Real Estate Investing in South River, New Jersey (08882)

Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.

Middlesex County • Population: 16,007 • Data updated: September 2026

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Should you buy in 08882 (South River, NJ)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.

🏠 For Homebuyers
MIXED
Grade C (68/100)

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
2 flags
  • Tenant-protective state: Landlord rating 1.0/5 — slower evictions, more regulations.
  • Higher unemployment: 7.1% unemployment — tenant risk signal.

What’s happening in South River, NJ (08882)?

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3.0/ 5

Investability

Overall investment appeal

3.0/ 5

Appreciation

Long-term value growth

3.0/ 5

Cashflow ROI

Rental yield potential

Avg Home Value $546,470
Avg Monthly Rent $2,130
1% Rule ✗ Does Not Meet
Median Income $95,981
% Renters 34.8%

Market Analysis: 08882 South River

The 08882 ZIP in South River, NJ is a local-operator market. Outside capital chasing a $546K entry has to pair deep knowledge with the discount.

If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $546K asset, 08882 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.

In the broader NJ picture, 08882 is a reminder that not every low-priced ZIP is a value-add opportunity — some are simply distressed, and the difference matters.

Demographically, 08882 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.

Strategy in 08882 is an operator game, not a passive one. On balance, entry prices of $546K are inviting, the management lift is real and non-optional.

Explore the Data — Click a Tab Below
🏦 Current 30-yr Fixed Mortgage Rate: 6.76% as of Sep 10 Source: Freddie Mac PMMS

Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in South River:

C+ Average
Buy Confidence Score: 66/100
Affordability
10/25
Appreciation
22/25
Stability
11/20
Timing
8/15
Rental backup
15/15
Affordability
Expensive
Homes cost 5.7× the median income
Value Trend
Rising (+4.8%)
How home values changed in the past year
Rental Backup
Strong
Could rent for $2,130/mo if you need to move
Market Conditions
BALANCED
Even conditions for buyers and sellers
Bottom Line: Mixed signals in this market. Research specific properties carefully and be prepared to negotiate.
🏠

Property Strategy for 08882

Which property type performs best in this market?

Best for Cash Flow
3BR
3.8% cap rate
Best for Appreciation
3BR
+9.4% 5yr CAGR
Best Overall Value
4BR
$152,531/bedroom
📊 Compare All Property Types →
Type Median Value Est. Rent Cap Rate 5yr CAGR $/Bedroom
3BR $505,194 $2,670 3.8% +9.4% $168,398
4BR $610,124 $2,960 3.5% +8.8% $152,531

Market Trends

Home Value History (with trend line)

$572K$498K$425K$351K$278K$205KJul 2006Jul 2016Jul 2026

Rent History (with trend line)

No data available

📊 How Does 08882 Compare?

Metric 08882 South River New Jersey
Home Value $546,470 $546,470 $559,826
5-Year CAGR 7.0% 7.0% 8.4%
Avg Rent $2,130 $2,130 -
Cap Rate 3.0% 3.0% -
💡 Why Invest in 08882? Click to expand

With a 3/5 investability rating, this ZIP shows solid fundamentals for buy-and-hold investors.

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Landlord Ground Truth

Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 08882 (South River, NJ). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.

Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 08882 (South River, NJ)?

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Investability
Good
Cap Rate
3.0%
Low
5yr Growth
+7.0%
Strong

📊 Market Snapshot

Home Value $546,470
Monthly Rent $2,130
Price-to-Rent 21.4:1
1% Rule ✗ Fails

💰 Return Metrics

Gross Yield 4.7%
Cap Rate 3.0%
5-Year IRR 10.0%

📈 Home Appreciation

1-Year +4.8% ▲
3-Year CAGR +6.7% ▲
5-Year CAGR +7.0% ▲
10-Year CAGR +7.2% ▲

🏠 Rent Trends

1-Year N/A
3-Year CAGR N/A
5-Year CAGR N/A
Negative Leverage — IRR / Tax Play Cap Rate: 3.0%  |  30yr Rate: 6.8%
Leverage reduces cash returns at current rates.

The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.0%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.

Run an IRR Analysis →

⚠️ Risk Signals

Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.

