Thinking of Saying Goodbye to City Life? You’re Not Alone.

If you’ve lived in Hoboken, Jersey City, or Weehawken over the last few years, chances are you’ve felt the city lifestyle shift. Maybe it was the parking struggle. Maybe it was the third walk-up with no storage. Or maybe you’ve just outgrown the “work hard, play hard” phase and you’re craving some space to breathe.

You’re not the only one.

At The Jill Biggs Group, we’ve seen a significant uptick in clients ready to transition out of Hudson County and into the New Jersey suburbs — whether it’s for more space, a yard for the dog, better schools, or simply peace and quiet. We call it Selling in the City, Buying in the 'Burbs, and it’s one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025 — if you do it right.

Why Now Is a Smart Time to Sell in Hoboken or Jersey City

The Hudson County real estate market remains one of the strongest in New Jersey. Inventory is still tight, and well-marketed listings are moving fast — especially in core neighborhoods like Hoboken, The Heights, Paulus Hook, and Journal Square.

Here’s why selling your home in Hoboken or Jersey City this year might be your best financial move:

1. High demand + low supply = leverage

   Buyers are still competing over well-maintained properties, particularly those with parking, outdoor space, or recent upgrades.

2. Record equity for many sellers

   If you bought before or during the pandemic boom, there’s a good chance you’ve gained substantial equity that could be used toward a larger home in the suburbs.

3. Rising suburban pricing

   As more buyers migrate out of the city, prices in popular commuter suburbs are steadily climbing. Getting in sooner could mean locking in more value.

Where Are People Moving? The Top NJ Suburbs for 2025

If you're thinking about making a move, the key is knowing where to go. Our clients are trading square footage for style — without giving up access to culture, coffee shops, and city-like convenience.

Here are the top New Jersey suburbs attracting former city dwellers:

Montclair

Arguably the most in-demand town for former Brooklynites and Jersey City residents alike. Montclair offers historic homes, vibrant arts culture, amazing restaurants, and multiple train lines to NYC.

Maplewood & South Orange

Quieter than Montclair, but just as charming. These neighboring towns offer a great school system, friendly neighborhood vibes, and a quick commute to Penn Station.

Bloomfield

For buyers looking for more affordability without sacrificing location. Bloomfield is gaining traction fast, thanks to new developments, transit access, and proximity to Montclair.

Westfield & Cranford

Classic New Jersey suburbs with tree-lined streets, excellent public schools, and bustling downtowns. They offer more space for the price compared to city life — and are ideal for growing families.

Glen Ridge, Millburn, and Summit

Higher price points, but undeniable appeal. These towns offer strong resale value, top-tier schools, and gorgeous homes, often with direct train access to Manhattan.

What to Expect When You “Sell in the City”

Making the jump from condo living to a single-family home is exciting — but also a big transition. We help clients every week with this exact move and have streamlined the process to make it as seamless (and stress-free) as possible.

Here’s what the process often looks like:

1. Valuation & Strategy

   We start with an accurate market analysis to understand what your Hoboken or JC home could sell for right now. Then we map out a custom strategy to prep, stage, and list your home at the right time.

2. Prepping Your Property

   From deep cleaning to staging and professional photos, we position your home to stand out — both online and in person. The goal? Create emotional connection and urgency.

3. Launch to Market

   We use a blend of private pre-marketing (including email, social, and buyer network previews) and a bold public launch to drive offers quickly and strategically.

4. Buy-side Navigation

   As your city home goes live, we also guide your suburban search — connecting you with the best agents in each market, setting up tours, and helping you line up financing.

5. Timeline Coordination

   We help you manage timing so that your city sale funds your suburban purchase — often back-to-back — without having to crash in a friend’s guest room or Airbnb for a month.

Watch the Webinar Replay:

Catch the full replay of our Selling in the City, Buying in the 'Burbs webinar. Top agents from our team Erica Pransky and Dave Koger break down everything you need to know about timing the market, prepping your home for sale, and buying smart in the suburbs.

Common Questions We Hear (And Answer in the Webinar)

Do I need to sell my condo before I buy my next home?

Not always. There are options like bridge loans or simultaneous closings. It depends on your finances, equity, and market conditions.

What’s the best month to list in 2025?

Spring and early summer remain strong, but we’ve seen great success with off-peak listings thanks to low competition and serious buyers.

Will I get more space in the suburbs… really?

Yes. In most towns, your budget stretches significantly further than in Hoboken or Jersey City. Think: a finished basement, a backyard, a garage... maybe even a home office with a door.

What if I still commute to NYC?

We only recommend towns with solid access to NJ Transit or direct train lines. Every town we mention in this guide is under 60 minutes to Manhattan.

Ready to Explore Your Next Move? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’re ready to list your home this spring or just starting to toy with the idea of a move, our team can help. We’ll walk you through your options, show you what your home could sell for today, and map out a plan that works for you.

Want to know what your city home is worth? Contact us for a free home valuation.