Affordability remains at the top of mind for millions of New Jersey residents—especially those in the hunt for a house. New Jersey’s median home price sits at $524,900 heading into spring 2026, according to Realtor.com. In one of the most competitive housing markets in the country, that number keeps climbing. But affordability hasn’t disappeared entirely. Across the state, there are towns where buyers can still find real value.
Here are eight New Jersey towns where an affordable home is still a possibility.
Atlantic City – Median Listing Price: $225,000
The most affordable market on this list, Atlantic City’s median listing price comes in at less than half the statewide figure. Okay, it might not be the bustling Atlantic City of decades prior, but beyond the casinos and boardwalk, the coastal city has put real effort into redevelopment. Buyers willing to bet on the city’s long-term trajectory can find value here.
Entry-level buyers and investors take note.
Whiting – Median Listing Price: $229,000
Whiting is a quiet, largely residential community popular with retirees. The Ocean County enclave offers a slower pace of life with easy access to the Garden State Parkway and the Jersey Shore. At $208 per square foot, it’s one of the best price-per-square-foot values in the entire state.
Whiting is an unincorporated community located on the west side of Manchester Township.
Manchester – Median Listing Price: $239,900
Just down the road from Whiting, Manchester offers similarly strong value in Ocean County. The township is spacious, suburban, and well-positioned for buyers who want proximity to the Shore without paying Shore prices.
There are 446 active listings as of March. Those in the market for a Shore-area home have ample options here.
Trenton – Median Listing Price: $269,999
New Jersey’s capital city is one of the most undervalued markets in the state. At $191 per square foot, it easily comes in as the lowest on this list—offering buyers significant square footage for their dollar. Trenton has direct NJ Transit rail access to both New York Penn Station and Philadelphia, making it a legitimate option for commuters priced out of pricier corridors.
Like Atlantic City, it might not be the same Trenton as it once was, but redevelopment efforts can make it a smart play for long-term investors or entry-level buyers willing to bet on it.
Gloucester Township – Median Listing Price: $376,750
One of Camden County’s largest communities, Gloucester Township offers suburban comfort at a price well under the state median. The township brings strong schools, Philadelphia access via the AC Expressway, and a growing commercial corridor.
Beyond just Gloucester, Camden County’s overall median of $350,000 makes the entire region worth exploring for first-time buyers.
Berkeley – Median Listing Price: $389,000
Back to Ocean County, Berkeley Township sits along Barnegat Bay, offering a mix of year-round residents and Shore-adjacent living. At $297 per square foot and 343 active listings, Berkeley gives buyers room to negotiate in a market where that’s rarely the case.
It sneakily brings real value into the fold. If you’re willing to look for it.
Lakewood – Median Listing Price: $404,450
Lakewood is one of the fastest-growing communities in New Jersey. It’s also one of the most affordable given its size and location. Ocean County’s commercial hub offers strong transit connections, a dense housing stock, and a median listing price that still sits below state average.
Newark – Median Listing Price: $430,000
Newark is the most expensive town on this list, but context matters. At $254 per square foot and a median of $430,000, New Jersey’s largest city remains significantly more affordable than neighboring Jersey City ($696,500) and Hoboken ($1,125,000). With direct access to New York Penn Station in under 20 minutes, and proximity to all of North Jersey, Newark continues to attract buyers priced out of the Hudson County market.
Real effort is being put into Newark. Buyers should take note.
Data sourced from Realtor.com, March 2026