New Jersey’s Hottest Towns in 2025—And Why They’re Thriving
Author: Ricky Morgan
If you’ve been paying attention to New Jersey’s real estate market, you know home prices aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Despite high property taxes, despite the cold winters, and despite people saying they’re leaving the state for cheaper pastures, the demand for homes in NJ remains stronger than ever.
As an investor actively buying and selling homes across the state, I see where the action is happening. Some towns have explosive demand, while others remain affordable hidden gems that won’t stay that way for long.
So, where should you move in 2025? Let’s break down the hottest towns in NJ right now, why they’re thriving, and what’s coming next.
Why Some New Jersey Towns Are Booming While Others Stay Flat
First, let’s talk about why certain towns in NJ are outperforming others.
Unlike places like Arizona or Florida, where entire master-planned communities pop up overnight, New Jersey is built on established towns, tight zoning laws, and limited new development. This means the places that already have the infrastructure, great schools, and desirable locations see massive demand—because there just isn’t enough supply.
Here’s what’s driving the NJ hotspots:
1. Easy Access to NYC or Philadelphia
- The classic NJ real estate rule: The closer you are to major job hubs, the stronger the market.
- Towns with commuter-friendly transit options are booming as companies settle into hybrid work (think: occasional NYC commutes, but no one wants to live in the city full-time anymore).
2. Small-Town Charm, Big-Town Demand
- Some towns have idyllic main streets, strong schools, and limited housing supply—and buyers are paying a premium for them.
- Many of these towns never had much new construction, keeping inventory permanently tight.
3. More Space, Same High Demand
- A lot of NJ buyers still want space, and post-pandemic, many families prioritize bigger homes over city convenience.
- South Jersey towns and western suburbs are benefiting as people move further from major metro areas in search of affordability.
So, where does this leave us? Let’s get into the hottest NJ towns in 2025.
The Hottest New Jersey Towns to Move to in 2025
1. Montclair – The Classic Winner
Why It’s Hot: Top-rated schools, direct NYC train access, and a buzzing restaurant & arts scene.
Median Home Price: ~$1,000,000+
Who’s Moving Here: NYC families who want Brooklyn vibes with suburban living.
Montclair isn’t a surprise—it’s been one of NJ’s hottest towns for years. But the demand isn’t slowing down. Even in 2024, bidding wars on the best homes were the norm, not the exception. If you want a town with walkability, culture, and direct train access to NYC, this is it.
The downside? Prices are already sky-high. If you’re buying in 2025, expect to pay a premium—and move fast when a listing pops up.
2. Jersey City – The Brooklyn Alternative
Why It’s Hot: Explosive development, waterfront views, and more space than NYC for the money.
Median Home Price: ~$750,000 (but highly variable by neighborhood).
Who’s Moving Here: NYC transplants looking for more affordability without giving up city life.
Jersey City continues to boom—and it’s no mystery why. It’s got waterfront views, luxury apartments, and a growing restaurant and nightlife scene. And compared to NYC prices? Still a deal.
In 2025, expect areas like Journal Square and Bergen-Lafayette to be in high demand as more young professionals move in. If you’re buying, look for properties near PATH stations—those are gold.
3. Princeton – High-End Living, Small-Town Feel
Why It’s Hot: Ivy League charm, historic homes, and top-tier schools.
Median Home Price: ~$1.3M+
Who’s Moving Here: Wealthy buyers looking for a mix of suburban and college-town lifestyle.
Princeton has always been desirable, but lately, demand has skyrocketed. The combination of amazing schools, historic homes, and a downtown that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie makes it one of NJ’s most exclusive towns.
The downside? Prices are insanely high, and new inventory is limited. But if you can get in? It’s one of the best long-term investments in NJ real estate.
4. Asbury Park – The Shore’s Rising Star
Why It’s Hot: Revitalized beach town, booming arts scene, and strong Airbnb potential.
Median Home Price: ~$700,000
Who’s Moving Here: Young professionals and investors looking for shore town appreciation.
Asbury Park used to be an underrated beach town, but over the past few years, it’s become the place to be at the Jersey Shore. Restaurants, nightlife, and a growing arts scene have transformed it into a hot spot for young buyers.
The best part? It still has room to grow. Investors are looking at Asbury Park as the next big thing at the Shore, and property values are climbing fast.
5. Cherry Hill – The Best of South Jersey
Why It’s Hot: Proximity to Philly, affordable for NJ standards, and strong schools.
Median Home Price: ~$450,000
Who’s Moving Here: Buyers looking for space, schools, and lower home prices.
If you want affordable suburban living while still being close to a major city, Cherry Hill is one of the best bets in NJ. It’s a South Jersey powerhouse, offering great schools, shopping, and easy access to Philadelphia.
The best part? You get way more house for your money compared to North Jersey. While $1M might get you a small fixer-upper in Montclair, in Cherry Hill, it buys a fully updated family home.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy in NJ in 2025?
New Jersey’s best towns aren’t cheap—but they’re holding their value better than most markets. If you’re looking to move, expect bidding wars on the best properties, and be ready to move fast.
For investors? The Shore towns, transit-accessible areas, and under-the-radar suburbs still have plenty of upside. But don’t wait—2025 is shaping up to be another strong year for NJ real estate.
Thinking about selling or investing in NJ? Reach out to Savannah Properties—we know where the deals are happening before they hit the market.