Journal Square

Jersey City, NJ

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$525,000 (condos/co-ops); $1,100,000+ (new luxury high-rise units, 2025)
Median Home Price
94 (Walker's Paradise)
Walkability Score
Public schools are average (5–7/10); private schools are highly regarded.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Centered around the Journal Square Transportation Center, bounded by Sip Avenue to the south, Kennedy Blvd to the west, Pavonia/Newkirk to the north, and Summit Avenue to the east.

Zip Codes

07306

Market Data Summary

Price Range$350,000 (studios/older condos) to $1.5M+ (new luxury 2-3BR units)
Price per Sq Ft$850–$1,100 (new construction); $600–$800 (older buildings)
Inventory LevelsModerate for new construction; low for pre-war and mid-century buildings.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

High-rise luxury rentalsCondominiumsCo-opsPre-war walk-upsMixed-use buildings

Architectural Styles

Contemporary glass towersPre-war brick mid-risesArt DecoModernist

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesHigh-rises: N/A (vertical living); Pre-war: 2,500–5,000 sq ft lots
Home Age RangePre-war (1920s–40s), mid-century (1950s–70s), new construction (2017–2025)
Construction QualityNew towers feature high-end finishes, advanced amenities, and energy-efficient systems; older stock varies from well-maintained to in-need-of-renovation.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Highly diverse; significant South Asian, Hispanic, and young professional populations. Median age: 34. High proportion of renters (70%+).

Community Vibe

Urban, energetic, and rapidly transforming; strong sense of local pride and cultural mix.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Commuters to NYC
  • Immigrant families
  • Artists and creatives

Family Friendly

Increasingly family-friendly due to new amenities, but still skews toward singles and couples.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Journal Square Plaza (public events)
  • Lincoln Park (short drive)
  • Loew's Jersey Theatre (historic venue)

Dining Options

  • Indian, Filipino, Middle Eastern, and Latin American restaurants
  • Trendy coffee shops
  • Fast-casual chains

Shopping Centers

  • India Square (grocery, retail)
  • Hudson Commons (retail, under development)

Local Businesses

  • Independent cafes
  • Ethnic grocers
  • Boutique fitness studios
  • Pharmacies

Education & Schools

Public schools are average (5–7/10); private schools are highly regarded.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • PS 11 Martin Luther King Jr.
  • PS 23 Mahatma K. Gandhi

Middle Schools

  • PS 7 Franklin L. Williams

High Schools

  • James J. Ferris High School

Private Schools

  • St. Peter's Prep (Jesuit, all-boys)
  • Sacred Heart School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • PATH train (direct to Manhattan, Newark)
  • NJ Transit buses

Major Roads

  • Kennedy Blvd
  • Sip Avenue
  • Summit Avenue

Commute & Walkability

Commute TimesPATH to Midtown Manhattan: 22 minutes; Downtown Manhattan: 15 minutes; Newark: 18 minutes.
WalkabilityExcellent; most errands and transit accessible on foot.
ParkingLimited street parking; most new buildings offer garage parking for a fee.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • NYC commuters
  • Young professionals
  • Investors
  • First-time buyers

Key Selling Points

  • Direct PATH access
  • Brand-new luxury amenities
  • Vibrant, diverse community
  • Rapid appreciation potential

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively for new construction; highlight value vs. Manhattan/Brooklyn. For older units, stress renovation potential and lower entry price.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Noise and congestion near PATH station

Response Strategy:

Highlight soundproofing in new construction and quieter upper floors; emphasize walkability and convenience.

Objection: School quality concerns

Response Strategy:

Point to reputable private schools and ongoing public school improvements.

Objection: Limited parking

Response Strategy:

Promote buildings with garage parking and proximity to transit reducing need for a car.

Objection: High HOA/maintenance fees

Response Strategy:

Detail included amenities and compare to NYC costs for similar offerings.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong, driven by ongoing redevelopment and proximity to NYC. 5-year appreciation forecast: 20–25%.

Rental Demand

Very high, especially for luxury rentals and units near PATH.

Buyer Competition

Intense for new construction and renovated units; moderate for older stock.

Best For

  • Investors seeking appreciation
  • Commuters to NYC
  • Young professionals
  • Developers

Potential Concerns

  • Rising HOA/maintenance fees
  • Limited parking
  • School quality for families

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage PATH access and commute times in all marketing.

2

Build relationships with local businesses and community groups to showcase neighborhood vibrancy.

3

Educate buyers on the rapid transformation and future upside.

4

Highlight unique amenities (sky lounges, event spaces, panoramic views).

5

Prepare for objections on parking and schools with data and alternatives.

6

Target marketing to NYC renters and investors seeking better value.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Downtown Jersey City
  • Hoboken
  • Newport

Market Positioning

Journal Square is positioned as Jersey City's next major urban hub, offering luxury living at a relative value with unmatched transit access.

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower price per sq ft than Manhattan/Brooklyn
  • Direct transit to NYC
  • Rapid neighborhood transformation

Price Comparison

20–30% less expensive than Hoboken or Downtown Jersey City for comparable new construction.

Investment Metrics

4.5–5.2% (luxury rentals, 2025)
Cap Rates
5–6% gross annual yield for new units; 6.5%+ for value-add older stock
Rental Yields
18–22 (higher for new construction)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-leased units, especially in new towers; older stock may require renovation for optimal returns.
Cash Flow
20–25% over 5 years, barring macroeconomic downturn.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Attracted by lower entry prices vs. NYC; may need education on co-op/condo processes and HOA fees.

Move-Up Buyers

Drawn to larger new units and amenities; often upgrading from smaller apartments in NYC or Hoboken.

Downsizers

Appeal is moderate; best fit are urban-oriented retirees seeking walkability and amenities.

Investors

Strong rental demand and appreciation; focus on new construction or value-add opportunities.

Relocators

Appeal to those priced out of Manhattan/Brooklyn but wanting urban lifestyle and transit access.

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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