I’ve been diving deep into the Zillow Home Value Index data for New Jersey, and what I’ve discovered about the state’s premier neighborhoods is nothing short of remarkable. The financial trajectory of these top communities shows consistent appreciation that outpaces many other investment vehicles, particularly in coastal regions.
What stands out most dramatically is how Ocean County dominates the luxury market, with Long Beach Township neighborhoods claiming an astonishing 10 positions in the top 25. These coastal havens have demonstrated resilience through economic cycles, with most showing 70%+ appreciation over the past 15 years.
Another fascinating pattern emerges when comparing inland versus coastal appreciation rates – while Princeton North and Upper Montclair represent prestigious inland enclaves, their growth percentages generally lag behind the extraordinary gains seen in oceanfront communities like Peahala Park and Beach Haven Terrace, which have more than doubled in value since 2015.
25. High Gate
- 2025 Home Value: $809,291
- 2020 Home Value: $554,943
- 2015 Home Value: $509,113
- 2010 Home Value: $449,084
- % Change (2010–2025): 80.2%
- % Change (2015–2025): 59.0%
- % Change (2020–2025): 45.8%
High Gate’s remarkable 80.2% value growth since 2010 translates to an average annual return of 5.3%, significantly outperforming traditional savings vehicles. Its acceleration since 2020 is particularly noteworthy, with the pandemic-era 45.8% surge representing nearly double the appreciation rate of the previous five years. Located within Kendall Park’s family-focused community in Middlesex County, this neighborhood combines suburban tranquility with strategic proximity to major employment centers.
24. Martinsville
- 2025 Home Value: $843,405
- 2020 Home Value: $607,834
- 2015 Home Value: $562,246
- 2010 Home Value: $560,025
- % Change (2010–2025): 50.6%
- % Change (2015–2025): 50.0%
- % Change (2020–2025): 38.8%
Martinsville exhibits remarkable investment stability, demonstrating nearly identical 15-year and 10-year appreciation rates of approximately 50%, suggesting consistent demand rather than volatile market swings. The post-2020 acceleration to 38.8% growth indicates increasing buyer interest despite already high valuation baselines. Nestled within the highly-rated Bridgewater Township school district in Somerset County, Martinsville offers both natural beauty with its position along the first ridge of the Watchung Mountains and practical advantages with its proximity to major corporate headquarters.
23. Ocean Grove
- 2025 Home Value: $856,327
- 2020 Home Value: $549,846
- 2015 Home Value: $423,935
- 2010 Home Value: $471,501
- % Change (2010–2025): 81.6%
- % Change (2015–2025): 102.0%
- % Change (2020–2025): 55.7%
Ocean Grove presents one of the most compelling investment cases with its extraordinary 102% appreciation since 2015, effectively doubling property values in just a decade. The temporary dip between 2010-2015 followed by explosive growth suggests successful community revitalization and shifting market perception. This historic seaside community within Neptune Township combines Victorian charm with boardwalk accessibility, offering a unique blend of architectural heritage and modern beachfront lifestyle that continues attracting premium buyers.
22. Beekman Manor
- 2025 Home Value: $864,615
- 2020 Home Value: $578,982
- 2015 Home Value: $542,942
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change (2010–2025): N/A
- % Change (2015–2025): 59.2%
- % Change (2020–2025): 49.3%
Beekman Manor’s investment profile shows accelerating returns, with 49.3% growth since 2020 compared to 59.2% over the entire decade since 2015, indicating dramatically increased demand in the post-pandemic market. The neighborhood’s upscale properties appear to benefit from changing buyer priorities emphasizing space and amenities. Situated within Kendall Park’s exclusive enclaves in Middlesex County, this development combines architectural prestige with strategic placement near Princeton and major transportation corridors to New York City.
