$547,674Average Value$431Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Port Reading is trading an industrial past for a residential future
In the northeast corner of Woodbridge Township, Port Reading is a former industrial district embracing a more residential future. Since the oil refinery closed around 10 years ago, the area has been transforming into a modern bedroom community for New York City, a change made easier by access to the New Jersey Turnpike and the impending arrival of a city-bound ferry in neighboring Carteret. “Port Reading is a quiet neighborhood with starter homes,” says Sukhwinder Kaur, a Realtor with J.J. Elek Realty Co. who has sold several homes across the area. “It’s pretty much a mixture of old and new properties. Many of the older homes are being knocked down, and new ones are adding to the mix.”
Residents enjoy quick access to New York City and nearby Woodbridge.
Residents enjoy tree-lined streets and a sense of community in Port Reading.
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Brand-new homes are replacing vintage properties
As one of 10 towns in Woodbridge, Port Reading is now home to nearly 4,000 people. Locals who don't commute to the city often work in trucking and transportation — including at the nearby Amazon warehouse — or in the retail sector. Much of the housing stock dates to the first half of the 20th century, when the community developed alongside the railroad and oil refining industries. These days, single-story and split-level homes from the 1910s to ’60s sell for $410,000 to $450,000, with styles including Cape Cod, ranch, bungalow and other vintage aesthetics. Recently built townhouses sell for $510,000 to $550,000, while New Traditionals can sell for $530,000 to $800,000. “I’ve sold quite a few homes where investors are buying properties and either knocking them down completely or keeping the basement and the first floor,” Kaur says, pointing to the number of renovations and new builds in the area. Port Reading also has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Port Reading’s compact layout fosters a close-knit, residential atmosphere.
Port Reading’s New Traditional homes blend modern design with classic neighborhood charm.
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Port Reading's parks offer sporting and kayaking opportunities
Though Port Reading is primarily residential and industrial, several parks offer plenty of green space. The Woodbridge River Park preserves a stretch of marshland for kayakers to explore. Next to the boat launch, the park also includes a youth center with indoor and outdoor basketball courts, plus a football field and a playground. Nearby Boynton Park features two baseball fields, basketball courts and another playground. Port Reading is just up the street from Sewaren’s waterfront parks, including the Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park and Woodbridge Dog Park.
Woodbridge Dog Park welcomes pets and families with open space.
Neighbors enjoy calm waterfront views at Captain Carlsen Park in Sewaren, NJ.
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Port Reading has a small, but diverse dining scene
While Port Reading does not have its own retail district, a handful of restaurants bring diverse flavors to the community. Local eateries serve Italian, Chinese, Indian and Dominican cuisine. Punjabi Tadkaa specializes in North Indian fare like tandoori chicken and seekh kababs, doubling as a caterer for events held by the area’s vibrant Indian community. Busanka Restaurant sits in shopping plaza and serves Caribbean flavors like pernil, empanadas and pastries. Many residents also head into downtown Woodbridge, about 10 minutes away. “People might go into downtown Woodbridge to eat. In Woodbridge proper, there are so many great restaurants,” Kaur says. “Woodbridge has got a lot more businesses, malls and doctors’ offices.” The nearest supermarket is the ShopRite in Carteret, 4 miles up Port Reading Avenue.
Residents love eating at Jose Tejas, where the dining room is always packed.
Turnpike Plaza offers shopping and dining options near Port Reading.
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Woodbridge High offers diverse extracurriculars like career programs
Students can start at Matthew Jago Elementary School or Port Reading Elementary School before attending Avenel Middle School; each receives a C-plus grade from Niche. Woodbridge High School, which receives a B, offers extracurriculars like Woodbridge Youth Enjoy Science, where students can learn from medical professionals and partake in internships.
There are over 1575 students in Woodbridge High School.
Matthew Jago Elementary School receives a C-plus grade from Niche, and serves children in Port Reading.
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The Turnpike offers direct access to New York City
The New Jersey Turnpike cuts through Port Reading, offering car and bus access to New York City in about 25 miles. There's also a NJ Transit rail station just a few minutes away in Woodbridge. While Turnpike traffic has long been a challenge, the transportation situation is rapidly changing. “The ferry is also coming soon in Carteret,” Kaur says. “People going to work on Wall Street will likely take less time traveling into the city.”
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On average, homes in Port Reading, NJ sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Port Reading, NJ over the last 12 months is $550,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Brand new construction built on the original foundation, offering space and modern design. This 5-bedroom, 3-bath home features a convenient first-floor bedroom and full bath, ideal for guests or a private home office. The main level offers a bright, open layout. Upstairs, you'll find four generously sized bedrooms, including a spacious primary suite, along with two full bathrooms and a dedicated
Don't miss this spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Colonial offering a comfortable layout and great value. The home features a large eat-in kitchen with updated appliances, a formal dining room, and an oversized living room perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The entire first floor is fully tiled, adding both style and durability. Upstairs, the primary bedroom includes a private full bath and WIC.
