Side-by-side comparisons of homes around $500,000 — including listings, neighborhoods, and features.
If you’re house hunting in North Jersey with a budget of $500,000, your options can vary dramatically depending on the town. From condos near NYC to full-sized homes in the suburbs, location plays a major role in what your money can buy.
In this post, we’ll break down what $500K buys you in several top North Jersey towns, including actual examples and neighborhood highlights.
🏡 Clifton, NJ
💰 $500,000 Example:
- 🛏️ 3 beds, 🛁 2 baths
- 🏠 ~1,500 sq ft
- Detached single-family, driveway + garage
- Mid-century colonial with updated kitchen
- Quiet street near Montclair Heights
🎯 Highlights:
- Family-friendly neighborhoods
- Great commute via NJ Transit and Route 3
- Mix of newer and older homes
🏙️ Jersey City, NJ (Journal Square / West Bergen)
💰 $500,000 Example:
- 🛏️ 2 beds, 🛁 1 bath
- 🏢 Modern condo, 850–1,000 sq ft
- Secure building with amenities
- Short walk to PATH station
🎯 Highlights:
- Fast commute to Manhattan
- Urban vibe, restaurants, and shopping
- Smaller space, but unbeatable location
🏘️ Bloomfield, NJ
💰 $500,000 Example:
- 🛏️ 3 beds, 🛁 2 baths
- 🏠 Colonial with finished basement
- ~1,400–1,600 sq ft
- Near Brookdale Park and downtown Bloomfield
- Quiet tree-lined street
🎯 Highlights:
- Great transit access
- Affordable alternative to Montclair
- Ideal for first-time buyers
🌳 West Orange, NJ
💰 $500,000 Example:
- 🛏️ 4 beds, 🛁 2 baths
- 🏠 ~1,800 sq ft
- Ranch or split-level on a quarter acre
- Attached garage, fenced backyard
🎯 Highlights:
- More space for the money
- Strong schools and green space
- Great for growing families
🌆 Hoboken, NJ
💰 $500,000 Example:
- 🛏️ Studio or 1 bed, 🛁 1 bath
- 🏢 ~500–700 sq ft condo
- Elevator building with laundry
- Short walk to PATH
🎯 Highlights:
- Walkable lifestyle
- Higher cost per square foot
- Popular with professionals and singles
🏞️ Paterson, NJ (Eastside / Hillcrest)
💰 $500,000 Example:
- 🛏️ 4 beds, 🛁 3 baths
- 🏠 ~2,000+ sq ft multi-family
- Income potential from rental unit
- Updated interiors, parking, backyard
🎯 Highlights:
- Larger homes or investment properties
- High rental demand
- Ideal for first-time investors
🏠 Passaic, NJ
💰 $500,000 Example:
- 🛏️ 3–4 beds, 🛁 2 baths
- 🏠 Detached home with basement
- Traditional layout, 1,600–1,800 sq ft
- Close to schools, transit, and places of worship
🎯 Highlights:
- Affordable housing
- Diverse community
- Good for larger families on a budget
💡 Summary: What You Get for $500K in Each Town
| Town | Type of Home | Size | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clifton | Single-family | 3 bed / 2 bath | Suburban + commuter friendly |
| Jersey City | Modern condo | 2 bed / 1 bath | Urban, near PATH |
| Bloomfield | Detached colonial | 3 bed / 2 bath | Quiet, family-oriented |
| West Orange | Larger ranch or split-level | 4 bed / 2 bath | Spacious and green |
| Hoboken | Small condo | 1 bed / 1 bath | Walkable, city living |
| Paterson | Multi-family or large home | 4+ bed / 3 bath | Investor-friendly |
| Passaic | Detached or duplex | 3–4 bed / 2 bath | Affordable and convenient |
❓ FAQs – Buying a $500K Home in North Jersey
Q1: Is $500K enough to buy a home near NYC?
A: Yes — but expect smaller condos or fixer-uppers in towns like Hoboken and Jersey City. Further west, you’ll find larger homes with yards and parking.
Q2: Can I find a multi-family home for $500K?
A: Yes, especially in Paterson, Passaic, and parts of Newark. These properties can be great for living in one unit and renting the other.
Q3: What are taxes like on a $500K home in NJ?
A: Property taxes vary, but you can expect $10,000–$15,000 annually depending on the town. Always include taxes in your monthly budget.
Q4: Is $500K a good budget for first-time buyers?
A: Absolutely. Many towns like Clifton, Bloomfield, and West Orange offer great starter homes in that range.
Q5: Where do I get alerts for new homes under $500K?
A: Sign up for property alerts at NJLiveHomes.com or text 862-247-6067 for personalized updates.
🏡 Ready to Find the Best $500K Home for You?
No matter your lifestyle — urban, suburban, or investment-focused — North Jersey offers something for everyone in the $500,000 range. The key is knowing where to look and acting fast in a competitive market.
📞 Call or text 862-247-6067 or search current listings now at NJLiveHomes.com