21. Spring Lake Heights
- 2025 Home Value: $869,467
- 2020 Home Value: $535,203
- 2015 Home Value: $453,666
- 2010 Home Value: $416,213
- % Change (2010–2025): 108.9%
- % Change (2015–2025): 91.7%
- % Change (2020–2025): 62.5%
Spring Lake Heights has delivered exceptional returns with a 108.9% appreciation since 2010, effectively doubling initial investment value and substantially outperforming most financial market alternatives. The accelerated 62.5% growth just since 2020 suggests this market is still ascending rather than plateauing. This prestigious enclave within Monmouth County offers proximity to pristine beaches while maintaining a small-town atmosphere, creating the ideal balance for luxury second-home buyers and affluent year-round residents.
20. Dover Beaches North
- 2025 Home Value: $901,067
- 2020 Home Value: $516,037
- 2015 Home Value: $397,536
- 2010 Home Value: $468,294
- % Change (2010–2025): 92.4%
- % Change (2015–2025): 126.7%
- % Change (2020–2025): 74.6%
Dover Beaches North showcases extraordinary investment performance with a 126.7% decade-long return, more than doubling property values and demonstrating strong post-Hurricane Sandy recovery and rebuilding value enhancement. The exceptional 74.6% five-year growth indicates continued momentum in this market segment. Located within Lavallette in Ocean County, this barrier island community offers direct oceanfront access and bay views, creating premium valuation drivers through limited inventory and irreplaceable waterfront positioning.
19. Ortley Beach
- 2025 Home Value: $905,032
- 2020 Home Value: $489,325
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change (2010–2025): N/A
- % Change (2015–2025): N/A
- % Change (2020–2025): 85.0%
Ortley Beach’s remarkable 85% five-year appreciation rate represents one of the most aggressive growth patterns in the entire dataset, indicating extraordinary post-pandemic demand for this shore community. This exceptional performance suggests both recovery value and premium placement in the luxury second-home market. Situated within Seaside Heights in Ocean County, this barrier island neighborhood offers both ocean and bay water access, creating the dual-waterfront premium that characterizes New Jersey’s most valuable coastal real estate.
18. The Waterfront
- 2025 Home Value: $936,015
- 2020 Home Value: $842,322
- 2015 Home Value: $658,507
- 2010 Home Value: $546,567
- % Change (2010–2025): 71.3%
- % Change (2015–2025): 42.1%
- % Change (2020–2025): 11.1%
The Waterfront’s financial trajectory shows more mature market behavior with a solid 71.3% fifteen-year appreciation but a modest 11.1% five-year gain, suggesting this urban luxury market reached premium valuation earlier than coastal communities. Its early cycle appreciation indicates different market timing than vacation destinations. This premium development along Jersey City’s Gold Coast offers Manhattan skyline views and luxury amenities, attracting financial sector professionals with its combination of urban sophistication and convenient PATH train access to New York City.
17. West Montrose
- 2025 Home Value: $989,499
- 2020 Home Value: $634,746
- 2015 Home Value: $526,983
- 2010 Home Value: $485,716
- % Change (2010–2025): 103.7%
- % Change (2015–2025): 87.8%
- % Change (2020–2025): 55.9%
West Montrose demonstrates exceptional investment performance by doubling in value since 2010, with the 55.9% post-2020 surge accounting for more than half of its total 15-year appreciation. This accelerating growth curve suggests increasing market recognition of its value proposition. Located within South Orange’s prestigious neighborhoods in Essex County, this area combines historic architecture with proximity to highly-rated schools and direct train service to Manhattan, creating persistent demand from affluent professionals seeking suburban lifestyle with urban accessibility.
16. Timber Ponds
- 2025 Home Value: $990,184
- 2020 Home Value: $679,499
- 2015 Home Value: $632,574
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change (2010–2025): N/A
- % Change (2015–2025): 56.5%
- % Change (2020–2025): 45.7%
Timber Ponds exhibits strong financial performance with its 56.5% decade-long appreciation, but the accelerated 45.7% growth since 2020 indicates dramatic market shift during the pandemic era, with recent years accounting for over 80% of its total decade gain. This upscale community within Kendall Park in Middlesex County features larger lot sizes and custom residences around natural water features, creating premium valuation through exclusivity and aesthetic appeal while maintaining proximity to the Princeton economic center.