Vacancy
3.7%
Low risk
Landlord Climate
1.0/5
Protective
Value Trend (5yr)
+7.0%
Growing
Eviction process: Slow Rent control: Unfavorable

Demographics in 08882

Population: 16,007

💰 Median Household Income
$95,981
This area
$95,981
State
$113,906
USA
$74,580
🏠 Renter Occupied
34.8%
This area
34.8%
State
28.4%
USA
34.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
7.1%
This area
7.1%
State
-9.5%
USA
3.7%
🎓 College Educated
27.0%
This area
27.0%
State
25.9%
USA
33.7%
👤 Median Age
37.1 years
This area
37.1 years
State
22.0 years
USA
38.9 years
🏚️ Vacancy Rate
3.7%
This area
3.7%
State
9.2%
USA
10.5%
👥 Population by Ethnicity
White 64.9%
Other/Mixed 23.6%
Hispanic/Latino 21.7%
Black/African American 7.0%
Asian 4.5%
👶 Under 18
23.9%
This area
23.9%
USA
22.0%
👴 65 and Over
14.1%
This area
14.1%
USA
17.3%
📊 Poverty Rate
9.8%
This area
9.8%
USA
11.5%

Crime & Safety

🚧

Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon

We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.

Expected: Q1 2025

🎓 Schools in 08882

A+ Avg School Grade
4 Schools
11.6:1 Avg Class Size
$21,503 Avg Per Pupil

Schools in This ZIP Code

A+ Excellent

South River Elementary School

📚 02 – 05 Elementary
👥
683 Students
👨‍🏫
11.4:1 Class Size
💰
$21,503 Per Student
A+ Excellent

South River Middle School

📚 06 – 08 Middle
👥
538 Students
👨‍🏫
10.9:1 Class Size
💰
$21,503 Per Student
A+ Excellent

South River Primary School

📚 Pre-K – 01 Elementary
👥
465 Students
👨‍🏫
11.2:1 Class Size
💰
$21,503 Per Student
A+ Excellent

South River High School

📚 09 – 12 High School
👥
736 Students
👨‍🏫
12.9:1 Class Size
💰
$21,503 Per Student

Nearby Schools (5 more)

Schools in adjacent ZIP codes that may serve this area

A+ Excellent

Central Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 04 Elementary
📍 371 CRANBURY ROAD, EAST BRUNSWICK
👥
351 Students
👨‍🏫
9.9:1 Class Size
💰
$26,854 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Chittick Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 04 Elementary
📍 5 FLAGLER STREET, EAST BRUNSWICK
👥
353 Students
👨‍🏫
8.8:1 Class Size
💰
$26,854 Per Student
A+ Excellent

East Brunswick Magnet School

📚 09 – 12 High School
📍 112 RUES LANE, EAST BRUNSWICK
👥
742 Students
👨‍🏫
11.7:1 Class Size
💰
$29,031 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Frost Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 04 Elementary
📍 65 FROST AVENUE, EAST BRUNSWICK
👥
391 Students
👨‍🏫
10.4:1 Class Size
💰
$26,854 Per Student
A+ Excellent

Irwin Elementary School

📚 Pre-K – 04 Elementary
📍 71 RACETRACK ROAD, EAST BRUNSWICK
👥
311 Students
👨‍🏫
9.9:1 Class Size
💰
$26,854 Per Student
About Repit School Scores

Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.

We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:

  • Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
  • School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
  • Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
  • School Environment — Size, type, and structure

Scores are updated annually using federal education data.

🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities

8 Nearby 5,698 Off-Campus Students
C
American Institute of Alternative Medicine
32 students · 0.9 mi
D
Chamberlain University-New Jersey
1,316 students · 3.5 mi
C
Rabbi Jacob Joseph School
96 students · 4.0 mi
C+
Middlesex College
11,471 students · 4.1 mi
B+
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
50,617 students · 5.1 mi
D
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
131 students · 5.4 mi
D
Universal Training Institute
133 students · 7.3 mi
C
Lincoln Technical Institute-South Plainfield
324 students · 7.6 mi

Investor Insight: With 5,698 students living off-campus nearby, this area has strong rental demand from the college population.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average home sale price in South River, NJ?

Expect median prices around $546K in South River, NJ. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been predictable.

What do rentals go for in South River, NJ?

Average rent in South River, NJ is approximately $2,130/mo per month. Against $546K home values that yields a reasonable rent-to-price ratio.

Is South River, NJ landlord-friendly?

NJ law tenant-protective for landlords, and South River inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.

Is South River in NJ worth investing in?

Investors tracking South River, NJ will find a 3.0/5 rating supported by $546K median home values and $2,130/mo rents. That profile suits long-term holders targeting predictable returns.

Is South River, NJ better for rentals, flips, or BRRRR?

South River, NJ investors pursuing careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management. The underlying economics ($546K prices, $2,130/mo rents) make it a reasonable choice.

You know 08882 now. You don’t know where it ranks.

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How 08882 ranks in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA

Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.

Cash Flow → Appreciation → Affordable →
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