Market Report: May 7, 2013

Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Forward to a Friend The Numbers How much house can you afford? With CNNMoney's easy-to-use Affordable House Calculator you can factor in a number of key elements including monthly income, mortgage rate and other revolving debts for a clear, concise picture of your price range. The calculator provides both a conservative and aggressive number so you've got a great range to start from. Click hereto try it now! Top Schools U.S. News & World Report's annual list of the top high schools is out, and the best of the best include some perennial favorites and some exciting newcomers. Rye, Jericho and Great Neck ranked high in New York while Freehold and Lincroft topped the list in New Jersey and Darien and Weston in Connecticut. Click herefor the full New York list,here for New Jersey andhere for Connecticut.  Home prices up 9.3% Driven by massive increases in the West  In the 20 largest U.S. cities, home prices were up 9.3% for the 12-month period ending in February 2013. This was the biggest single-year growth since 2006. The increase came about following the higher-than- average demand in the market paired with a tightening of inventory and  decrease in foreclosure properties, which tend to drive averages down. Read more... Ready to take advantage of still-competitive home price in our area? Click here to view the latest home listings from Suburban Jungle Realty Group, including the most sought-after homes in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  Check Out... Greenwich! This affluent commuter town mixes an underlying small-town atmosphere with a now-pervasive cosmopolitan vibe that comes from the new order of residents who call Greenwich home. No matter the draw, though, Greenwich remains synonymous with luxury and the town lives up to its reputation.  SJ's Home of the Week! A move-in ready Colonial in the heart of Old Greenwich for under $1 million? Check out this bright, beautifully renovated 3 BR, 2 BA steps from great restaurants, shopping, schools, parks and Metro-North, or grab a bike and ride over to Tod's Point Beach! Click here to view before it's too late.  What's the Buzz in YOUR Neighborhood? There's A LOT going on this week! Here's some great happenings in your current—or future—neighborhood.  Glen Ridge, NJ Arts Festival: The 35th Annual Glen Ridge Arts Festival is happening this Saturday from 10:00am - 4:30pm. Come enjoy music, local art and artists, great snacks and a host of children's activities including the Turtle Back Zoo, moonwalk, face painting and sand art. All proceeds benefit community art programs and student scholarships. Click herefor more.  New Canaan, CT Azaleas in Bloom:Bring mom to see the beautiful azaleas this Mother's Day from 1:00-4:00pm at the Olive & George Lee Memorial Garden. Paths have been cleared by the Service League of Boys and the garden is ready for its spring viewing. In addition to azaleas, there are many other woodland wildflowers in bloom. Click here for more. Port Washington PortFest! This fun annual festival is happening Saturday at Schreiber High School! Enjoy local artists and musicians of all ages in a celebration of the unique culture and community of Port Washington while raising funds to support music and arts in the public schools. Take in all the great arts and entertainment while feasting on area faves all day long. Click herefor more.