15. West Cape May
- 2025 Home Value: $1,128,457
- 2020 Home Value: $657,575
- 2015 Home Value: $489,179
- 2010 Home Value: $507,099
- % Change (2010–2025): 122.5%
- % Change (2015–2025): 130.7%
- % Change (2020–2025): 71.6%
West Cape May presents extraordinary investment returns with property values more than doubling over both 15-year and 10-year timeframes, alongside an impressive 71.6% five-year gain that demonstrates consistent market momentum rather than any plateau effect. The temporary 2010-2015 decrease followed by explosive growth suggests successful market repositioning. This charming borough adjacent to historic Cape May offers a blend of Victorian architecture and natural beauty within Cape May County, attracting premium buyers seeking both vacation potential and historic district preservation value.
14. Princeton North
- 2025 Home Value: $1,214,300
- 2020 Home Value: $793,961
- 2015 Home Value: $684,273
- 2010 Home Value: $633,257
- % Change (2010–2025): 91.8%
- % Change (2015–2025): 77.5%
- % Change (2020–2025): 52.9%
Princeton North’s investment profile shows accelerating returns with its most recent five-year appreciation of 52.9% outpacing earlier periods, indicating increasing valuation momentum despite already high baseline prices. This prestigious area demonstrates consistent demand across economic cycles. Located within Princeton’s most coveted addresses in Mercer County, this neighborhood combines academic prestige with architectural distinction, offering residents both cultural amenities associated with Princeton University and natural beauty with its mature tree canopy and generous lot sizes.
13. Upper Montclair
- 2025 Home Value: $1,282,525
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change (2010–2025): N/A
- % Change (2015–2025): N/A
- % Change (2020–2025): N/A
Upper Montclair commands its $1.28 million average valuation through a combination of architectural prestige, superior school performance metrics, and strategic positioning within the New York City commuter belt. While historical data points are unavailable, current market trends suggest continued appreciation potential. This premier section of Montclair in Essex County features distinctive Tudor and Colonial Revival architecture alongside a vibrant downtown district with upscale dining and shopping options, creating lifestyle value beyond mere housing functionality.
12. Beach Haven Crest
- 2025 Home Value: $1,416,517
- 2020 Home Value: $885,680
- 2015 Home Value: $722,685
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change (2010–2025): N/A
- % Change (2015–2025): 96.0%
- % Change (2020–2025): 59.9%
Beach Haven Crest showcases exceptional investment performance with its 96% decade-long return, nearly doubling property values and demonstrating particular strength in the post-pandemic market with its 59.9% five-year growth representing over 60% of the total decade gain. This exclusive section of Long Beach Township in Ocean County provides both oceanfront access and bay water views, with many properties featuring private docks alongside beach accessibility, creating dual-water premium positioning that justifies accelerating valuations.
11. Brighton Beach
- 2025 Home Value: $1,536,745
- 2020 Home Value: $902,795
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change (2010–2025): N/A
- % Change (2015–2025): N/A
- % Change (2020–2025): 70.2%
Brighton Beach demonstrates extraordinary five-year appreciation of 70.2%, translating to an annualized return exceeding 11% and outperforming most alternative investment vehicles during this period. This strong performance indicates both recovery value and premium demand for coastal properties. Situated along the pristine beaches of Long Beach Township in Ocean County, this exclusive enclave features a combination of new luxury construction and thoughtfully renovated classic beach homes, creating premium value through both architectural distinction and irreplaceable oceanfront positioning.
