Real Estate Investing in Kearny, New Jersey
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in Kearny, NJ? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (61/100)
Mixed — home prices are stretched relative to local incomes. Run the math on your specific situation.
For Investors
MIXED
3.0 / 5
(47/100)
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
Risks to Know
1 flag
- Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
What’s happening in Kearny, NJ?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
🏦 30-yr Fixed Rate:
6.76%
as of Sep 10
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS
Avg Investability
★★★★★
Avg Home Value
$585,154
Avg Monthly Rent
$2,168
ZIP Codes
1
Market Trends — Kearny, NJ
Home Value History
Rent History
Local Pulse Report
AI-researched developments and news for Kearny, NJ. Updated on demand as visitors ask.
Growth & development in Kearny, NJ Updated 133 days ago
Kearny sees significant residential and infrastructure development, alongside statewide job cuts.
Opportunities
- PulteGroup Inc. is developing Bridgeview, a 136-unit luxury townhome community at 55 Passaic Ave. in Kearny, with sales underway. — Expands housing options and provides new residential amenities. Pulte / JLL
- Kearny Urban Enterprise Zone (KUEZ) launched a $150,000 Storefront Project in March 2026, offering grants up to $15,000 for business exterior upgrades. — Supports local businesses and enhances the visual appeal of commercial districts. Kearny Life
- The Hackensack Avenue Streetscape project, a public-private partnership, began in November 2022 to reconstruct the roadway. — Improves local infrastructure and access to Kearny Point businesses. The Observer
- Kearny Point, a former shipbuilding yard, is undergoing phased redevelopment into a mixed-use complex with offices, restaurants, and green infrastructure. — Creates new commercial spaces, jobs, and environmentally resilient amenities. NJ Developers Green Infrastructure Guide
- Kearny Bank provided $37.25 million in financing for a 370,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution facility in nearby Belvidere, with construction underway. — Supports regional economic growth and creates new employment opportunities. WRNJ Radio
Concerns
- New Jersey saw a 59.8% increase in layoffs in the first four months of 2026 compared to 2025, with over 7,000 job cuts statewide. — Indicates a tightening job market and potential economic uncertainty for residents. Patch
- Alan Ritchey Inc. is closing a logistics facility in Phillipsburg, NJ, by July 2026, resulting in 176 layoffs due to a lost USPS contract. — Leads to job losses and reduced local employment opportunities. FreightWaves
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey reported 242 layoffs set to take effect in April 2026, impacting the Newark-area workforce. — Contributes to regional job insecurity and potential economic strain for affected individuals. RLS Media
Bottom line: Kearny is experiencing significant residential and commercial development, while the broader New Jersey region faces a notable increase in layoffs across various sectors.
Local news & events in Kearny, NJ Updated 133 days ago
Kearny has seen various community events and efforts to address environmental concerns, alongside ongoing challenges with crime and landfill issues.
Opportunities
- The Town of Kearny held its Annual Reorganization Meeting and Swearing-In Ceremony on January 7, 2026, marking the start of the legislative year. — This event signifies the continuation of local governance and community representation. Town of Kearny Website
- Kearny's inaugural Kearnian Art Show, a collaboration between the Kearny Museum and Public Library, showcased local artistic talent in May 2026. — This expands cultural opportunities and provides a platform for local artists. Town of Kearny Website
- Mayor Carol Jean Doyle and the Town Council honored residents and businesses for their critical support during a December 2025 First Ward fire. — This recognizes community solidarity and encourages civic engagement in times of crisis. Town of Kearny Website
- Kearny launched the Blue Envelope Program in September 2025 to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism. — This initiative fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment for vulnerable residents. Town of Kearny Website
- Kearny High School hosted its second annual Career and College Information Day on April 21, 2026. — This provides students with valuable resources for future educational and career paths. Kearny Life
Concerns
- A deadly stabbing incident occurred in Kearny in December 2025, leading to a SWAT standoff and arrest. — This event highlights a serious safety concern and potential threat to public well-being. FOX 5 New York
- The crime rate in Kearny is considerably higher than the national average, with a 1 in 41 chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime. — This indicates a significant risk to personal safety and property for residents. NeighborhoodScout
- The New Jersey Attorney General filed an environmental enforcement action in May 2025 against responsible parties for a 12-acre illegal junkyard in Kearny. — This indicates ongoing environmental harm and potential health risks to the community. New Jersey Office of Attorney General
- Residents have suffered from noxious hydrogen sulfide odors emanating from the Keegan Landfill, impacting health and quality of life since at least 2019. — This ongoing environmental issue restricts residents' ability to enjoy their homes and outdoor spaces and raises health concerns. Town of Kearny Website
Bottom line: Kearny is actively fostering community engagement and addressing social needs, but continues to grapple with significant crime rates and persistent environmental challenges from the Keegan Landfill and illegal dumping.
Schools in Kearny, NJ Updated 133 days ago
Kearny School District is undergoing strategic planning for 2026-2031, while also addressing ongoing facility modernizations and maintaining various student support programs.
