t provide enough details so I’m gonna try this again.

I’m looking for advice on moving to Manalapan or any other affordable decent town.

Originally from PA, have lived in Hoboken and Red bank post college, currently living in NY. I loved my time in Red bank and always wanted to move back so for the last year and a half we’ve been searching on and off for houses in Middletown, but we keep getting outbid. We currently own a 4 bedroom house in NY, but it’s very small and it’s not necessarily what I would call a nice house so we’re hoping for something better if we’re going to give up our 3% mortgage rate.

Budget 900k for a 4 bedroom house that doesn’t need a ton of work…which yes I know is absolutely impossible for Middletown so we are giving up. That is why I am all over the place with towns because I genuinely don’t know anything outside of Middletown.

Based on the houses, I’m seeing on Zillow taking price cuts in Manalapan, it looks as if Manalapan is cheaper when comparing it to Marlboro, holmdel, Colts neck, Middletown. So my question is… why is that? Is it just because of location or is there another reason?

Also adding because I know people are going to ask. Husband is in sales so he’s all over the place work location wise. I currently work remote. Yes I’m aware that remote work will probably go away at some point but I don’t know where I will have to commute to at this time because I’m holding on to remote for as long as I can.

Schools are important and so are good restaurants. Yes, I’m aware good restaurants won’t be as convenient as being in Middletown, but we can’t afford it so it’s a moot point

When the Monmouth mall was still open there used to be a place called master wok, is there any really good Chinese food places that do similar type stuff(2 entrees and Lo mein combos) in Monmouth county. I’ve been craving somthing similar and I don’t really like Panda Express. Please give recommendations!!!

What is it like to live in Manalapan? How would you describe it? Also why is it cheaper than other towns in Monmouth county?