Jersey Shore Homes Surge 12% as NY Remote Workers Flock South

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Coastal real estate along the Jersey Shore is booming, with median sale prices in South Jersey Shore counties of Atlantic and Cape May climbing 12% year-over-year to $535,000 in September 2025, up $56,000 from 2024. Sales volume jumped 20% that month, with 521 homes sold compared to 456 in September 2024, signaling sustained demand despite high prices. Luxury enclaves like Stone Harbor saw typical home values rise to $2.54 million, a $144,000 annual increase and 53.8% gain over five years, while Sea Girt in Monmouth County hit $2.33 million after an 11.7% leap.

The surge traces to a post-pandemic exodus from New York City, where remote work has enabled permanent relocations to NJ suburbs and shore towns. New Jersey led the nation with 6% statewide home price growth through early 2026, dwarfing the U.S. average of 0.5%, per Cotality data; Newark metro topped U.S. metros at 6.7%. In Asbury Park, median prices reached $850,000, initially reported by the Press of Atlantic City, as NYC buyers snap up Victorian homes and oceanfront condos.[context] Beach Haven on Long Beach Island climbed to $1.67 million, up 6.3%, and Mantoloking added $166,000 to reach $2.8 million.

Supply shortages exacerbate the frenzy: beachfront land on barrier islands remains fixed, with nearly 40% of NJ homes selling above asking and inventory below pre-pandemic levels. Wildwood Crest posted an 11% price hike in Q4 2025, averaging $794,000 across 34 transactions, while Upper Township saw 6.5% growth in primary homes. Experts warn middle-class buyers are squeezed out, with NJ's coastal pockets posting 8-14% annual gains and 60-100% over five years.