I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify New Jersey’s fastest-growing real estate markets from 2016 to 2025. The findings reveal a fascinating pattern of investment opportunity concentrated in previously overlooked urban centers and coastal communities.
What’s particularly striking is the democratization of growth across price points – from Deal’s multi-million dollar estates to Woodlynne’s sub-$200K homes. This widespread appreciation signals a fundamental shift in New Jersey’s real estate landscape, creating wealth-building opportunities across socioeconomic boundaries.
My analysis focuses on percentage growth rather than absolute dollar increases, revealing surprising investment gems where early investors have quadrupled their equity positions in under a decade. These 25 communities represent the vanguard of New Jersey’s real estate renaissance.
25. Gloucester City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 129.94%
- Home value in 2016: $99,173
- Home value in 2017: $90,951
- Home value in 2018: $91,698
- Home value in 2019: $100,585
- Home value in 2020: $113,161
- Home value in 2021: $140,363
- Home value in 2022: $162,059
- Home value in 2023: $177,718
- Home value in 2024: $208,883
- Home value in 2025: $228,035
Your investment would have more than doubled here, outpacing most market indexes with 130% appreciation. The accelerating growth curve suggests this Camden County borough hasn’t peaked yet. Situated along the Delaware River with proximity to Philadelphia, Gloucester City represents exceptional value with substantial upside remaining compared to neighboring markets.
24. Pennsauken
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 130.95%
- Home value in 2016: $112,425
- Home value in 2017: $117,205
- Home value in 2018: $117,178
- Home value in 2019: $124,512
- Home value in 2020: $142,203
- Home value in 2021: $169,629
- Home value in 2022: $198,745
- Home value in 2023: $211,328
- Home value in 2024: $239,985
- Home value in 2025: $259,647
The $147K appreciation represents a wealth-building opportunity that’s rivaled high-performing stock portfolios. Pennsauken’s price trajectory shows consistent year-over-year growth without the volatility of other markets. Its strategic position near major highways and the PATCO line makes this Philadelphia suburb an attractive option for commuters seeking equity growth with cash flow potential.
23. Asbury Park
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 131.51%
- Home value in 2016: $272,505
- Home value in 2017: $300,466
- Home value in 2018: $341,082
- Home value in 2019: $392,587
- Home value in 2020: $426,090
- Home value in 2021: $476,426
- Home value in 2022: $543,538
- Home value in 2023: $569,342
- Home value in 2024: $600,678
- Home value in 2025: $630,869
Your $272K investment in 2016 would now command $630K, representing extraordinary wealth creation in this coastal revival story. The consistent appreciation curve suggests Asbury’s renaissance isn’t merely speculative but fundamentally supported. This iconic Jersey Shore destination combines cultural cachet with investment-grade returns, making it a prime target for both homeowners and investors.
22. Oakhurst
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 138.67%
- Home value in 2016: $384,852
- Home value in 2017: $396,467
- Home value in 2018: $427,772
- Home value in 2019: $466,019
- Home value in 2020: $501,251
- Home value in 2021: $576,365
- Home value in 2022: $719,669
- Home value in 2023: $786,659
- Home value in 2024: $875,092
- Home value in 2025: $918,540
The half-million dollar appreciation represents an extraordinary capital preservation and growth vehicle in uncertain economic times. Oakhurst’s exponential growth pattern since 2021 indicates structural market shifts, not just cyclical gains. This upscale Monmouth County community offers proximity to both beaches and commuting corridors, creating a perfect storm of lifestyle and financial advantages.
21. Ventnor City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 139.63%
- Home value in 2016: $233,413
- Home value in 2017: $223,476
- Home value in 2018: $234,360
- Home value in 2019: $262,747
- Home value in 2020: $282,948
- Home value in 2021: $334,855
- Home value in 2022: $424,044
- Home value in 2023: $470,549
- Home value in 2024: $518,881
- Home value in 2025: $559,324
Your investment would have generated $325K in equity over nine years, surpassing many traditional retirement vehicles. The explosive growth from 2021-2023 demonstrates how coastal markets can accelerate rapidly once momentum builds. This Atlantic County beach town benefits from Atlantic City’s redevelopment and increasing demand for second homes with income potential.
20. Keansburg
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 141.86%
- Home value in 2016: $148,089
- Home value in 2017: $134,746
- Home value in 2018: $140,417
- Home value in 2019: $161,900
- Home value in 2020: $194,153
- Home value in 2021: $238,811
- Home value in 2022: $279,985
- Home value in 2023: $307,266
- Home value in 2024: $330,938
- Home value in 2025: $358,168
Early investors have captured $210K in wealth creation from this bayshore community’s remarkable transformation. Keansburg’s trajectory shows how post-Sandy rebuilding efforts catalyzed substantial appreciation in previously overlooked markets. This Monmouth County town offers waterfront living at approachable price points, with excellent prospects for continued appreciation as New York commuters discover its ferry access.
