The 10 Fastest-Growing Cities in New Jersey

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New Jersey, also referred to as “The Garden State,” is best known for its beaches, delicious food scene, and diverse culture. Over 8.5 million people call this state home spread out across unique cities like Princeton, Atlantic City, and Trenton. If you’re looking to move to New Jersey but don’t know what cities to consider, we’ve got you covered. 

We put together a list of the 10 fastest-growing cities in New Jersey that saw the greatest population increase over a 5-year span from 2017 to 2021. From Newark, the home of the New Jersey Devils, to Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, keep reading to see what cities made the list.

Hoboken

#1: Hoboken, NJ 

Median sale price: $855,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $4,250
Hoboken, NJ homes for sale
Hoboken, NJ apartments for rent

The fastest-growing city in New Jersey, Hoboken, is well known for its being a historic city with a strong sense of community. It is also known for its diverse population, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to New York City. The city currently has a population of around 58,700, which is an increase of 9% from 2017. 

For those living in Hoboken, there is a handful of great parks, such as Pier C Park, Maxwell Place Park, and Elysian Park, along with a bustling arts and entertainment scene with museums like the Hoboken Historical Museum. There are also many diverse restaurants that are sure to excite like Amanda’s, The Cuban, and Elysian Cafe.

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#2: Newark, NJ

Median sale price: $410,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,850
Newark, NJ homes for sale
Newark, NJ apartments for rent

The largest city in New Jersey, Newark, is known for being the home of the Newark Bears minor league baseball team and as well as the site of the National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils. Newark takes the number two spot on our list of the fastest-growing cities in New Jersey. It saw a 9% increase in population to its current population of around 307,250. 

If you plan on living in Newark, there are many activities such as relaxing at Weequahic Park, Branch Brook Park, and Independence Park, grabbing a bite to eat at Don Pepe Restaurant, Casa Vasca, and Adega Grill, exploring one of the many museums like The Newark Museum of Art, or watching a show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

#3: Plainfield, NJ

Median sale price: $351,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,495
Plainfield, NJ homes for sale
Plainfield, NJ apartments for rent

Plainfield, NJ is well known for its Victorian architecture, as well as its diverse population. The city is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Plainfield Armory and the Drake House Museum. If you want to know what to do in the city, check out Punto Peruano, Freppe’s TexMex, and Italian Village. After a delicious bite, you can pay a visit to one of the numerous parks like Cedar Brook Park, Spring Lake Park, and Cedar Brook Park.

Plainfield saw a 9% increase in population and currently has a population of around 54,950. 

#4: Trenton, NJ

Median sale price: $158,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,734
Trenton, NJ homes for sale
Trenton, NJ apartments for rent

The capital of New Jersey, Trenton, makes number four on our list. Trenton’s saw an 8% increase to its current population of nearly 90,500.

There are many fun activities in Trenton from reading a book at Cadwalader Park, Mill Hill Parl, and Lalor St Park to grabbing a quick bite at 1911 Smokehouse BBQ and Pura Vida. If you love the arts and entertainment scene, make sure you check out the New Jersey State Museum, Old Barracks Museum, 1719 William Trent House Museum, Championship Bar & Music, and Passage Theater Company.

#5: Paterson, NJ

Median sale price: $400,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,700
Paterson, NJ homes for sale
Paterson, NJ apartments for rent

Be sure to consider Paterson, NJ as your next home. The city is known as the “Silk City” because of its success in the silk industry during the late 19th century. It is the fifth fastest-growing city in New Jersey. Paterson saw an 8% increase in population since 2017 and currently has around 157,800 residents. 

If you’re curious about what’s there to do in Paterson, be sure to make time for these activities: playing sports at Eastside Park, Overlook Park, and Pennington Park or eating a delicious meal at Toros, Hacienda, and Yakamoz.

#6: Jersey City, NJ

Median sale price: $610,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $5,232
Jersey City, NJ homes for sale
Jersey City, NJ apartments for rent

Coming in at sixth, Jersey City, NJ is well known for its close proximity to New York City and for being one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States. If you are considering moving to Jersey City, there are many things you can do such as trying local cuisine at Fire & Oak, Hudson & CO., and Skinner’s Loft, checking out a museum like the Liberty Science Center, strolling through Lincoln Park, Liberty State Park, and J Owen Grundy Park, or catching an event at White Eagle Hall and Jersey City Theater Center.

The city grew 8% since 2017 to its current population of about 283,950.

Jersey City

#7: East Orange, NJ

Median sale price: $425,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,725
East Orange, NJ homes for sale
East Orange, NJ apartments for rent

Want to move to East Orange, NJ? Known for its convenience and accessibility and bearing the nickname “The Crossroads of New Jersey,” the city currently has a population of about 68,900, which is a 7% increase since 2017.

You may be wondering what there is to do in East Orange, NJ. Well, there are a lot of fun activities to explore, such as visiting museums like Thomas Edison National Historical Park to relaxing at Elmwood Park, Watsessing Park, and Monte Irvin Orange Park. Be sure to taste the local cuisine at South Beach Bar and Grill, Dominy Restaurant and Bakery, and Sandwiches Unlimited.

#8: Perth Amboy, NJ

Median sale price: $335,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:$2,241
Perth Amboy, NJ homes for sale
Perth Amboy, NJ apartments for rent

Eighth on our list is Perth Amboy, NJ, which is best known for its waterfront which includes a marina and promenade. The city is also known for its history; it was the capital of New Jersey from 1686 until 1776. It saw an increase of 7% to its current population of nearly 55,300. 

If you are looking for something to do in Perth Amboy, NJ, be sure to check out one of the many great parks such as Washington Park, Rudyk Park, and International Park. Make sure to eat at local favorite restaurants Mama Lena’s Restaurant & Pizza, Superior Diner Tommys, and Don Manuel for a taste of what the city has to offer.

#9: Bayonne, NJ

Median sale price: $505,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,000
Bayonne, NJ homes for sale
Bayonne, NJ apartments for rent

Known for being surrounded on three sides by water, Bayonne, NJ is connected to Staten Island by the Bayonne Bridge. It faces Queens to the east and Newark to the west. Bayonnecomes in ninth on our list. Around 69,250 residents call this city home, which is a 5.94% increase. 

Curious about what to do in Bayonne, NJ? Well, there are many activities to keep you occupied. You can read a book at Stephen R. Gregg Park and Dennis P Collins Park. If you love to try new restaurants, be sure to pay a visit to Cafe Bello, Mediterraneo, and Buon Appetito.

New York

#10: Elizabeth, NJ

Median sale price: $470,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,999
Elizabeth, NJ homes for sale
Elizabeth, NJ apartments for rent

Closing out our list at number ten is Elizabeth, NJ. Elizabeth is known for its large port and associated shipping industry, plus its role in the American Revolutionary War. There was a 5.64% in population to its current population of nearly 135,400. 

There are many things to do in Elizabeth, NJ. From parks like Mattano Park, Kellogg Park, and Phil Rizzuto Park to venues like the Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center, you’ll never get tired of the city. If you’re wanting to grab a quick bite, make sure you visit Valenca, City Tavern, or Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza. 

Methodology: Population growth was calculated over a 5-year span (2017 vs. 2021). Only cities with a population of over 50,000 were used, as anything smaller is considered a town. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. 

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.
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Ryan Castillo

Content Marketing Manager

Ryan is part of the Content Marketing team and enjoys writing about market trends and local insights. His dream home would be a large cape cod-style house by the beach.

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