For empty nesters looking to stretch their fixed housing budget in New Jersey, these 25 towns represent the most expensive real estate markets in the state according to the Zillow Home Value Index data.
Deal, NJ, tops the list with a striking median home value of $3.77 million in 2024, while even the “most affordable” town on the list, Fair Haven, commands prices above $1.31 million.
These markets, dominated by upscale shore communities and affluent New York City suburbs, have seen substantial price appreciation that puts them far beyond reach for most retirees on fixed incomes.
Here’s the list.
1. Fair Haven, New Jersey
This charming riverside community represents the entry point to New Jersey’s most expensive markets, with median values rising from $693,637 in 2014 to $782,442 in 2019, before reaching $1,311,889 in 2024. Fair Haven’s property values have increased by 89.1% over the decade, while maintaining a strong 67.7% growth from 2019 to 2024.
2. Sea Isle City, New Jersey
This beloved shore destination demonstrates remarkable growth, with values climbing from $636,422 in 2014 to $772,591 in 2019, before achieving $1,321,173 in 2024. The barrier island community has experienced a 107.6% increase over ten years, while posting a robust 71.0% gain since 2019.
3. Essex Fells, New Jersey
This exclusive Essex County enclave shows steady appreciation, with values progressing from $819,097 in 2014 to $863,538 in 2019, before reaching $1,335,719 in 2024. Property values have increased by 63.1% over the decade, with a more modest 54.7% growth since 2019.
4. Interlaken, New Jersey
This small coastal borough has seen dramatic appreciation, with values starting at $606,451 in 2014, rising to $803,365 in 2019, before climbing to $1,378,479 in 2024. Interlaken has posted an impressive 127.3% gain over the decade, with a substantial 71.6% increase since 2019.
5. Cape May Point, New Jersey
This historic seaside community shows strong market performance, with values increasing from $668,177 in 2014 to $796,934 in 2019, before reaching $1,401,259 in 2024. The Point has experienced a 109.7% increase over ten years, with a solid 75.8% appreciation since 2019.
6. Longport, New Jersey
This upscale barrier island borough demonstrates consistent growth, with values rising from $743,290 in 2014 to $772,330 in 2019, before achieving $1,405,488 in 2024. Longport’s market has grown by 89.1% over the decade, with an impressive 82.0% surge in the last five years.
7. Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
This prestigious Bergen County community shows steady appreciation, with values moving from $1,007,012 in 2014 to $950,558 in 2019, before reaching $1,419,834 in 2024. Despite some market fluctuations, the town has posted a 41.0% gain over ten years, with accelerated 49.4% growth since 2019.
8. Surf City, New Jersey
This Long Beach Island destination has experienced substantial growth, with values climbing from $688,813 in 2014 to $838,817 in 2019, before reaching $1,424,534 in 2024. The market has more than doubled with a 106.8% increase over the decade, while maintaining strong 69.8% appreciation since 2019.
9. Strathmere, New Jersey
This exclusive beach community demonstrates remarkable appreciation, with values rising from $685,247 in 2014 to $790,277 in 2019, before achieving $1,429,405 in 2024. Property values have increased by 108.6% over ten years, with an impressive 80.9% growth since 2019.
10. Barnegat Light, New Jersey
This historic lighthouse community shows consistent growth, with values progressing from $726,819 in 2014 to $833,176 in 2019, before reaching $1,433,431 in 2024. The market has nearly doubled with a 97.2% increase over the decade, while posting a solid 72.0% gain since 2019.
11. Beach Haven, New Jersey
This popular Long Beach Island resort town has seen significant appreciation, with values climbing from $685,178 in 2014 to $836,206 in 2019, before achieving $1,491,215 in 2024. Beach Haven has experienced a dramatic 117.6% increase over ten years, with a robust 78.3% growth since 2019.
12. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
This prestigious Bergen County community maintains steady growth, with values rising from $1,167,757 in 2014 to $1,194,301 in 2019, before reaching $1,561,752 in 2024. Though showing more modest gains than some shore communities, the borough has posted a 33.7% increase over the decade.
13. Avon by the Sea, New Jersey
This charming oceanfront borough demonstrates strong appreciation, with values increasing from $857,328 in 2014 to $981,261 in 2019, before climbing to $1,592,855 in 2024. The market has grown by 85.8% over ten years, while maintaining solid 62.3% growth since 2019.