19. Paterson
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 143.52%
- Home value in 2016: $202,720
- Home value in 2017: $218,383
- Home value in 2018: $239,615
- Home value in 2019: $266,974
- Home value in 2020: $310,891
- Home value in 2021: $354,664
- Home value in 2022: $397,497
- Home value in 2023: $423,142
- Home value in 2024: $455,149
- Home value in 2025: $493,666
Your $202K investment has blossomed into nearly $500K, demonstrating the wealth-building potential of urban resurgence. Paterson’s steady appreciation curve reveals consistent demand without speculative volatility. This historic industrial center is experiencing a renaissance driven by affordability relative to surrounding Bergen County, creating exceptional investment leverage for early adopters.
18. Willingboro Township
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 143.68%
- Home value in 2016: $138,740
- Home value in 2017: $142,294
- Home value in 2018: $153,238
- Home value in 2019: $162,917
- Home value in 2020: $179,987
- Home value in 2021: $214,892
- Home value in 2022: $263,563
- Home value in 2023: $282,796
- Home value in 2024: $314,258
- Home value in 2025: $338,077
The nearly $200K equity increase represents a phenomenal ROI that’s outperformed major market indices. Willingboro’s acceleration since 2020 signals strong fundamentals rather than transient market effects. This planned community in Burlington County offers exceptional value for Philadelphia commuters, with mid-century homes on generous lots driving sustained buyer interest.
17. Paulsboro
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 144.15%
- Home value in 2016: $91,108
- Home value in 2017: $87,416
- Home value in 2018: $87,025
- Home value in 2019: $98,241
- Home value in 2020: $113,376
- Home value in 2021: $135,651
- Home value in 2022: $162,440
- Home value in 2023: $176,627
- Home value in 2024: $194,431
- Home value in 2025: $222,442
With $131K in appreciation, this market has delivered life-changing wealth creation for early investors. The dramatic price acceleration starting in 2020 suggests structural market shifts driving sustainable growth. This Gloucester County industrial town along the Delaware River represents an exceptional value opportunity with sub-$250K entry points despite proximity to major employment centers.
16. Camden
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.03%
- Home value in 2016: $56,164
- Home value in 2017: $56,743
- Home value in 2018: $55,643
- Home value in 2019: $66,369
- Home value in 2020: $71,198
- Home value in 2021: $90,915
- Home value in 2022: $101,924
- Home value in 2023: $106,753
- Home value in 2024: $123,709
- Home value in 2025: $138,181
Despite starting from the lowest base on our list, Camden’s 146% appreciation represents extraordinary return potential at accessible price points. The accelerating growth since 2020 reflects substantive economic development, not speculative bubbles. This riverside city benefits from major institutional investment from Rutgers and Cooper Hospital, offering ground-floor opportunities in a market with significant upside runway.
15. Trenton
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.05%
- Home value in 2016: $137,208
- Home value in 2017: $140,213
- Home value in 2018: $150,275
- Home value in 2019: $171,824
- Home value in 2020: $199,827
- Home value in 2021: $223,504
- Home value in 2022: $258,739
- Home value in 2023: $280,689
- Home value in 2024: $315,673
- Home value in 2025: $337,604
Your capital would have grown by $200K in this state capital, outperforming most traditional investment vehicles. The consistent upward trajectory indicates sustainable demand rather than speculative flipping activity. This historic city at the intersection of major transportation corridors offers exceptional value to investors and homeowners alike, with easy access to both Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas.
14. Hillside
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 146.81%
- Home value in 2016: $200,553
- Home value in 2017: $216,031
- Home value in 2018: $239,039
- Home value in 2019: $263,510
- Home value in 2020: $295,710
- Home value in 2021: $342,598
- Home value in 2022: $394,448
- Home value in 2023: $417,660
- Home value in 2024: $463,136
- Home value in 2025: $494,992
Nearly $300K in equity growth represents exceptional wealth-building in this strategically positioned township. Hillside’s price trajectory shows no signs of plateauing, suggesting continued upside potential for investors. This Union County community benefits from its location at the crossroads of major highways with quick access to Newark Liberty International Airport, creating sustained demand from commuters.
