Monmouth County has long been admired for its serene coastal charm, access to top schools, and strong sense of community. But with Netflix investing nearly $1 billion to transform the former Fort Monmouth military base into a state-of-the-art film production campus, the region is now entering an entirely new phase—one where Hollywood meets homeownership, and property values are climbing as a direct result.
From job creation to infrastructure improvements and rising demand in the local housing market, the Netflix project is proving to be a game-changer for Monmouth County real estate. Here's how—and why—this transformative development is pushing home values upward across key towns in the area.
Catalyst for Local Growth
The Netflix Fort Monmouth development is the largest commercial project in Monmouth County in decades. The streaming giant is building 12 soundstages, post-production facilities, a visitor center, and hospitality offerings, turning the 292-acre site in Oceanport and Eatontown into a major East Coast media hub.
But beyond the cinematic buzz, it's the numbers that really stand out. Experts estimate the project will:
But beyond the cinematic buzz, it's the numbers that really stand out. Experts estimate the project will:
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Generate 1,500 to 2,000 permanent jobs in film production, editing, and administration.
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Create 3,000 to 4,000 indirect jobs in retail, hospitality, transportation, and support services.
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Inject billions into the regional economy over the next decade.
This kind of investment doesn't just revitalize a dormant military base—it elevates everything around it, especially real estate.
Rising Demand Equates to Rising Home Values
Every new job creates new demand for housing. Thousands of employees—many of whom will be commuting daily to Netflix's Fort Monmouth campus—are now looking for places to live close to work. That includes creative professionals, production crews, administrators, and executives, many of whom are coming from outside the region.
Real estate agents in Oceanport, Eatontown, and Tinton Falls have reported a noticeable uptick in buyer activity, especially for:
Real estate agents in Oceanport, Eatontown, and Tinton Falls have reported a noticeable uptick in buyer activity, especially for:
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Turnkey luxury homes
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Modern condos or townhomes
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Short-term furnished rentals for cast and crew
The result? More competition for fewer listings—and steadily rising prices. In fact, a townhome in Oceanport recently sold for $60,000 over asking, with multiple offers on the table. That kind of bidding war was rare just a year ago.
Rental Market Outlook
Rental prices are climbing fast as the studio prepares to scale operations. Demand for short-term housing is already strong among early-phase construction consultants and pre-production teams. Once the campus is operational, expect long-term rental demand to spike as more permanent staff arrive.
For landlords and investors, this creates an opportunity to lock in higher rents, particularly for furnished units near Oceanport, Eatontown, and Tinton Falls. Short-term rental platforms are also likely to see a surge in activity, especially during major productions or events hosted at the campus.
For landlords and investors, this creates an opportunity to lock in higher rents, particularly for furnished units near Oceanport, Eatontown, and Tinton Falls. Short-term rental platforms are also likely to see a surge in activity, especially during major productions or events hosted at the campus.
History Repeating Itself
Netflix's Fort Monmouth project isn't the first time the company has built a massive film campus in a mid-sized U.S. market. In 2018, Netflix established a studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico—and the results were dramatic.
Over five years, home prices in Albuquerque rose considerably, far outpacing many comparable cities. While multiple factors were at play, Netflix's presence is a key driver, drawing in new residents, expanding the local creative economy, and inspiring additional investment from other businesses.
While Monmouth County is already more established and affluent than Albuquerque, the same upward forces are at work—only this time with proximity to New York City and the Jersey Shore lifestyle to supercharge appeal.
Over five years, home prices in Albuquerque rose considerably, far outpacing many comparable cities. While multiple factors were at play, Netflix's presence is a key driver, drawing in new residents, expanding the local creative economy, and inspiring additional investment from other businesses.
While Monmouth County is already more established and affluent than Albuquerque, the same upward forces are at work—only this time with proximity to New York City and the Jersey Shore lifestyle to supercharge appeal.
Identifying Areas of Rapid Appreciation
If you're buying—or assessing how a potential sale might perform—in Monmouth County, it's wise to focus your attention on the areas and neighborhoods already seeing accelerated value growth due to their proximity to Fort Monmouth. These include:
- Oceanport: The closest to the studio campus, already experiencing fast-paced sales and appreciation.
- Eatontown: A prime location for young professionals and creative staff, offering a mix of mid-range and upscale housing.
- Tinton Falls: Popular for its newer developments and strong school system, it's a natural choice for relocating families.
- Little Silver and Red Bank: Both are seeing renewed interest from executives seeking a blend of upscale living, culture, and easy access to the studio and the city.
Infrastructure and Amenities
A development of this magnitude brings with it a wave of public and private investment in infrastructure and community resources:
- Transit and road upgrades: Expect improved access routes, public transit connections, and street enhancements in towns adjacent to the studio.
- New businesses: Restaurants, coffee shops, creative co-working spaces, boutique retail, and wellness services are already being eyed by developers to serve the growing Netflix-related population.
- Green space and community planning: The redevelopment of Fort Monmouth includes landscaped public areas, pedestrian-friendly design, and integrated amenities that enhance quality of life.
Each of these elements plays a role in making the surrounding neighborhoods more desirable—and more valuable.
Looking Ahead: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
For buyers, a purchase in or near the communities closest to Fort Monmouth could offer a smart entry point before the market fully catches up to future demand. Homes that are updated, well-located, and move-in ready are most likely to appreciate rapidly.
For sellers, owning property in Oceanport, Eatontown, or Tinton Falls, now is a compelling time to evaluate your equity. Buyer confidence is growing, and the pool of motivated purchasers is expanding. A professionally staged and competitively priced home could command a premium.
Investors have a unique opportunity for tangible, long-term capital appreciation—particularly for those investing in multifamily properties, short-term rentals, or properties suited for entertainment industry professionals. Be sure to consider zoning, transit proximity, and unit flexibility when evaluating investment opportunities.
For sellers, owning property in Oceanport, Eatontown, or Tinton Falls, now is a compelling time to evaluate your equity. Buyer confidence is growing, and the pool of motivated purchasers is expanding. A professionally staged and competitively priced home could command a premium.
Investors have a unique opportunity for tangible, long-term capital appreciation—particularly for those investing in multifamily properties, short-term rentals, or properties suited for entertainment industry professionals. Be sure to consider zoning, transit proximity, and unit flexibility when evaluating investment opportunities.
Explore More of Monmouth County Real Estate, including Netflix's Market Impact with a Trusted Local Expert
The arrival of Netflix's billion-dollar studio is as much about real estate as it is about producing movies and TV shows. Fort Monmouth's transformation is driving job growth, creating economic viability, elevating the area's lifestyle appeal, and putting Monmouth County in the national spotlight. Property values are already rising, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. For homeowners, investors, and luxury buyers alike, now is the time to pay close attention to what's happening around Fort Monmouth, including short and long-term prospects.
If you're ready to explore more of Monmouth County, including the area's luxury homes and real estate offerings—or are considering listing a luxury residence of your own for sale— contact Ten Hoeve Advisory today to start your Monmouth County real estate journey.
If you're ready to explore more of Monmouth County, including the area's luxury homes and real estate offerings—or are considering listing a luxury residence of your own for sale— contact Ten Hoeve Advisory today to start your Monmouth County real estate journey.
