Re: Wwyd

Wwyd

Personally, option 2 would be a non-starter, He commutes to the city.

Taking a commute that is a short walk, then a 45 minute train ride then changing it to a 20 minute drive plus another 15 on the train... sounds bad. Commuting in general sucks. Commuting to the city sucks more. Commuting to the city from Suffolk...ugh no.

Sounds like your current situation is the "perfect" city commute, walking to the train and not a long ride...

Not to get too in the weeds, but why does option 1 take 2 renos 5 years apart? but you can get a 15 year mortgage? Assuming you have the income, you could get a renovation/construction loan and do the whole thing at once and pay it off in a 30. you'd have your bigger house with only 1 painful reno.

I totally see the allure of option 2... just the location is also a significant drawback

Re: Wwyd

Re: Wwyd

Re: Wwyd

Re: Wwyd

I would go with #2

Re: Wwyd

I would go with option 1 for several reasons.
1. The commute. It's only going to get worse as this island gets more congested.

2. Proximity to family and friends is huge.

3. Customizing your house to your exact liking

4. The 15 year mortgage.

Wwyd

I love a big house so, for that reason alone, I would pick #2.

Wwyd

Option 1.
For me:

15 year mortgage is 15 years closer to freedom.

Much closer to family - I personally find this invaluable as a mom with young kids. But I am very close to my family and can rely on them when I need backup. If you aren't or they aren't able or willing to help in a pinch then probably doesn't matter.

Having lived in both a 1250 sq foot home and 3000 sq foot home, I prefer a smaller home. Less maintenance, less overhead.

Also commutting to NYC from Suffolk is horrible.. Did it for a short bit and found it utterly depressing. Plus a lot more travel options if/when LIRR delays happen.

Message edited 1/2/2020 12:50:56 PM.

Wwyd

Option 1 because I don't have to pack and move and I also know what I have in terms of neighbors, area, etc. I hate starting over. And moving is a PITA.

Re: Wwyd

For me, I would heavily factor in family and friends. You can always expand house size. Since your DH works in the city with no LI option, the commute is always going to be an issue - no matter how close or far on the train line.

Do you rely on friends and family a lot? Do you have a close knit group of friends? Is your oldest child in school?

These are the things that would sway my decision.

Re: Wwyd

Do you have a good circle of friends and family in house one already? I think I would stay with house one and renovate it to your liking, the reason I think this is millennials are not buying large homes. In fact they are sitting on the market. So longer term, it may be harder to sell. I also think a commute from Suffolk to NYC is difficult unless you are on a direct line, which it does not sound like it. I did that commute from the north shore of Nassau and what on paper was an hour and ten minute commute really was an hour and forty five minutes because of delays. I would not wish that commute on anyone. It was terrible. I also would not discount the 15 year mortgage. That is huge or freedom, being able to pay for your kids college, vacations, etc. I would either stay or pick something closer.

Re: Wwyd

Message edited 1/2/2020 1:17:30 PM.

Re: Wwyd

Before making the decision I would have your husband try the commute a few times to make sure it was something he would want to do for the next 30 years...

Wwyd

Thanks everyone. We did put in an offer, but they had an all cash offer they accepted instead. Dormer it is for now!

Re: Wwyd

1 or keep looking.

Wwyd

I am biased but there is nothing like living out East. I would never go west of William Floyd Pkwy. I have family out in Bellmore and I hate going there. I feel like I might as well be in Nassau, but that’s a personal preference. We also both work out East so there’s no commute I also would not want to live through renovations even for a Dream home in 5 yrs. you have to think what’s best for you and your family.

Re: Wwyd

Given that your kids are young and you describe house 1 with 'decent' schools and house 2 with 'incredible' schools. I would choose the better schools 100%.