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Perth Amboy

Perth Amboy

Located in Middlesex County

$453,255 Average Value
$325 Average Price per Sq Ft
36 Homes For Sale

A waterfront history with historic importance and a desire to rehabilitate its image

Perth Amboy peeks into Raritan Bay, which separates New Jersey from New York state. It’s a modest city of 55,000 residents with a waterfront downtown that sprawls west toward more suburban terrain. The median age is 36, and leading industries include transportation, retail, health care, manufacturing and education. Rutgers University—New Brunswick and Robert Wood Johnson University hospital are top employers. Rutgers, as many locals note, has been a driver of growth in general, especially when it comes to housing. “They’ve already been revitalizing Downtown Newark,” says Thomas Mosera, a Realtor with Premium One Realty, speaking of the larger city that Perth Amboy spurs off from. “We’re seeing a trend of older homes being taken down and replaced, but it’s not necessarily keeping a historic look. It’s very contemporary.” One of the latest redevelopment debates in this “City by the Bay” occurred in August 2024, when City Council tabled a $200 million project that would bring 600 apartments to the waterfront. Residents said they preferred the city to focus on townhouses, condominiums and low-rise buildings. The completion date of the Saint Demetrios Housing for Active Adults is slated for 2024 or 2025. This luxury condo development has been in the works since 2021 and features a bold and modern Spanish design. But creating a cohesive vision citywide continues to be top of mind. In spring 2024, construction began on the Gateway project near the Route 35 Victory Bridge – a key entrance to the city left to blight but now being reimagined as a mixed-use space with a public park attached.

Perth Amboy District provides an assortment of shopping choices.
Perth Amboy District provides an assortment of shopping choices.
The Armory is situated on the Raritan Bay in Perth Amboy.
The Armory is situated on the Raritan Bay in Perth Amboy.
Raritan Bay Medical Center is one of the larger hospitals in the area in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Raritan Bay Medical Center is one of the larger hospitals in the area in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Perth Amboy's picturesque maritime district is home to recreational boaters.
Perth Amboy's picturesque maritime district is home to recreational boaters.
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Modern condos co-exist with century-old colonials

There’s history to the buildings around Perth Amboy. During the Revolutionary War, Founding Father Benjamin Franklin’s son stayed at the Proprietary House, which still stands on Kearny Avenue. But the police station on High Street was set for demolition in 2024. The building originally served as a main office for one of the most industrious chemical manufacturers in the world.

“You’ll see houses in the area that are 125 years old,” says Mosera. The median price for a home is $405,000. That’s slightly less than the national median of $418,700. Homebuyers will see colonial-influenced homes placed close together, with only a sidewalk out front. But there are also Cape Cods and ranch-style homes with classic suburban lawns and neat decorative landscaping. In contrast, condominiums near the waterfront were built or remodeled in the early 2000s, showcasing the more contemporary aesthetic popping up around the city.

Perth Amboy's neighborhoods have a variety of home styles including Colonials.
Perth Amboy's neighborhoods have a variety of home styles including Colonials.
Perth Amboy's Proprietary House was completed in 1764 in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Perth Amboy's Proprietary House was completed in 1764 in Perth Amboy, NJ.
The condo's on High Street are in Perth Amboy's Waterfront Area.
The condo's on High Street are in Perth Amboy's Waterfront Area.
Perth Amboy is a very diverse and welcoming neighborhood in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Perth Amboy is a very diverse and welcoming neighborhood in Perth Amboy, NJ.
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Perth Amboy High sparks local pride with a football rivalry

Students can begin at Edwin Patten Elementary, which covers kindergarten through fourth grade. It has a 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio and earns a C rating overall, but Niche also gives it a B in the teachers category. McGinnis Middle receives a C-minus rating but a B-minus in the teachers category. Perth Amboy High is known for its football rivalry with Carteret High, with the annual showdown game held every Thanksgiving. The school receives a C-minus. Rutgers University—New Brunswick provides the community with a higher education option. It’s the oldest campus in the university’s network and has nearly 44,000 students.

Perth Amboy High receives a C-minus in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Perth Amboy High receives a C-minus in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Perth Amboy High School is well known for their football rivalry with Carteret High.
Perth Amboy High School is well known for their football rivalry with Carteret High.
Students can go to Edwin Patten Elementary, which covers kindergarten through the 4th grade.
Students can go to Edwin Patten Elementary, which covers kindergarten through the 4th grade.
McGinnis Middle receives a C-minus rating but a B-minus in the teachers category.
McGinnis Middle receives a C-minus rating but a B-minus in the teachers category.
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Latin American cuisine defines the dining scene

The city experienced an immigration boom during its industrial era and that cultural influence continues in the dining scene. Dominican food is one of the city’s specialties. Paila & Lena dishes out Dominican fried rice, mofongo and steak in a bright colorful setting. Smoked cuisine gets a nod, especially at BBQ Luso. This popular takeout venue focuses on charcoal-broiled barbecue with rice or fries. “The Portuguese take on barbecue is big in this area,” says Sagrario Javier, a Realtor with EXP Realty. For a taste of Peru, residents can go to Se Salio El Pollo for dishes like calamari or whole roast chicken. The walkable downtown scene is filled with more cosmopolitan options, including Cuban, Salvadoran and Mexican restaurants. While small markets dot the landscape, most residents find it convenient to get groceries at the Shop Rite in Convery Plaza.

