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Freehold

Freehold

Located in Monmouth County

$672,480 Average Value
$340 Average Price per Sq Ft
90 Homes For Sale

Bruce Springsteen's hometown is friendly to commuters and small businesses

From traces of Bruce Springsteen to battles with the British, there’s a mix of history and pop culture in Freehold. Nearly 13,000 people live in this commuter-friendly borough that’s less than 50 miles from New York City. But there’s plenty to explore in the immediate surroundings: the borough is one of New Jersey’s many “donut hole” cities that are surrounded by larger townships of the same name. “Freehold Borough is less than 2 square miles and is truly known for its sense of diversity and community,” says Melissa DeSantis, broker associate of the Freehold Real Broker Branch Office in Monmouth County. “Freehold Township, on the other hand, is much larger.”

Retail activity supports the local economy, which is especially important as manufacturers close shop. “The long-term story of Freehold is the loss of industry,” says Freehold Public Library Director Kathy Mulholland. “We used to have a very large rug mill that was decommissioned. We used to have the Nestle factory.” But there are efforts to generate a comeback. A master plan adopted in 2019 wants to turn downtown into a transit village anchored by the Freehold Center Bus Station. Already on the classically named Main Street there are various small businesses. Plus, Freehold became one of a handful of New Jersey municipalities to authorize the sale of cannabis in 2021.

Freehold is known for being the regional commercial hub for Monmouth County.
Freehold is known for being the regional commercial hub for Monmouth County.
Come shop at the many stores that are located off of Main St. in Freehold.
Come shop at the many stores that are located off of Main St. in Freehold.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park is a popular place for locals to walk dogs in Manalpan, NJ.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park is a popular place for locals to walk dogs in Manalpan, NJ.
Many historic buildings have been restored and repurposed in Freehold.
Many historic buildings have been restored and repurposed in Freehold.
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Classic suburban styles, but also large Victorians and modern traditionals

Housing in Freehold is classic suburban, with yards and trees being part of the experience. Homes tend to be pushed back on lots, with many front doors are reached after walking a paved strip. Styles also feel like a collection of suburban greatest hits: bungalows, midcentury ranch-style homes and colonial-influenced styles range from $380,000 to $750,000. Freehold is also known for its ornate Victorian homes, which range from $750,000 to $1 million. But if homebuyers want a more contemporary look, custom brick modern traditionals are available, too – but they tend to be the biggest and most expensive styles in Freehold, with more than 3,500 square feet and price tages of $1.4 million to $1.6 million.

Rows of colonial homes on quiet streets are common in Freehold.
Rows of colonial homes on quiet streets are common in Freehold.
In Freehold Borough, you can find cute cape cod style homes.
In Freehold Borough, you can find cute cape cod style homes.
Large historic tudor homes dot the landscape in Freehold.
Large historic tudor homes dot the landscape in Freehold.
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Freehold Borough High earns an A-minus

The Freehold Borough School District gets a C-plus from Niche. Freehold Borough High School gets an A-minus and pulls from surrounding townships including Colts Neck and Howell. There’s also the Freehold Public Library on Main Street, one of the state's 36 Carnegie-funded libraries.

Freehold Borough High School provides a public education.
Freehold Borough High School provides a public education.
The Freehold Library is a quiet place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle.
The Freehold Library is a quiet place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle.
Freehold Township High School is another option for students in Freehold.
Freehold Township High School is another option for students in Freehold.
Aerial view of C. Richard Applegate Elementary School.
Aerial view of C. Richard Applegate Elementary School.
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Parks with atheltic facilities and seaside destinations within driving distance

Public green spaces are spread across the city, and while they might be simple in design, they offer plenty of room to roam. Liberty Park is one of those: a walking path dotted with exercise stations is wrapped around a basketball court and ballfield. But the Jersey Shore is often chosen for outdoor recreation opportunities, given how close it is. “Living here in Freehold, you are so close to some of the most beautiful beaches. Within 20 to 25 minutes, you can hop in your car and be at Belmar, Bradley Beach, Ocean Grove and Asbury Park,” says DeSantis.

“Sandy Hook Beach is popular during the summer,” says Alex Farlow, a real estate salesperson with Compass New Jersey. “That’s a national park, too. You can see Coney Island from the beach.”

Monmouth Battlefield State Park offers visitors many hiking options in Manalpan, NJ.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park offers visitors many hiking options in Manalpan, NJ.
There are boat rentals available at Lake Topanemus.
There are boat rentals available at Lake Topanemus.
Grab a friend and go for a walk at Veterans Memorial Park in Stonehurst NJ.
Grab a friend and go for a walk at Veterans Memorial Park in Stonehurst NJ.
Pond Road and Lake Topanemus in East Freehold is a beautiful place to get some fresh air.
Pond Road and Lake Topanemus in East Freehold is a beautiful place to get some fresh air.
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Enduring hangouts on Main Street, like Roberto's

Main Street is the place to go for a taste of Freehold’s downhome sensibilities. Residents will find enduring hangouts like Roberto’s, an old-school diner that’s one of Springsteen’s favorites. “Some towns have a lot of antique stores, but Freehold is in the midst of having a lot of good restaurants,” says Mulholland. Jersey Freeze, open since 1952, feeds cravings for Americana, too, with French fries and ice cream served from a retro building. Federici’s is a century-old restaurant famous for its thin crust pizza. For a bigger, modern shopping experience, there’s Freehold Raceway Mall, which is the third largest mall in the state.

