New Jersey Is Poised To Become a New Celebrity Hot Spot Thanks to Netflix’s Presence

Hollywood, New York City, Miami, Aspen. When you think of hot spots where you might have an unexpected celebrity sighting, those cities usually top the list. But fairly soon, there may be another contender: Monmouth County, NJ.

Thanks to Netflix's new $1 billion investment to transform the previously shuttered 292-acre former Fort Monmouth U.S. Army base into its East Coast production hub, things are about to heat up on the Jersey Shore. Not only will more celebrities be working at the film and TV facility, but businesses (including real estate) in the vicinity are about to get a starry boost.

"As someone who has lived, worked, and raised a family here in Monmouth County for many years, I can tell you firsthand that there’s already been an uptick in interest since the Netflix Studios announcement," Teresa Minnick, a broker with Christie's International Real Estate Group and director of sales for The Atlantic Club Residences, a posh new luxury development in Long Branch, NJ, tells Realtor.com®.

Though the new Netflix Studios won't be completed until 2028, the surrounding hubbub is leading some forward-thinking buyers, including celebrities, to property shop now—before the area explodes.

"I never had celebrity showings, and I've had three of them in the last five weeks," Aleksander Pritsker, CEO of Team Blackstar at eXp Realty, said recently on "The BRO Show" podcast. "They're coming in and scoping, they're looking, they're seeing what's out there."

In other words, the presence of Netflix is primed to reshape the entire demographic of the Jersey Shore, including adding more star power.

How the Netflix Studios landed in New Jersey

Unknown to many, New Jersey was actually the birthplace of the motion picture industry. As such, Netflix setting up shop near the Jersey Shore makes sense.

It also doesn't hurt that Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandon hails from Monmouth County, having been born near the soon-to-be supersized production studios, which will include 12 top-of-the-line soundstages totaling over 500,000 square feet. The topography of the area was clearly another selling point, as film locations can shift from the beach to the mountains within a 90-minute drive.

“The Netflix studio at Fort Monmouth further solidifies New Jersey’s reputation as a global leader in film and television production, attracting some of the world’s top filmmakers and creators to the state,” said Gov. Phil Murphy at the Netflix Studios groundbreaking celebration on May 13, 2025.

The decision to make New Jersey Netflix's new home may also have stemmed from the nearly $387 million in Aspire tax credits granted to the project by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority board in December 2024. What's more, New Jersey offers some of the nation's best tax credits for film production (30% to 35%), including an additional 2% to 4% in "diversity bonuses."

“We are grateful to Netflix for choosing New Jersey as its new home on the East Coast—and for committing to an investment that will fuel economic growth, generate thousands of new jobs, and bring more patrons to our local businesses,” said Murphy.

Especially when some of those "patrons" will be straight-up movie stars.

Cities near the Netflix project will change—for good

Though there have always been celebrities with strong New Jersey ties, including Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, the appearance of high-profile actors is likely to become more common as filming begins in the proximity of the Netflix Studios.

While the soundstages themselves span the cities of Eatontown and Oceanport—both areas are primed for expansion—real estate agents in Monmouth County expect other nearby towns to experience peak popularity with the incoming crowd as well.

"Beyond Eatontown, Oceanport, Tinton Falls, and Shrewsbury, I expect Long Branch and Asbury Park to attract attention, thanks to their vibrant nightlife, dining scenes, and proximity to the shore," Melissa DeSantis, broker associate at REAL Brokerage, tells Realtor.com.

"Monmouth County has long been a home to celebrities and musicians—I’ve watched that trend continue over decades," says Minnick. "Towns like Red Bank, Lincroft, Rumson, Long Branch, and Asbury Park remain at the top of the list for high-profile buyers."

In addition to luring celebrities to these areas, this Netflix influx is likely to have a broad ripple effect across the local economy.

"There will be new jobs and increased demand for vendors that support film and television production," says DeSantis. "Caterers, set fabricators, florists, drivers, salons, gyms, dry cleaners—essentially anyone who can meet the quick-turn needs of productions—are positioned to benefit as the studios ramp up."

Minnick thinks there will also be more restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels that cater to an international, creative community.

"It will bring new opportunities for local businesses and services, from fitness and wellness centers to retail shops, many of which are owned by families like mine who have been part of this community for generations," she says.

DeSantis warns, however, that local governments may have to prioritize traffic flow and infrastructure upgrades to handle the higher activity.

To buy or not to buy, and where—that is the question

While it’s still a bit early for a full wave of celebrity buyers, area real estate agents anticipate growing interest as the Netflix Studios project progresses. And the type of dwelling most sought after is still to be determined.

"Many will likely seek short-term, fully furnished residences that provide turnkey living, privacy, and hotel-style amenities, as well as convenient access to New York City," says DeSantis. "We may also see production teams and talent reserving short-term rentals near the studios."

There are also pricey new developments being constructed, including The Atlantic Club Residences in Long Branch and the Lido Asbury Park, a beachfront luxury building that will be completed in 2027. These condos will likely attract celebrities looking for upscale living and amenities while still being close enough to the Netflix Studios.

Meanwhile, things may get interesting as inventory catches up to the Netflix wave.

"There are going to be people walking up, like celebrities, and high net [worth] people are going to be coming up, knocking on the door saying, 'I like your lot, I'll give you 30% more for it, just get out,'" projected Pritsker on "The BRO Show" podcast.

The Jersey cities celebrities may soon call home

So, where will celebrities be looking to buy or rent once the Netflix Studios open? It depends on the individual's priorities. However, several towns are likely to benefit, each appealing to a certain type of buyer. Here's the breakdown:

• Long Branch and Asbury Park: Expect these to become hot spots for the celebrity scene, according to DeSantis: "Their lively nightlife, oceanfront living, and thriving arts and cultural communities create the perfect mix of energy and style."
• Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, and Red Bank: "These prestigious towns offer excellent schools, a strong sense of community, and easy access to the studios, making them attractive for executives seeking a permanent residence," says DeSantis.
• Colts Neck, Holmdel, and Middletown: These areas are known for expansive homes, generous acreage, and top-rated schools, according to DeSantis. They provide suburban luxury with reasonable commuting times.
• Oceanport and Eatontown: "Right next to the Netflix campus, these towns will be in high demand for buyers who value proximity to the studios and future growth potential," says DeSantis.

The bottom line is that property values are likely to go up the closer it gets to "go time" at the studio.

"As Realtors®, we’re encouraging buyers to act now, before a surge in demand drives prices even higher," says DeSantis. For example, she recently represented a buyer of a townhome in Oceanport who paid $60,000 over the asking price, confident that the property’s value will grow as the Netflix development brings new energy and opportunity to the area.

"Each of these communities offers something unique, but together they reflect why Monmouth County has always been, and will continue to be, a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families," says Minnick. "When I’m speaking with buyers and even local business owners, there’s a common theme. They see Monmouth County as a place where you can enjoy small-town community, coastal living, and now, a connection to a world-class creative hub."