**Welcome to 85 E Laurel St, Carteret!** This beautiful **4-bedroom, 2-bathroom bi-level home** is move-in ready and packed with updates! Features include **new flooring (2021), fresh paint, new pavers, updated kitchen with center island, central air, attached 2-car garage, and a spacious corner lot.** Enjoy a great location close to **shopping, transportation, schools, and major highways.**
Bi Level Home 3 bedroom & 2 full bath partially finished basement with toilet, Bilco door exit Large living room, additional rec room . Expanded EIK with sky lights . Large storage shed. 4 zone heating. hardwood flooring. fenced in yard. Home has been expanded. NOTE : upstairs bedroom was COMBINED possible 4 bedroom
Welcome to 29 Capp Street, nestled in the desirable Shorecrest section of Carteret. This beautifully laid-out home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, hardwood floors, and a spacious master suite with built-in closet shelving. The vaulted ceiling creates an open, bright, and spacious atmosphere, while the finished basement provides additional room for recreation, entertaining, or everyday
Welcome to your turn-key sanctuary in the desirable Port Reading section of Woodbridge Township! This impeccably maintained custom-built Ranch offers 3 spacious bedrooms, original hardwood floors and a chef-inspired eat-in kitchen outfitted with custom Cherry Wood cabinets, pristine quartz countertops, and premium Viking stainless steel appliances. Step into a sun-filled living and dining area
Stunning 4-bed, 2-full bath all-brick ranch with a fully finished walkout basement ideal for Mother/Daughter living. The main level features hardwood floors, a sun-filled living room with bay window and wood-burning fireplace, and a spacious kitchen with island, stainless steel appliances, and access to a side porch. The kitchen flows into a formal dining room. Two primary-size suites (one with
Well-maintained two-family home offering a great opportunity for both investors and owner-occupants. The first floor features 2 spacious bedrooms, a bright living room, a beautifully renovated kitchen with updated stainless steel appliances, and a full bathroom complete with a relaxing Jacuzzi tub. The first floor also includes central air conditioning for added comfort. The second floor unit
Welcome to this well-kept, spacious and inviting home located in Port Reading. First floor offering both a family and living room, dining room, kitchen featuring ample cabinetry and granite countertops and a half bath. Second floor offering 4 spacious bedrooms including a master with an attached bath and great closet space. Another full bath provided separately. Hardwood and carpet are featured
LUXURY AT ITS BEST! GORGEOUS 2020-BUILT HOME WITH PREMIUM UPGRADES! Welcome to this stunning, meticulously maintained home built in 2020 that still shows like new! This exceptional property offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, functionality, and modern upgrades. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet, this home provides plenty of space. The main
Opportunity Knocks! Bring your vision and creativity to this spacious 5-bedroom home offering incredible potential and a flexible floor plan. Inludes new siding and garage door. As well as multiple living areas provide abundant space and versatility to accommodate a variety of lifestyle needs. This property is ready for its next owner to restore it to its full potential and make it their own.
WOW!! Come see this SPACIOUS Rancher, located in one of the best sections of town..CORNER LOT. 2 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms. Wood-Flooring Throughout. Eat in Kitchen.. FORMAL DINING ROOM. Large Living Room... Finished Basement!! Central Heating and Cooling. TONS of Storage throughout. The Private Backyard is a perfect place to entertain guests.. Conveniently located near all Major Highways and
Spacious and beautifully updated 4-bedroom apartment located in desirable Port Reading! This home features a brand-new kitchen, recessed lighting throughout, and modern updates that offer both style and comfort. The layout includes a bright entertaining area, one full bathroom, and generous living space perfect for everyday living. Enjoy outdoor living with a private backyard, along with the
Spacious 3-Bedroom Apartment -Large Yard Access! Discover your new home in this roomy 3-bedroom apartment, currently undergoing exciting updates! This unit will soon feature brand-new vinyl floors in the common areas and plush carpeting in the bedrooms**, offering the perfect blend of style and comfort. The kitchen is being updated with modern finishes, creating a delightful space for cooking and
Welcome to this bright and spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Woodbridge Township, featuring a functional open layout and plenty of flexible living space. The first floor offers one bedroom and a full bath, while a bathroom on each main living level adds convenience. The open dining and living areas feature hardwood floors and flow easily for everyday living and entertaining. The home also offers
Renovated Homes on Port Reading Avenue. Beautifully renovated three-bedroom apartment featuring a designer quartz kitchen, expansive living space, and a private basement, just minutes from downtown Woodbridge, shopping, major highways, and NJ Transit. This thoughtfully updated home offers a stunning kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas range, dishwasher, subway tile
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom apartment featuring a bonus finished attic space perfect for a home office, playroom, guest area, or additional living space. This bright and inviting home offers a modern feel with stainless steel appliances, stylish finishes, and plenty of natural light throughout. Close to public transportation, including buses and train service to New York
Beautiful & well maintained colonial 3 Bedroom Townhouse with spacious living room, large kitchen, Spacious bedrooms. Lots of storage, attached garage nicely maintained private back yard with storage shed & close to transportation.
Charming, well-maintained Cape Cod in the heart of Carteret. This 4-BR, 2-BA home features a bright living room, formal dining area, and a kitchenequipped with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The main level highlights a versatile bonus room ideal for a home office or den. Upstairsholds 4 comfortable bedrooms and a full bath. Additional features include an attic, washer/dryer
Bonus attic room plus $500 off the first month's rent! This well maintained rental Spacious second floor apartment in Carteret offering comfortable living space, a full bath, and a versatile attic bonus room perfect for an office, playroom, or additional storage. Conveniently located near bus transportation, shopping, restaurants, parks, and major highways. Schedule your showing today!
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