New Jersey

Here’s what rent prices look like in NJ, and the US, at the start of 2024

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2024

Here’s what rent prices look like in NJ, and the US, at the start of 2024

As home prices have continued to soar and mortgage rates remain high, many would-be first-time buyers are opting to stay in the rental market longer.

This might be the more doable financial option for many — with median rent prices continuing to decline across the nation for the sixth month in a row −— but those living in the Northeast have experienced consistent price increases in comparison, according to Realtor.com’s January 2024 Rental Report.

What do rent prices look like across the country?

In the country’s 50 largest metropolitan areas, median rent prices were approximately $1,721 in January, a 0.3% decrease from the same time last year.

This is a slower decrease compared to the 0.8% year-over-year decrease seen in December 2023, and median asking rents nationwide are still about $265 more than those seen before the pandemic in 2020.

Studio units have seen the largest rent declines across the country, with prices decreasing by 1% compared to January 2024 and with median asking rents of $1,434. These prices are down by $56 from its peak in October 2022, but $153 higher than before the pandemic.

Two-bedroom rentals have seen the second largest rent decline at 6%, with median asking rents of $1,892. In comparison, one-bedroom rentals have seen a 0.1% increase in prices compared to January 2023, with median asking rents of $1,591.

How do rental prices in New Jersey compare?

Compared to big Western rental markets like Phoenix, Riverside and Las Vegas — which all saw rent prices decline for eight months before seeing their first year-over-year price growth in January 2024 — the New York metropolitan area has experienced faster rent growth.

This region — which includes the North Jersey counties of Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex and Sussex — has median rents of $2,844. This is 2.3% more than median rent prices seen in our area this time last year.

The report credits the steady increase in rent prices in our area to expensive home prices and high mortgage rates are keeping buyers in the rental market, boosting demand and putting pressure on rents in popular areas.

A strong labor market and the slowing growth of new multi-family homes is also said to play a role in increasing prices.

“Consequently, the stronger labor market in the Northeast is likely contributing to an increased demand for rentals, rendering it more competitive compared to the rental market in the West,” according to the report.

“Although both regions saw record-high new multi-family starts in 2022, we expect a significant portion of 2022 starts in the Northeast to be completed in 2024,” the report reads.

How were these finding compiled?

Realtor.com analyzed rental data for studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units advertised as for-rent on their site as of January 2024. Rental units include apartments and private rentals such as condos, townhomes and single-family homes.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com.

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New Jersey

Best places for sea glass at the Jersey Shore: Try these hotspots

Published

7 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Press Room

Best places for sea glass at the Jersey Shore: Try these hotspots

APP.com Digital Desk
| Asbury Park Press

New Jersey offers some fantastic spots for sea glass hunting, particularly along the Delaware Bay and certain parts of the Atlantic coast.

Here are some of the best places to increase your chances of finding frosted treasures:

Jersey Shore

Barnegat Light: Many sea glass enthusiasts recommend Barnegat Light, especially by the jetty. Look in the sand and around the jetty rocks.
Popamora Point Beach (Highlands): A free, clean state park beach with good potential, offering views of the Sandy Hook Bay.
Bay Head: This peaceful Ocean County beach has gained a reputation as a great sea glass destination and is often less crowded than other spots.
Sandy Hook (Bayside): While the ocean side might not be as fruitful, the bay side of Sandy Hook can yield good results.

South Jersey

East Point Beach (Heislerville, Maurice River Township): This hidden gem where the Delaware River and Maurice River meet the bay is excellent. The area has a rich history of glass production and shipwrecks, contributing to the sea glass supply.
Higbee Beach (Cape May): Another Delaware Bay gem, known for its rustic feel and good potential for sea glass, pottery shards and old bottles.
Sunset Beach (Cape May): This is perhaps the most famous spot in New Jersey for sea glass and for “Cape May Diamonds” (naturally tumbled quartz). The Delaware Bay beaches tend to yield more glass due to historical shipping activity and less intensive beach replenishment compared to some oceanfront areas.
Townbank (Cape May): Located on the Delaware Bay and often cited by local hunters for its good finds.

Where to look for sea glass

High tide wrack line: This is the line of debris left by the highest tide, often containing shells, driftwood and, yes, sea glass.
Rocky or pebbly beaches: Sea glass tumbles and smooths more effectively on beaches with a mix of sand and pebbles or rocks. Heavily raked sandy beaches are generally less productive.
Near inlets, bays and historic areas: Areas with historical shipping, fishing or even old dump sites can be great sources of old glass that has been tumbling for decades.
Near jetties: These structures can trap debris, including sea glass.

What is sea glass?

