Bergen-Lafayette

Jersey City, NJ

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$625,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
70–80 (Very walkable, improving with new developments)
Walkability Score
Mixed; some schools improving, but overall ratings average to below-average compared to Downtown JC. Magnet and charter options available.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Communipaw Ave to the north, Garfield Ave to the west, Liberty State Park to the east, and the Greenville neighborhood to the south. Includes sub-areas like The Junction, Berry Lane, and Communipaw-Lafayette.

Zip Codes

0730407305

Market Data Summary

Price Range$365,000 (1BR) to $800,000+ (5BR+)
Price per Sq Ft$487 (June 2025)
Inventory LevelsModerate; increased compared to 2023–2024, with more listings staying on market longer.[1]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTwo- and three-family rowhousesCondominiumsTownhomesMulti-family investment properties

Architectural Styles

Historic brownstonesVictorian rowhousesPre-war brick buildingsModern new construction (mid-rise and low-rise)

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes1,200–2,500 sqft (rowhouses/townhomes); larger for some single-family homes and new developments.
Home Age RangeLate 1800s–early 1900s (historic); 2015–2025 (new construction/gut renovations)
Construction QualityVaries from fully renovated luxury to older stock needing updates; significant new construction and high-end gut renovations in past 5 years.[1]

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of long-time residents, young professionals, artists, and families. Increasing influx of NYC commuters and first-time buyers.

Community Vibe

Urban, creative, and transitional. Strong sense of local pride, with active neighborhood associations and community events.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Commuters to NYC
  • Families
  • Artists/creatives
  • Investors

Family Friendly

Improving; new parks, playgrounds, and community spaces added in recent years.[1]

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Berry Lane Park (largest in Jersey City)
  • Liberty State Park (adjacent)
  • New playgrounds and community gardens

Dining Options

  • Local favorites (Harry's Daughter, Mordi's Sandwich Shop, Pinwheel Garden)
  • Emerging food scene with diverse cuisines

Shopping Centers

  • Small local retail clusters; larger shopping in nearby Downtown JC

Local Businesses

  • Coffee shops (The Grind Shop, Treehouse Coffee)
  • Boutique fitness studios
  • Art galleries
  • Local grocers

Education & Schools

Mixed; some schools improving, but overall ratings average to below-average compared to Downtown JC. Magnet and charter options available.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • PS 17 McNair
  • PS 22 Thomas Jefferson

Middle Schools

  • PS 22 Thomas Jefferson
  • Infinity Institute (magnet)

High Schools

  • Lincoln High School
  • Infinity Institute

Private Schools

  • Sacred Heart School
  • St. Patrick & Assumption/All Saints

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (Garfield Ave, Liberty State Park stations)
  • NJ Transit buses

Major Roads

  • Communipaw Ave
  • Garfield Ave
  • Grand St
  • MLK Drive

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times20–30 minutes to Manhattan (via Light Rail + PATH); 10–15 minutes to Downtown JC.
WalkabilityHigh in core areas; improving with new sidewalks, bike lanes, and transit upgrades.
ParkingOn-street parking can be challenging; some new developments offer off-street/garage parking.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • First-time buyers
  • Young professionals
  • Investors (multi-family, rental)
  • NYC commuters
  • Families seeking value

Key Selling Points

  • Lower price per sqft than Downtown JC
  • Rapidly improving amenities and lifestyle
  • Strong rental demand and investment upside
  • Diverse housing stock (historic + modern)

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively; expect negotiation below list. Staging and move-in-ready condition help achieve higher offers.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Concerns about safety/crime.

Response Strategy:

Share recent crime data showing improvement, highlight community policing, and point out safer blocks and new developments.

Objection: School quality is not as high as Downtown JC.

Response Strategy:

Highlight magnet/charter options, recent improvements, and proximity to parks and after-school programs.

Objection: Older homes may need renovation.

Response Strategy:

Showcase renovated listings, discuss renovation loan options, and emphasize value-add potential.

Objection: Parking is difficult.

Response Strategy:

Point out units with off-street parking, proximity to Light Rail, and new bike infrastructure.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate to high, especially as revitalization continues and market correction stabilizes. Historically strong YoY growth (8.1% in 2024–2025), but currently in a correction phase.[2][4]

Rental Demand

Strong, driven by NYC proximity and lower rents vs. Downtown JC. High demand for renovated units and multi-family properties.[3]

Buyer Competition

Lower than peak years; more negotiation leverage for buyers as of mid-2025.[1][2]

Best For

  • First-time buyers
  • Investors seeking value-add or rental income
  • NYC commuters
  • Buyers priced out of Downtown JC

Potential Concerns

  • School quality
  • Safety perception
  • Older housing stock needing renovation

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on market correction and negotiation leverage.

2

Highlight revitalization projects and new amenities.

3

Partner with local lenders for renovation loan options.

4

Stage homes to emphasize light, space, and modern lifestyle.

5

Target marketing to NYC commuters and first-time buyers.

6

Stay updated on zoning and development pipeline for investment clients.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Journal Square
  • West Side
  • Downtown Jersey City
  • Greenville

Market Positioning

Best value for buyers seeking urban lifestyle and investment upside near NYC.

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower entry price than Downtown JC
  • Proximity to Liberty State Park and Light Rail
  • Rapid revitalization and new amenities

Price Comparison

Bergen-Lafayette median ($625K) is lower than Downtown JC ($820K) and Van Vorst Park ($675K), but higher than West Side ($599.5K).

Investment Metrics

Typically 5–6% for renovated multi-family; higher for value-add/older properties.[3]
Cap Rates
Gross yields 6–7% for well-located units; higher for value-add.
Rental Yields
Lower than Downtown JC, making it attractive for investors.
Price-to-Rent
Positive for multi-family and renovated rentals; value-add opportunities for experienced investors.
Cash Flow
2–4% annual growth expected as market stabilizes post-correction.[3]
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Attracted by lower prices and urban amenities; may need education on renovation options and local schools.

Move-Up Buyers

Can find larger homes or multi-family options at a discount to Downtown JC; value in new construction.

Downsizers

Limited options, but some new condos/townhomes appeal to urban downsizers.

Investors

Strong rental demand and value-add potential; focus on renovated or easily upgradable properties.

Relocators

NYC proximity and improving lifestyle appeal to those moving from Brooklyn/Manhattan.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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