13. Atlantic City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 147.44%
- Home value in 2016: $85,603
- Home value in 2017: $74,137
- Home value in 2018: $85,900
- Home value in 2019: $98,956
- Home value in 2020: $112,056
- Home value in 2021: $130,032
- Home value in 2022: $148,832
- Home value in 2023: $166,390
- Home value in 2024: $192,439
- Home value in 2025: $211,817
With a remarkable 147% return on investment, Atlantic City demonstrates the wealth-creating potential of contrarian real estate plays. The consistent appreciation since 2018 suggests a sustainable recovery rather than a temporary bounce. This iconic seaside resort city offers tremendous value with beachfront accessibility at a fraction of neighboring Shore towns’ prices, creating both lifestyle and investment appeal.
12. Elizabeth
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 152.16%
- Home value in 2016: $211,001
- Home value in 2017: $229,456
- Home value in 2018: $260,436
- Home value in 2019: $289,694
- Home value in 2020: $319,045
- Home value in 2021: $359,538
- Home value in 2022: $411,239
- Home value in 2023: $437,894
- Home value in 2024: $506,761
- Home value in 2025: $532,050
The $321K equity growth represents exceptional wealth creation that’s outperformed most traditional investment vehicles. Elizabeth’s strong appreciation persisted through market fluctuations, indicating robust underlying demand fundamentals. This strategically located transportation hub benefits from its Newark Airport adjacency and port access, creating resilient demand from both homeowners and investors.
11. Deal
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 154.65%
- Home value in 2016: $1,486,132
- Home value in 2017: $1,462,047
- Home value in 2018: $1,634,374
- Home value in 2019: $1,833,069
- Home value in 2020: $1,916,191
- Home value in 2021: $2,233,307
- Home value in 2022: $2,925,652
- Home value in 2023: $3,424,927
- Home value in 2024: $3,568,834
- Home value in 2025: $3,784,369
The astronomical $2.3M appreciation demonstrates how luxury markets can deliver both lifestyle benefits and exceptional investment returns. Deal’s explosive growth since 2021 reflects the premium market’s extraordinary resilience and momentum. This exclusive oceanfront enclave has become the crown jewel of Monmouth County’s Gold Coast, attracting affluent buyers seeking both trophy properties and inflation-resistant store of wealth.
10. Orange
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 159.41%
- Home value in 2016: $171,379
- Home value in 2017: $193,397
- Home value in 2018: $205,434
- Home value in 2019: $235,970
- Home value in 2020: $270,824
- Home value in 2021: $325,429
- Home value in 2022: $360,468
- Home value in 2023: $381,418
- Home value in 2024: $415,651
- Home value in 2025: $444,566
The remarkable $273K equity growth demonstrates generational wealth-building potential in this Essex County renaissance story. Orange’s steep appreciation curve suggests structural market shifts that likely have staying power. This transit-oriented city with direct Midtown Direct train service offers tremendous value compared to neighboring South Orange and Maplewood, attracting savvy buyers priced out of those markets.
9. Pleasantville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 171.23%
- Home value in 2016: $83,078
- Home value in 2017: $70,438
- Home value in 2018: $81,299
- Home value in 2019: $98,153
- Home value in 2020: $116,925
- Home value in 2021: $139,697
- Home value in 2022: $165,083
- Home value in 2023: $180,627
- Home value in 2024: $206,228
- Home value in 2025: $225,330
With 171% appreciation, this market has delivered extraordinary returns that have transformed modest investments into significant wealth. Pleasantville’s accelerating growth curve suggests a market with considerable remaining upside potential. This Atlantic County community offers exceptional value just minutes from Atlantic City and the beaches, creating compelling value for both primary residences and income-producing vacation properties.
8. Plainfield
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 174.77%
- Home value in 2016: $179,907
- Home value in 2017: $192,515
- Home value in 2018: $225,710
- Home value in 2019: $258,744
- Home value in 2020: $287,965
- Home value in 2021: $335,573
- Home value in 2022: $389,161
- Home value in 2023: $414,135
- Home value in 2024: $460,362
- Home value in 2025: $494,337
Your investment would have delivered $314K in equity growth, outperforming many alternative investments over the same period. Plainfield’s consistent appreciation curve demonstrates sustained demand fundamentals supporting long-term value growth. This Union County city offers extraordinary value with historic Victorian architecture and convenient NYC train access, creating a compelling value proposition for urban professionals.
7. Lindenwold
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 189.08%
- Home value in 2016: $84,851
- Home value in 2017: $89,050
- Home value in 2018: $94,313
- Home value in 2019: $106,430
- Home value in 2020: $120,963
- Home value in 2021: $148,657
- Home value in 2022: $182,874
- Home value in 2023: $199,259
- Home value in 2024: $227,351
- Home value in 2025: $245,288
The extraordinary 189% appreciation demonstrates how strategic positioning in emerging markets can create exceptional wealth. Lindenwold’s accelerating growth trajectory suggests continued upside despite already impressive gains. This Camden County community benefits from its PATCO high-speed line terminus, offering Philadelphia commuters an exceptional value proposition with tremendous cash flow potential for investors.
