15 New Jersey Cities You Should Never Buy Property In

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Buying property is one of life’s big decisions, akin to choosing the best career or settling down with a partner. It’s not just the house, it’s the neighborhood, the schools, the vibe, and, yes, the potential for your investment to grow. Not every city is a slice of suburban heaven, but New Jersey does have a mix of places. Whether it’s rising crime rates, struggling economies, or lackluster amenities, some areas will surprise you.

If you are thinking of moving to New Jersey, perhaps you should rethink some of the cities, as not every postcard worthy location is up close and personal.

Camden

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There’s no secret to Camden’s challenges. The city has high crime rates and it’s been financially shaky for years. Talk of a comeback aside, many residents say the progress is more crawl than walk. According to a report by U.S News Real Estate, Camden appears on the list of the least desirable places for property investment in the state, owing to its perpetual problems with safety and infrastructure.

Paterson

Paterson was once known as the “Silk City” for its past industrial boom days. It has a rich history, but the present picture is bleaker. Property values have stagnated as schools struggle to keep up, and poverty levels soar. Buying a home here may feel like buying a ticket for a sinking ship.

Newark

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While there are some shining spots in Newark—great art scene, right next to NYC—it’s still a tricky place for home buyers because of safety concerns and uneven development. In some neighborhoods, crime statistics are improving, while others are still daunting. Newark was one of the state’s highest foreclosure rates, according to a Rutgers University study, a red flag for would be investors.

Trenton

New Jersey’s capital city doesn’t always make headlines for the right reasons, but it does seem to make news. Economic stagnation and crime remains a problem in Trenton. And residents often joke that the only thing thriving here is the government offices. The rewards of renting out your home are too much potential risk for homebuyers.

Elizabeth

Bustling Elizabeth, no doubt, but it is not all sunshine and rainbows. Tough sell: Its densely packed neighborhoods and rising cost of living. Some parts of the city are charming, but others are so crowded and lack infrastructure that they scare away long term investors.

Plainfield

On the surface, Plainfield could be adorable, but if you look past the surface, you’ll find cracks in the foundation. The city has a crime rate much higher than the national average, and public schools that are struggling, so it hasn’t been drawing in families or professionals who are looking for stability.

Jersey City

Jersey City probably wouldn’t even be on this list, considering its proximity to Manhattan and waterfront views. However, the skyrocketing real estate prices aren’t always a good investment. Areas that once seemed full of life are becoming more transient, with investors flipping properties faster than you can say “gentrification,” and many locals are feeling priced out.

Atlantic City

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Yes, it’s known for its boardwalk and its casinos, but Atlantic City has been trying to shed its reputation as a city on the skids. High unemployment rates and a shrinking population means that the real estate market here feels more like rolling the dice on a bad bet rather than a jackpot.

Irvington

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Often overshadowed by nearby Newark, Irvington faces many of the same issues: struggling schools, an uphill battle with economic growth, and crime. It has its fighters but the risk is rarely worth the reward for property investors.

Vineland

While Vineland might be more green and spread out than some of the others on this list, its economy is still a little behind the times. There aren’t significant job opportunities that make it hard for families and young professionals to stay here long term.

Bayonne

It’s not really dangerous as such, but it suffers from an identity crisis. It’s a commuter hub, really, with a bit of community tossed in. Property taxes are rising and amenities are limited, so it’s not very appealing to those wanting to put down roots.

Asbury Park

While this coastal city may be an ideal summer getaway, it’s a different story to live here full time. Property taxes are high and the beaches are a seasonal tourist destination, so many residents struggle to get by when the beaches go empty.

Passaic

It’s a place where housing issues still exist, but also a place where Passaic’s diverse population brings a lot of energy to the city. The city’s aging infrastructure, and lack of significant investment in recent years, mean many properties are in less than ideal states, dissuading potential buyers.

Bridgeton

Although Bridgeton has lovely historic buildings, economic opportunities here are slim. It’s a tough sell to anyone trying to grow equity in their home because of high unemployment rates and little new development.

East Orange

Just outside of Newark, East Orange shares too many of its bigger neighbor’s challenges. Investors are still being kept away by crime and devaluation of property. While there’s hope for revitalization, it’s slow.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.