Sea glass is essentially nature’s polished gemstone, born from discarded glass that has been transformed by the persistent forces of the ocean. Imagine a broken bottle or piece of tableware tossed into the sea. Instead of remaining a sharp, dangerous shard, it embarks on a multi-decade journey of transformation.

Sea glass occurs in a spectrum of colors, reflecting its original source. Common hues include greens, browns and clear/white, primarily from bottles and jars. Rarer colors like blue, purple, red, orange and yellow are highly prized by collectors, often originating from older or less common glass items such as medicine bottles, insulators or specialized art glass.

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New Jersey

Severe Weather Poised To Pound NJ Easter Sunday

Published

19 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

Severe Weather Poised To Pound NJ Easter Sunday

The Garden State is expected to see a quick shift in weather Easter Sunday, with low clouds and pockets of dense fog in the morning giving way to warmer temperatures and thunderstorms by midday, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters note that areas north of a warm front were seeing low clouds and locally dense fog Sunday morning. That front is expected to lift north after daybreak, leading to temperatures in the 60s and 70s later in the morning. The warmer stretch is not expected to last long.

A cold front is forecast to approach by midday, bringing a line of showers and isolated thunderstorms

The National Weather Service said some storms could be strong to severe. A Marginal risk was in place Sunday across the Delmarva region and southern New Jersey.

According to the weather service, the primary threat with the stronger storms is locally damaging winds. The forecast does not list other threats in the source material provided. Residents in areas included in the Marginal risk may want to keep an eye on changing conditions through the middle of the day as the front moves in.

The setup points to a fast-changing day for people making outdoor plans. Morning fog and low cloud cover are expected to improve after daybreak as the warm front lifts north, but the window for milder weather may be brief before the next system arrives. By midday, showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop along the approaching cold front.

The National Weather Service did not provide a more specific timetable in the source beyond saying the cold front would approach by midday and that the warm front would lift north after daybreak. It also did not identify individual towns expected to see the strongest conditions.

The forecast area highlighted for the stronger storm risk includes southern New Jersey and Delmarva.

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New Jersey

Plainfield apartment complex now leasing near NJ Transit station

Published

1 day ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

Plainfield apartment complex now leasing near NJ Transit station

A new 100-unit luxury apartment complex, Centurion Sleepy Hollow, is now leasing in Plainfield.
The development offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with rents starting in the low $2,000s.
Located at 1222 South Ave., the building is within walking distance of the NJ Transit Netherwood station.
Amenities include a fitness center, yoga studio, media room, and an outdoor terrace with grilling stations.

PLAINFIELD – A new residential development is bringing luxury living and modern convenience to a well-connected neighborhood.

Centurion Sleepy Hollow, a 100-unit apartment complex, is now leasing in the city, offering spacious one- and two-bedroom homes with upscale amenities and immediate occupancy.

Developed by Landmark, the four-story building includes ground-floor retail and is part of the company’s expanding Centurion portfolio across New Jersey.

“Sleepy Hollow is an ideal location for our next Centurion property,” Manny Fernandez, founder of Landmark, said in a news release.

“The neighborhood offers a quiet, residential setting while remaining close to Plainfield, which continues to evolve, with a growing mix of shops, restaurants and cultural offerings. With New York City less than an hour away by train and major business and entertainment centers throughout Central New Jersey nearby, Centurion Sleepy Hollow adds a dynamic new residential option to the area.”

Located at 1222 South Ave., the development is within walking distance of the NJ Transit Netherwood station, providing direct service to Midtown Manhattan via the Raritan Valley Line.

Designed by Rotwein + Blake, with interiors by Mary Cook Associates, Centurion Sleepy Hollow reflects Landmark’s focus on transit-oriented living.

Rents start in the low $2,000s, with a limited-time grand opening offer of one month free on a 13-month lease.

The apartments feature high-end finishes, including nine-foot ceilings, wood-style plank flooring, Draper window shades and open-concept kitchens. Kitchens are equipped with full-size GE Slate appliances, gas ranges, soft-close cabinetry and vented microwaves. Bathrooms feature spa-inspired glass-enclosed showers and polished chrome fixtures.

Each unit includes smart-home technology and keyless entry.

The development offers a range of amenities designed for comfort, wellness and productivity, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, media room, work-from-home pods and a resident lounge.

Outdoor amenities include a terrace with grilling stations and a fenced-in dog run. Additional conveniences include a premium package management system and on-site parking.

The surrounding area features a growing mix of dining, retail and everyday services, with locally owned restaurants, seasonal farmers markets and outdoor concerts.

Email: bwadlow@MyCentralJersey.com

This story was created by reporter Brad Wadlow, bwadlow@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.

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