The cuts of meat cooked up at BBQ Luso are quite fresh and sizable in Perth Amboy, NJ.
The cuts of meat cooked up at BBQ Luso are quite fresh and sizable in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Perth Amboy has a beautiful supermarket with a large variety of fresh foods.
Perth Amboy has a beautiful supermarket with a large variety of fresh foods.
Se Salio El Pollo's decorative wall sign says great food served here in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Se Salio El Pollo's decorative wall sign says great food served here in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Se Salio El Pollo is famous for its delicious Peruvian food in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Se Salio El Pollo is famous for its delicious Peruvian food in Perth Amboy, NJ.
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Strolls along the bay, plus a skate park further inland

The Sadowski Parkway Waterfront Park makes it easy to enjoy the city’s location on the bay. There are walkways to stroll, benches to sit on and recreational facilities like a playground and volleyball court. Bayview Park, next to the Harborside Marina, presents a more manicured experience with lawns and trees. For a slightly more urban experience toward the inland west side, Washington Park includes a skate park. It’s just a few blocks from the HMH Raritan Bay Medical Center. But residents can also make use of nearby nature to expand their horizons. “Rahway is nice for its nature preserve along the river,” says Rosmena DeSa, a Realtor with Re/Max New Millennium. “People like to go there for walks or picnics.”

Washington Park's children's playground are is quite active all year round in Perth Amboy, NJ.
Washington Park's children's playground are is quite active all year round in Perth Amboy, NJ.
The Outerbridge Crossing from Perth Amboy leads drivers to the Verrazano Bridge and to Brooklyn.
The Outerbridge Crossing from Perth Amboy leads drivers to the Verrazano Bridge and to Brooklyn.
Perth Amboy's maritime district offers scenic walking paths.
Perth Amboy's maritime district offers scenic walking paths.
Bayview Park, next to the Harborside Marina is a very serene place to spend leisure time.
Bayview Park, next to the Harborside Marina is a very serene place to spend leisure time.
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The downtown train station is a key amenity

The train station in Downtown Perth Amboy is a boon for commuters. Riders can also use it to cross the bay into South Amboy. Key north-south corridors include U.S. Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway, which run parallel to each other. Drivers can reach Manhattan in about 90 minutes, and the most common way to get there is by merging onto Interstate 95 on the west end. Or, it’s possible to take the 116 bus with NJ Transit: It goes directly to New York City.

Crime up in 2023 from 2022

Data provided to the FBI shows that from 2022 to 2023, violent crime increased 16% and property crime increased 11%.

Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
John Georgiadis
Photography Contributed By
John Georgiadis
EB Fox
Video By
EB Fox

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ranka Vucetic, an experienced agent in this area.

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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

Parks in this Area

Perth Amboy Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$450,000
Median Sale Price
$452,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$475,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$480,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$270,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
184
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$325

Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,646
Number of Homes for Sale
36
Median Year Built
1942
Months of Supply
2.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,712
Below the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,903
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,342
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
995
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
500
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,573

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Dec 20
    Open Sat 12PM - 3PM

    361 Garretson Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

    $525,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 361 Garretson Ave
    • New 4 days ago

    Welcome to this beautifully crafted, newly built Colonial offering the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern living. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.1 bathrooms, this home is designed with comfort, functionality, and style in mind.The primary suite is a true retreat, complete with a walk-in closet and a private en-suite bath. The heart of the home showcases an open-concept kitchen and

    Agent Photo
    Cintia D'Urso
    VOX REALTY
    (732) 466-7803
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  • Saturday, Dec 20
    Open Sat 2PM - 4PM

    751 Hanson Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

    $400,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 751 Hanson Ave
    • New 2 days ago

    Located on a residential street, this ranch-style home offers 3 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom with a functional single-level layout. The property features a comfortable living area and convenient flow throughout. Situated at 751 Hanson Avenue in Perth Amboy, with nearby access to local shopping, dining, and major roadways. An opportunity for a buyer to make personal updates and improvements. Come

    Brendan Da Silva Keller Williams Realty - NJ Metro Group

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  • Saturday, Dec 20
    Open Sat 11AM - 2PM

    795 May Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

    $545,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,422 Sq Ft
    • 795 May Ave

    Welcome to this delightful home in the highly sought-after Spa Springs area of Perth Amboy. A desirable, quiet neighborhood with ample street parking, this lovingly move-in ready property features 3 spacious bedrooms, a cozy family room, open concept living/dining, and a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Enjoy upgraded fixtures and finishes throughout-the residence combines both

    sean wright TVERDOV HOUSING

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Perth Amboy

Property Mix - Square Feet

Perth Amboy Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
48,512
Median Age
37
Population Density
160 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$53,492
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$71,098

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
70.5%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
14.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.5%
% Population in Labor Force
64.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
3''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®®

52 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®®

81 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®®

41 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
Perth Amboy