14. Long Beach Township, New Jersey
This barrier island community shows remarkable performance, with values progressing from $871,848 in 2014 to $1,002,766 in 2019, before reaching $1,819,265 in 2024. Property values have more than doubled with a 108.7% increase over the decade, posting an impressive 81.4% gain since 2019.
15. Mantoloking, New Jersey
This exclusive oceanfront borough has experienced substantial growth, with values climbing from $838,429 in 2014 to $1,051,450 in 2019, before achieving $1,822,775 in 2024. The market has posted a dramatic 117.4% increase over ten years, with strong 73.4% appreciation since 2019.
16. Harvey Cedars, New Jersey
This Long Beach Island community demonstrates consistent growth, with values rising from $1,006,905 in 2014 to $1,119,675 in 2019, before reaching $1,942,328 in 2024. Harvey Cedars has experienced a 92.9% increase over the decade, while maintaining solid 73.5% growth since 2019.
17. Rumson, New Jersey
This upscale riverside borough shows strong market performance, with values increasing from $1,101,589 in 2014 to $1,183,121 in 2019, before achieving $1,981,861 in 2024. The market has grown by 79.9% over ten years, with robust 67.5% appreciation since 2019.
18. Saddle River, New Jersey
This prestigious Bergen County community maintains steady appreciation, with values adjusting from $1,541,166 in 2014 to $1,498,681 in 2019, before reaching $2,032,852 in 2024. Despite some market fluctuations, the borough has posted a 31.9% gain over the decade.
19. Short Hills, New Jersey
This affluent Essex County community demonstrates strong growth, with values progressing from $1,377,949 in 2014 to $1,333,469 in 2019, before achieving $2,083,023 in 2024. The market has experienced a 51.2% increase over ten years, with accelerated 56.2% growth since 2019.
20. Sea Girt, New Jersey
This exclusive oceanfront borough shows remarkable appreciation, with values climbing from $976,319 in 2014 to $1,138,621 in 2019, before reaching $2,085,081 in 2024. Property values have more than doubled with a 113.6% increase over the decade, posting strong 83.1% growth since 2019.
21. Bay Head, New Jersey
This historic shore community maintains consistent growth, with values rising from $1,137,680 in 2014 to $1,312,490 in 2019, before achieving $2,137,622 in 2024. The market has experienced an 87.9% increase over ten years, with solid 62.9% appreciation since 2019.
22. Stone Harbor, New Jersey
This upscale barrier island borough demonstrates dramatic appreciation, with values increasing from $995,295 in 2014 to $1,302,281 in 2019, before reaching $2,364,894 in 2024. The market has posted a remarkable 137.6% gain over the decade, with strong 81.6% growth since 2019.
23. Avalon, New Jersey
This prestigious shore destination shows exceptional growth, with values climbing from $1,083,259 in 2014 to $1,464,050 in 2019, before achieving $2,577,146 in 2024. Avalon has experienced a dramatic 137.9% increase over ten years, maintaining solid 76.0% appreciation since 2019.
24. Alpine, New Jersey
This exclusive Bergen County community maintains its position among New Jersey’s elite markets, with values adjusting from $2,235,745 in 2014 to $2,032,573 in 2019, before reaching $2,800,007 in 2024. Despite more modest gains, Alpine has posted a 25.2% increase over the decade.
25. Deal, New Jersey
The crown jewel of New Jersey’s luxury real estate market, Deal tops the list with values soaring from $1,360,642 in 2014 to $1,872,371 in 2019, before achieving an extraordinary $3,772,249 in 2024. This exclusive oceanfront enclave has experienced the highest appreciation rate at 177.2% over the decade, while posting a remarkable 101.5% gain since 2019, making it one of the most expensive communities in the state.
As empty nesters, it’s worth looking beyond those pricey towns. There are so many areas with affordable living and lower property values that can really improve your quality of life. Think about checking out some up-and-coming neighborhoods that still offer great amenities and social scenes! What are your thoughts?
I can’t believe how pricey some of these towns in New Jersey have gotten! If you’re an empty nester, definitely look into those hidden gems offering affordable homes and great communities!