Newest median year built in North & Central NJ
Median year built of all housing units (Census). Newer stock usually means fewer legacy issues like oil tanks and lead paint.
| # | Town | County | Median year built | Typical home value | Effective tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upper Freehold | Monmouth | 2000 | n/a | 1.965% |
| 2 | Riverdale | Morris | 1996 | $485K | 1.767% |
| 3 | Monroe | Middlesex | 1995 | $626K | 1.557% |
| 4 | Montgomery | Somerset | 1994 | n/a | 2.060% |
| 5 | Edgewater | Bergen | 1992 | $703K | 1.545% |
| 6 | Millstone | Monmouth | 1991 | n/a | 1.429% |
| 7 | Tinton Falls | Monmouth | 1991 | $653K | 1.423% |
| 8 | Harrison | Hudson | 1990 | $584K | 1.704% |
| 9 | Mount Arlington | Morris | 1990 | n/a | 1.931% |
| 10 | Cranbury | Middlesex | 1988 | $971K | 1.454% |
| 11 | Holmdel | Monmouth | 1988 | $1.12M | 1.657% |
| 12 | South Brunswick | Middlesex | 1987 | n/a | 1.938% |
| 13 | Marlboro | Monmouth | 1987 | n/a | 1.689% |
| 14 | Bernards | Somerset | 1987 | n/a | 1.711% |
| 15 | Norwood | Bergen | 1986 | $935K | 2.054% |
| 16 | Old Tappan | Bergen | 1986 | $1.34M | 1.785% |
| 17 | Plainsboro | Middlesex | 1986 | n/a | 2.294% |
| 18 | Branchburg | Somerset | 1986 | $723K | 1.737% |
| 19 | Franklin | Somerset | 1986 | n/a | 1.748% |
| 20 | Hillsborough | Somerset | 1986 | $669K | 2.083% |
| 21 | Howell | Monmouth | 1985 | n/a | 1.708% |
| 22 | Manalapan | Monmouth | 1985 | $805K | 1.671% |
| 23 | Bedminster | Somerset | 1985 | n/a | 1.249% |
| 24 | Warren | Somerset | 1985 | $1.13M | 1.841% |
| 25 | Mahwah | Bergen | 1984 | $714K | 1.563% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), Sept. 30, 2026; NJ Division of Taxation, 2025 General Tax Rates and 2025 Average Residential Statistics. Municipalities with at least 2,000 residents in Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Union, Middlesex, Somerset and Monmouth counties. Click a column to sort.
How to use this ranking
One number never picks a town. Use this list to build a shortlist, then open each town guide for taxes, values, commute and housing stock side by side, or put up to three in the comparison tool.
Questions, answered
Which NJ town ranks #1 for newest median year built?
Upper Freehold (Monmouth County), at 2000, among 258 municipalities with at least 2,000 residents. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
Where does this data come from?
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates. Rankings cover municipalities in Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Union, Middlesex, Somerset and Monmouth counties with at least 2,000 residents.
Is this a list of the best places to live?
It ranks one measurable factor. For a combined view, try the best places to live scorecard, where you set the weights.
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