10. Beach Haven Terrace
- 2025 Home Value: $1,541,956
- 2020 Home Value: $858,154
- 2015 Home Value: $724,437
- 2010 Home Value: $769,718
- % Change (2010–2025): 100.3%
- % Change (2015–2025): 112.8%
- % Change (2020–2025): 79.7%
Beach Haven Terrace presents an exceptional investment case by doubling property values over 15 years, with particularly strong performance since 2015 at 112.8% appreciation and continued momentum shown by the 79.7% five-year growth rate. The temporary 2010-2015 decrease followed by explosive growth reflects successful post-Sandy rebuilding value enhancement. Located within Long Beach Township’s prime oceanfront area in Ocean County, this neighborhood offers the optimal balance of privacy and accessibility, with many homes featuring both beach and bay access.
9. Beach Haven Gardens
- 2025 Home Value: $1,605,165
- 2020 Home Value: $903,133
- 2015 Home Value: $779,740
- 2010 Home Value: $928,113
- % Change (2010–2025): 72.9%
- % Change (2015–2025): 105.9%
- % Change (2020–2025): 77.7%
Beach Haven Gardens demonstrates extraordinary market resilience by weathering the 2010-2015 downturn and subsequently delivering exceptional 105.9% appreciation since 2015, with continued acceleration shown by the 77.7% five-year gain. This V-shaped recovery suggests both successful rebuilding and enhanced property values. Situated along the coveted central portion of Long Beach Island within Ocean County, this neighborhood features wider beaches and close proximity to dining and shopping districts, creating premium valuation through both natural amenities and lifestyle convenience.
8. Spray Beach
- 2025 Home Value: $1,652,107
- 2020 Home Value: $945,397
- 2015 Home Value: $798,128
- 2010 Home Value: $952,042
- % Change (2010–2025): 73.5%
- % Change (2015–2025): 107.0%
- % Change (2020–2025): 74.8%
Spray Beach exhibits the classic coastal investment pattern with temporary post-2008 decline followed by extraordinary 107% appreciation since 2015 and continued momentum shown by the 74.8% five-year gain. This recovery pattern suggests both rebuilding value enhancement and shifting market perception of coastal risk factors. This exclusive section of Long Beach Township in Ocean County features some of the island’s widest beach areas alongside strategic positioning near amenities, creating premium valuation through both natural features and lifestyle accessibility.
7. Peahala Park
- 2025 Home Value: $1,679,324
- 2020 Home Value: $930,631
- 2015 Home Value: $733,103
- 2010 Home Value: $779,103
- % Change (2010–2025): 115.5%
- % Change (2015–2025): 129.1%
- % Change (2020–2025): 80.5%
Peahala Park’s investment performance is truly exceptional with a 129.1% decade-long appreciation that more than doubled property values while showing no signs of slowing based on the robust 80.5% five-year gain. This growth trajectory suggests continued market confidence despite already high valuation points. Located in the central section of Long Beach Township in Ocean County, this premium neighborhood benefits from both wider beaches and strategic positioning between commercial districts, offering convenience without sacrificing the exclusivity that drives luxury valuations.
6. North Beach Haven
- 2025 Home Value: $1,694,806
- 2020 Home Value: $906,045
- 2015 Home Value: $756,862
- 2010 Home Value: $985,174
- % Change (2010–2025): 72.0%
- % Change (2015–2025): 123.9%
- % Change (2020–2025): 87.1%
North Beach Haven demonstrates remarkable market resilience with its V-shaped recovery from 2010-2015 losses followed by explosive 123.9% growth since 2015, with momentum actually accelerating as shown by the extraordinary 87.1% five-year appreciation. This growth pattern suggests both successful rebuilding and fundamental market reevaluation. Situated at the southern portion of Long Beach Township within Ocean County, this neighborhood combines premium beach access with proximity to Beach Haven’s dining and entertainment district, creating value through both natural amenities and lifestyle conveniences.
