Moving From Hoboken, Jersey City, or NYC to the NJ Suburbs: Where Buyers Are Choosing to Live in 2026

For many buyers in Hoboken, Jersey City, and New York City, the idea of moving to the suburbs begins quietly.

It often starts with browsing homes late at night, wondering if more space is possible, or realizing that an apartment that once felt perfect no longer fits daily life. For others, it comes with milestones like getting married, planning for children, or thinking more intentionally about long-term stability.

If you are thinking about moving from Hoboken, Jersey City, or NYC to the NJ suburbs, you are not alone. This is one of the most common transitions we see among both first-time home buyers and move-up condo owners.

At The Saritte Harel Team, we specialize in helping buyers relocate from Hoboken, Jersey City, and New York City to New Jersey’s top commuter suburbs, guiding them through the process with clarity and confidence.

Below is a closer look at why buyers are making the move, which NJ towns they are choosing, and what to know before starting your home search.

Why City Buyers Are Looking to the NJ Suburbs

Several themes consistently come up:

  • The desire for more space inside and outside the home

  • Access to strong school districts and community amenities

  • Easier daily routines and quieter surroundings

  • The opportunity to build long-term equity through homeownership

For first-time buyers, purchasing in the NJ suburbs often represents their first step into building wealth. For condo owners, it aligns with a natural next move into a single-family home.

Best NJ Suburbs Near NYC for Hoboken, Jersey City and NYC Buyers

The Saritte Harel Team works extensively in New Jersey commuter towns that offer convenient train access to Manhattan, strong community infrastructure, and a wide range of housing options.

Short Hills / Millburn

Known for top-ranked schools, Midtown Direct train service, and established neighborhoods. Buyers seeking long-term value and strong resale potential are drawn here.

Short Hills and Millburn real estate market

Livingston

Offers strong schools, multiple neighborhoods, and a broad range of home styles, appealing to buyers seeking space and accessibility.

Livingston real estate market

Maplewood

Popular for its vibrant downtown, walkability, and strong sense of community.

Maplewood NJ community guide

South Orange

Offers a lively village atmosphere, convenient train access, and diverse housing options.

South Orange NJ community guide

Summit

Highly sought-after commuter town with a vibrant downtown, strong schools, and direct train service to Manhattan.

Summit NJ homes for sale

Chatham

Close-knit community, top-rated schools, and charming downtown with excellent commuter access.

Chatham NJ real estate market

NJ Suburban Home Price Snapshot (2025 Averages)

While prices vary by neighborhood and home type, Year-to-Date 2025 averages illustrate typical ranges:

  • Short Hills: ~$2,574,078

  • Millburn: ~$1,366,194

  • Livingston: ~$1,340,939

  • Summit: ~$1,705,405

  • Chatham (Boro): ~$1,430,505

  • Maplewood: ~$1,001,955

  • South Orange: ~$1,055,503

These ranges help buyers set realistic expectations early.

What First-Time Buyers Should Know About Buying in New Jersey

  • Property taxes vary significantly by town

  • Closing costs differ from New York

  • Inspection and contract timelines may feel more involved

Working with a local buyer agent who understands NJ’s process is critical.

First-Time Home Buyer Guide for New Jersey

Renting in Hoboken vs Buying in the NJ Suburbs

Buying can offer:

  • Long-term stability

  • Predictable housing costs

  • The ability to build equity

A conversation with a lender and local market expert helps determine the right timing.

How Buyers Are Winning in a Competitive NJ Market

  • Get pre-approved early

  • Understand realistic price ranges

  • Tour homes quickly

  • Work with agents who uncover off-market and coming-soon opportunities. Access to off-market homes provides a meaningful advantage.

Why Buyers Choose The Saritte Harel Team for the City-to-Suburb Transition

The Saritte Harel Team is not a generalist real estate team.

We specialize in helping buyers relocate from Hoboken, Jersey City, and New York City to New Jersey’s top commuter suburbs, with a strong focus on first-time buyers and move-up condo owners.

Our team helps buyers:

  • Identify towns that align with lifestyle, commute, and long-term goals

  • Understand town-by-town pricing and tax considerations

  • Access off-market and coming-soon opportunities

  • Build winning offer strategies

  • Navigate inspections, negotiations, and closing with confidence

“Many of the buyers we work with are first-time homeowners or condo owners coming from Hoboken, Jersey City, or Manhattan. They don’t just need access to listings. They need a strategic guide who understands commuting patterns, school districts, zoning, and how to compete in New Jersey’s low-inventory market. That is exactly what our team has specialized in for over two decades.”
— Saritte Harel, Founder, The Saritte Harel Team | 20+ Years in New Jersey Real Estate | Over $145M Sold in 2024 | RealTrends Top 1.5% Nationwide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Jersey good for first-time home buyers?
Yes. Many NJ suburbs offer strong schools, diverse housing options, and long-term stability.

What are the best NJ suburbs near NYC?
Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston, Maplewood, South Orange, Summit, and Chatham.

How long is the commute to Manhattan?
Many Midtown Direct towns offer commutes around 35 to 60 minutes.

Can I find off-market homes in NJ?
Yes. Many homes sell through agent networks before public listing.

Do I need a buyer agent?
Yes. Buyer agents represent your interests and guide you through the process.

Ready to Start Your Move?

If you are considering moving from Hoboken, Jersey City, or NYC to the NJ suburbs, The Saritte Harel Team is here to help.