Downtown Freehold has a vibrant food scene.
Downtown Freehold has a vibrant food scene.
Roberto's Diner in Freehold is a favorite of Bruce Springstein.
Roberto's Diner in Freehold is a favorite of Bruce Springstein.
Jersey Freeze is the most popular ice cream place in the area.
Jersey Freeze is the most popular ice cream place in the area.
Nearby Freehold Raceway Mall serves as your one stop shop for retail outlets.
Nearby Freehold Raceway Mall serves as your one stop shop for retail outlets.
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Festivals and events throughout the year

Many events fill out the calendar year, including the re-enacted Battle of Monmouth every June at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The downtown farmers market also starts in June, occurring each Friday until the end of October. Holidays are always cause for celebration, too. “Freehold is the place to be for the Memorial Day Parade,” says Mulholland. “We also have a Halloween children’s parade and scarecrow contests.” October also brings the two-day Flavor of Freehold festival, where foodies embark on a restaurant tour. Summertime is for the Jazz & Blues Sunday Series at the downtown gazebo, and Porch Fest has musicians playing on neighborhood porches in the spring. Sea Here Now is one of the biggest East Coast music festivals held every September, featuring major names like Drake, Fall Out Boy and some local names besides Springsteen that residents have likely heard of. “Jon Bon Jovi had a mansion nearby in Rumson,” says Brett Sikora, CEO of The Sikora Group, about the musician.

Freehold farmers market is the place to be on Friday's in Freehold.
Freehold farmers market is the place to be on Friday's in Freehold.
There are plenty of rides for your thrill enjoyment at the Monmouth County Fair.
There are plenty of rides for your thrill enjoyment at the Monmouth County Fair.
The Monmouth County 4-H club explains horse grooming at the Monmouth County Fair.
The Monmouth County 4-H club explains horse grooming at the Monmouth County Fair.
Take a family picture in the illuminated stagecoach at the LuminoCity Festival.
Take a family picture in the illuminated stagecoach at the LuminoCity Festival.
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Commuting to Manhattan by car and bus

Commuters have a couple of options for traveling to Manhattan. “Driving is going to take you roughly 60 to 75 minutes, depending on where you live,” says DeSantis, describing the popular path of U.S. Route 9 to the Garden State Parkway. “Many residents opt to take the bus,” she adds. The 139 bus goes from the transit center downtown to the Port Authority in Manhattan. Two airports are less than 40 miles away: the Trenton-Mercer Airport and Newark Liberty International.

Crime trending downward

Freehold Borough police reported 156 total criminal offenses in 2022, marking a modest but steady decline compared to the previous two years. Numbers for auto thefts have been low, and that bodes well in comparison to numbers released by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office in spring 2024, which showed auto thefts up countywide in the 2020s.

Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
Becky Gaskill
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Becky Gaskill

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Area Facts

Number of Homes
7,571
Number of Homes for Sale
90
Median Year Built
1985
Months of Supply
1.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,395
Above the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,729
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,279
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
940
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
29,838

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 25
    Open Sat 1PM - 3PM

    3 Alcott Ct, Freehold, NJ 07728

    $575,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,916 Sq Ft
    • 3 Alcott Ct
    • New 21 hours ago

    PRIME FREEHOLD LOCATION! Meticulously maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom unit in the Poets Corner community. This patio home features carpeted living and dining rooms and an eat-in kitchen with a dining area. There's also a den/family room with a tray ceiling and sliding doors. Upstairs, the primary suite features a vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet, & bathroom with double sinks. Outside, there's a

    Agent Photo
    Louisa Sagarese
    RE/MAX Revolution
    (848) 308-1160
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  • Sunday, Apr 26
    Open Sun 12PM - 3PM

    23 Datchet Close Unit 1000, Freehold, NJ 07728

    $299,999

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 896 Sq Ft
    • 23 Datchet Close
    • Unit 1000
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to Surrey Downs, a 55+ community situated in a landscaped community complete w/ activities amenity, pool & clubhouse. The freshly painted home features 2 bedrooms and a full bath. The living room boost a gas fireplace ' The kitchen has plenty of room for entertaining and the laundry room is off the kitchen. The patio is covered and has a storage area conveniently located next to the

    Donna Manetta C21/ Action Plus Realty

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  • Sunday, Apr 26
    Open Sun 1PM - 4PM

    18-5 Augusta Ct Unit 5, Freehold, NJ 07728

    $369,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,197 Sq Ft
    • 18-5 Augusta Ct
    • Unit 5
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to this highly desirable second-floor condo in the sought-after Deerbrook community. This spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home features a versatile den--perfect for a home office or additional living space. The layout offers a bright and open living room/dining room combination, complemented by a convenient breakfast counter ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The home has been

    argent begu RE/MAX Innovation

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Freehold Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
23
Median Rent
$2,675
Median Single Family Home Rent
$21,750
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$4,100
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,395
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,395
Median Condo Rent
$2,700
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,700

Demographics

Total Population
11,762
Median Age
37
Population Density
58 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$65,255
Below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$87,802

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
75.4%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
25.6%
Advanced Degrees
8.2%
% Population in Labor Force
73.8%
Above the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
20''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

50 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walk Score®®

70 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Freehold