5. Brant Beach
- 2025 Home Value: $1,712,736
- 2020 Home Value: $974,010
- 2015 Home Value: $808,742
- 2010 Home Value: $867,902
- % Change (2010–2025): 97.3%
- % Change (2015–2025): 111.8%
- % Change (2020–2025): 75.8%
Brant Beach showcases exceptional investment potential with property values more than doubling over the past decade after recovering from the 2010-2015 dip, while the 75.8% five-year appreciation indicates continued strong momentum rather than any plateau effect. The temporary downturn followed by explosive growth reflects successful post-Sandy rebuilding enhancement. This prestigious section of Long Beach Township in Ocean County offers the perfect balance of privacy and convenience, with direct beach access complemented by proximity to the causeway for easier mainland connections.
4. The Dunes
- 2025 Home Value: $1,974,642
- 2020 Home Value: $1,052,223
- 2015 Home Value: $871,276
- 2010 Home Value: $966,969
- % Change (2010–2025): 104.2%
- % Change (2015–2025): 126.6%
- % Change (2020–2025): 87.7%
The Dunes represents an exceptional investment opportunity with property values doubling over 15 years despite starting from an already-premium baseline, with particularly impressive 126.6% growth since 2015 and accelerating momentum shown by the 87.7% five-year appreciation. The temporary 2010-2015 decline followed by explosive growth reflects successful rebuilding enhancement. This exclusive enclave within Long Beach Township offers some of the widest beaches on Long Beach Island alongside architectural distinction, with many homes featuring both ocean and bay water views that drive premium valuations.
3. Beach Haven Park
- 2025 Home Value: $1,976,230
- 2020 Home Value: $1,070,314
- 2015 Home Value: $872,256
- 2010 Home Value: $986,759
- % Change (2010–2025): 100.3%
- % Change (2015–2025): 126.6%
- % Change (2020–2025): 84.6%
Beach Haven Park demonstrates exceptional financial performance by doubling property values over 15 years despite starting from an already-premium baseline, with particularly strong 126.6% growth since 2015 and continued acceleration shown by the 84.6% five-year appreciation. The market reversal after 2015 reflects successful post-Sandy rebuilding enhancement. Located in the central portion of Long Beach Township in Ocean County, this neighborhood offers wider beaches and strategic placement between commercial nodes, providing both natural amenities and lifestyle convenience that drive premium valuations.
2. Haven Beach
- 2025 Home Value: $2,043,566
- 2020 Home Value: $1,145,986
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- % Change (2010–2025): N/A
- % Change (2015–2025): N/A
- % Change (2020–2025): 78.3%
Haven Beach commands an extraordinary market position with its average valuation exceeding $2 million and showing robust 78.3% appreciation in just five years, translating to an annualized return of 12.3% that far outpaces traditional investment vehicles. The rapid recent growth suggests both limited supply and accelerating luxury demand. This exclusive section of Long Beach Township in Ocean County offers some of the island’s most valuable properties, with premium oceanfront positioning and larger lot sizes that support the architectural distinction and privacy demands of ultra-high-net-worth buyers.
1. North Beach
- 2025 Home Value: $2,122,332
- 2020 Home Value: $1,270,559
- 2015 Home Value: $1,130,644
- 2010 Home Value: $1,402,510
- % Change (2010–2025): 51.3%
- % Change (2015–2025): 87.7%
- % Change (2020–2025): 67.0%
North Beach maintains its position as New Jersey’s most valuable neighborhood with an extraordinary price point exceeding $2.1 million, despite showing a more mature growth curve than some newer luxury areas. Its financial trajectory shows remarkable resilience, with 51.3% appreciation since 2010 despite starting from an already-premium baseline. Located at the northern tip of Long Beach Township in Ocean County, this exclusive enclave offers the perfect combination of privacy, premium beachfront, and strategic placement away from commercial development, creating irreplaceable value through both natural amenities and exclusivity.
