Candystore

My husband works for a US bank and is in discussions to work in NJ for 3 years.
We are still waiting for a formal offer, which we are hoping to get by March end by the latest. We have 2 children - our eldest is 10, and he would be starting 6th grade in September.
We are selling our home in UK as if the US move doesn't come off, we'll relocate here to be nearer DH's job.
We have identified Madison as a potential place to move to - short commute to office, on train line for Manhattan, Junior High has a good reputation.
Can anyone advise how we would need to time our move? I'm guessing we would need an address in Madison to enrol our son in the school, but term ends mid June. We were thinking of coming over in May to visit the school, but if we've not got a place, is the school likely to keep an application on file, ready for September? Are we likely to get a short term corporate type let in that area, if we don't have time to find a longer term place? Thanks to you all

penguinsix

If you live in the district, you go to that school, pretty much full stop. You don't really need to apply to get a place, you just move into the district at any time and you are eligible for the school in your area (which is why buying a house near to the specific school you want is very very very important). If you aren't quite sure you don't really need to worry. In many schools, you show up to the front office on Monday, turn in your paperwork, medical forms (very important) and then your kid starts school there on Tuesday. If you move again midterm, sometimes you have the option of staying in the current school until the next year when your kids would be moved to the school closer to your residence.

Take a look at the wiki

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/What_d...kids_in_school

Also contact the school and see what boundaries they have for the different schools and then ask if there are any peculiarities about moving in mid-term, etc. Generally in the US if you live in the district you go to that school without exception.

Bob

Also worth checking out some realtor sites for school catchment area info.

Definitely get the vaccination records and general medical records though as they are rather important over here.

Have a search of other threads about things to consider in relocations, there was a pretty decent one a couple weeks ago that's worth looking up.

Candystore

Thanks - it's reassuring to know that we don't have to go through a prolonged application process. I'll contact the schools we're considering, but it sounds like it's one aspect of relocation that's more straightforward than the UK.

Bob

It's only a pain in the arse if it's pre-school, then it's a real pain in the arse and expensive

Ridski

You probably won't get a corporate place near Madison. Unless it's near the main offices of your husband's bank. They may have a temporary housing reimbursement program in place, which I would check out.

This sounds like a strange question, but do both of you drive?

Candystore

Yes we both drive - we are planning to get a car loan via AIG for my husband and a cheap car cash for me.

penguinsix

Please note that insurance payments may likely be more than the car payments, given your credit rating status in the USA. You might want to see what sort of insurance plan the companies can work out for you when you buy the car.

Swisstony

good luck with your visit in May

Madison is nice, but not the only nice place in the area.

Do also take a look at Summit (one stop closer in on the train line) and Summit (closer still).

NB if your husband is going to commute in to the city, do look very carefully at the train timetable - there are 'fast' (midtown direct) trains and slow trains - you'll want to be sure he can get the right one when he needs it *and park* at the station....

The public schools do have an excellent reputation, but if being relocated, you could consider asking if his employer might provide funding toward private schooling....

Good luck!

Tony
(future neighbour....?)

Candystore

Thanks Tony, will look at Summit.

DH will be based in Whippany so don't need to worry about the commute in to the city, although it would be great to be on the trainline.

Are there any other places which might be a bit further out where we might get more rental for our money?

Relocation package definitely won't stretch to schooling - we're hoping to just cover our costs!

Candystore

Thanks Penguinsix, good point. I have no idea how much to budget for car and home insurance - I've been reading up on med cover though.