Opportunities
- The Kearny School District is currently undergoing a strategic planning process for 2026-2031, with community input sessions held in March and May 2026. — This proactive planning allows for community involvement in shaping the future direction and priorities of the school district. Kearny School District
- Kearny High School is undergoing a Whole Site Modernization project, with a groundbreaking in March 2024 for a new two-story classroom and student services facility, modernized classrooms, and renovated athletic fields. — These facility upgrades provide students with improved learning environments, modern technology, and enhanced athletic facilities. Rodriguez Elementary
- The Kearny Explorers Enrichment Program (KEEP) offers a dynamic and personalized educational experience for Gifted, Talented, and Twice-Exceptional students in grades K-12. — This program provides advanced coursework, mentorship, and real-world experiences, fostering intellectual curiosity and preparing students for academic success. Kearny School District
- The Kearny Public School Uniform Exchange, established three years ago, provides free school uniforms and educational resources to students in need. — This initiative helps alleviate financial burdens for families and ensures students have essential items for school, promoting equity and access. News 12 - YouTube
- The district offers a Summer Food Service Program, providing meals to all children without charge, regardless of income. — This program ensures that students have access to nutritious meals during school breaks, addressing food insecurity. Kearny School District
Concerns
- For the 2022-2023 school year, Kearny School District ranked in the bottom 50% of New Jersey school districts based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data. — Lower proficiency rates may indicate a need for improved academic support and resources for students. Public School Review
- Kearny School District's average testing ranking is 3/10, placing it in the bottom 50% of public schools in New Jersey for the 2026 school year. — This ranking suggests that a significant portion of students may not be meeting state academic standards. Public School Review
- The district's average math proficiency score is 22%, compared to the New Jersey public school average of 38%. — A lower math proficiency score indicates a potential area for targeted intervention and curriculum improvement. Public School Review
- The district's average reading proficiency score is 39%, compared to the statewide average of 49%. — A lower reading proficiency score suggests that many students may struggle with essential literacy skills. Public School Review
- Kearny High School performed below the state average in academic proficiency. — This indicates that students at the high school may not be adequately prepared for post-secondary education or careers. SchoolDigger.com
Bottom line: Kearny School District is actively investing in facility modernizations and student programs, but continues to face challenges in academic performance compared to state averages.
Civic & policy in Kearny, NJ Updated 133 days ago
Kearny has recently implemented new parking regulations, banned short-term rentals, and approved a school budget with a tax levy increase.
Opportunities
- The Kearny Area Redevelopment Plan was amended in February 2024 to guide development in a 445-acre area, aiming to attract new investment and address environmental concerns. — This plan encourages new investment and development, potentially leading to economic growth and improved infrastructure. Kearny Area Redevelopment Plan Amendment
- The Kearny School Board approved a new budget for 2024-2025 with a significant boost in state aid. — Increased state aid can enhance educational programs and resources for students without solely relying on local property taxes. LocalLens
- Kearny Point, a former shipbuilding yard, is undergoing redevelopment into a mixed-use complex with green infrastructure, including offices, restaurants, and habitat restoration. — This redevelopment transforms a former industrial site into a vibrant area with new amenities, jobs, and environmental benefits. NJ Developers Green Infrastructure Guide
Concerns
- In March 2026, Kearny banned all short-term apartment rentals, including those through Airbnb and VRBO, with fines up to $2,000 or 30 days in jail for violations. — This ordinance restricts property owners' ability to generate income from short-term rentals and limits housing options for visitors. Hudson County View
- A new ordinance, effective June 2, 2025, restricts overnight parking on several residential streets bordering Harrison, requiring permits for Kearny residents. — This creates an additional cost and barrier for residents needing overnight parking and restricts parking access for non-residents. YourHarrison.com
- An update to the town's overnight parking ordinance, adopted in April 2024, bans commercial vehicle parking in residential areas from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., with fines of $150. — This imposes new restrictions and potential fines on individuals who use commercial vehicles for work and park them in residential zones. The Observer Online
- The Kearny School Board approved a 2% increase in the local tax levy for the 2024-2025 school year. — This increases the property tax burden on residents, even with an increase in state aid. LocalLens
Bottom line: Kearny has seen significant regulatory changes, particularly concerning parking and rentals, alongside ongoing redevelopment and a school tax increase.
AI-generated from public web sources. Always verify with official records. Not financial, legal, or investment advice.
A great house in the wrong ZIP is still a bad deal — screen every market by cash flow & cap rate.
Open the Market Finder →Free to search · investor plans from $19/mo
The wrong ZIP kills a good deal — screen every market.
Open the Market Finder →
Best ZIP codes in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
Kearny is part of this metro. Every ZIP in it, ranked. Free.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in Kearny, NJ. Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in Kearny, NJ?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
Avg Home Value
$585,154
Avg Monthly Rent
$2,168
1% Rule
✗ Below
Landlord Friendly (NJ)
★☆☆☆☆
ZIP Codes in Kearny, NJ
Screen every ZIP in Kearny
Filter Kearny’s ZIPs by cap rate, vacancy, appreciation and 30+ more criteria, and export your shortlist to CSV — with the Investor plan ($19/mo).
View PlansFrequently Asked Questions About Kearny, NJ
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Kearny, NJ?
Median home price in Kearny, NJ is near $585K, with a 5-year CAGR of 0.0%. Prices have been predictable and supportive of buy-and-hold strategies.
Is Kearny, NJ good for landlords?
Landlord-friendliness in Kearny, NJ is tenant-protective. Eviction timelines and lease enforcement are considered reasonable by most property managers.
Are tenants stable in Kearny, NJ?
The renter base in Kearny, NJ is reasonable for the $2,168/mo price point. Screening well and pricing to market typically yields consistent tenants.
What monthly rent should investors expect in Kearny, NJ?
Rent in Kearny, NJ is around $2,168/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $585K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
Is Kearny, NJ a good place for real estate investing?
Kearny, NJ rates 3.0/5 for investability. With median values at $585K and rents near $2,168/mo, the market offers reasonable fundamentals for rental investors.
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate Kearny, NJ.
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.