6. Penns Grove
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 198.84%
- Home value in 2016: $57,806
- Home value in 2017: $57,328
- Home value in 2018: $65,770
- Home value in 2019: $59,105
- Home value in 2020: $68,585
- Home value in 2021: $87,531
- Home value in 2022: $121,762
- Home value in 2023: $137,855
- Home value in 2024: $160,053
- Home value in 2025: $172,747
Nearly tripling in value, Penns Grove demonstrates the extraordinary wealth-building potential of contrarian real estate investments. The explosive growth since 2021 reveals how quickly overlooked markets can accelerate once discovered. This Salem County town along the Delaware River offers exceptional affordability with proximity to Wilmington and Philadelphia, creating compelling value for both homeowners and investors.
5. Roselle
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 201.64%
- Home value in 2016: $162,853
- Home value in 2017: $181,094
- Home value in 2018: $218,925
- Home value in 2019: $245,977
- Home value in 2020: $278,630
- Home value in 2021: $331,456
- Home value in 2022: $380,592
- Home value in 2023: $409,721
- Home value in 2024: $460,642
- Home value in 2025: $491,228
Tripling your investment to capture $328K in equity growth represents extraordinary wealth creation potential. Roselle’s consistent upward trajectory indicates sustained structural demand, not speculative activity. This Union County borough benefits from its strategic location between Newark and Elizabeth, offering exceptional value for commuters seeking affordability with easy NYC access.
4. East Orange
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 201.75%
- Home value in 2016: $152,951
- Home value in 2017: $177,767
- Home value in 2018: $197,225
- Home value in 2019: $223,939
- Home value in 2020: $267,405
- Home value in 2021: $324,563
- Home value in 2022: $359,527
- Home value in 2023: $379,067
- Home value in 2024: $422,319
- Home value in 2025: $461,530
The remarkable $308K equity growth demonstrates how urban renaissance can create exceptional investor returns. East Orange’s steady upward trajectory reflects fundamental improvement, not speculative froth. This Essex County city offers superb transportation access with multiple train stations and proximity to Garden State Parkway, creating an irresistible value proposition for commuters priced out of neighboring markets.
3. Allenhurst
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 215.42%
- Home value in 2016: $651,645
- Home value in 2017: $706,430
- Home value in 2018: $804,204
- Home value in 2019: $917,757
- Home value in 2020: $933,830
- Home value in 2021: $1,104,505
- Home value in 2022: $1,437,080
- Home value in 2023: $1,704,612
- Home value in 2024: $1,895,995
- Home value in 2025: $2,055,450
The staggering $1.4M appreciation demonstrates how luxury markets can deliver both prestige and exceptional financial returns. Allenhurst’s explosive post-2020 growth shows how premium coastal markets can accelerate dramatically. This exclusive oceanfront enclave offers extraordinary value compared to Hamptons prices while providing similar amenities, attracting affluent buyers seeking both lifestyle enhancement and tangible asset allocation.
2. Irvington
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 221.55%
- Home value in 2016: $121,066
- Home value in 2017: $137,274
- Home value in 2018: $157,092
- Home value in 2019: $187,327
- Home value in 2020: $227,807
- Home value in 2021: $272,851
- Home value in 2022: $312,566
- Home value in 2023: $336,195
- Home value in 2024: $374,753
- Home value in 2025: $389,291
Your $121K investment has more than tripled, creating extraordinary wealth in just nine years. Irvington’s steep growth curve reflects its transformation from overlooked to sought-after. Located in Essex County adjacent to Newark, this community offers exceptional value with rapid transit connections that have attracted both homeowners and investors seeking metropolitan proximity.
1. Woodlynne
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 253.29%
- Home value in 2016: $54,872
- Home value in 2017: $48,325
- Home value in 2018: $46,073
- Home value in 2019: $52,816
- Home value in 2020: $62,841
- Home value in 2021: $89,857
- Home value in 2022: $120,359
- Home value in 2023: $139,882
- Home value in 2024: $164,020
- Home value in 2025: $193,857
With a phenomenal 253% appreciation, Woodlynne tops our list as New Jersey’s ultimate growth story. The explosive trajectory since 2020 demonstrates how dramatically overlooked markets can transform once discovered. This tiny Camden County borough adjacent to Collingswood offers extraordinary affordability with Philadelphia access, creating compelling investment fundamentals for both cash flow and appreciation potential.
