Top 11 Airbnb Markets in New Jersey

New Jersey offers investors a strategic blend of urban gateways, historic small towns, and outdoor escapes—each benefiting from proximity to densely populated metro areas. From commuter-friendly suburbs along the Northeast Corridor to mountain and lake retreats in the Skylands region, the Garden State packs a surprising range of high-performing short-term rental (STR) opportunities into its modest footprint.

What Is AirDNA’s Market Score?

Market Score is a proprietary metric that ranks how attractive a location is for STR investment. Each score is calculated based on the following five metrics:

• Investability
• Rental Demand
• Revenue Growth
• Seasonality
• Regulation

Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger overall market health. In addition to an overall Market Score, each of the five metrics gets its own score on the same scale within the AirDNA app—ideal for investors who want to drill into specific strengths and weaknesses.

Understanding Markets vs. Submarkets

This list includes both markets and submarkets, defined as:

• Markets refer to well-defined, often larger geographic areas such as cities or metro regions.
• Submarkets are smaller, more granular locations—think towns, neighborhoods, or lake communities—nested within those broader markets.

Evaluating both layers helps investors uncover hidden gems that might be overshadowed by state-level or metro-level averages.

Airbnb Market Overview in New Jersey

New Jersey’s STR landscape continues to diversify. Urban hubs like Jersey City and Newark soak up overflow demand from neighboring New York City, while university towns and corporate centers generate dependable year-round bookings. Meanwhile, high-ADR lake and mountain retreats in the northwest and family-friendly suburbs along the Monmouth and Middlesex corridors offer attractive cash-flow plays. Overall, the state’s robust travel infrastructure, strong median income, and access to major business centers give hosts multiple pathways to profit—even amid evolving local regulations.

Top 12 Airbnb Markets in New Jersey (Ranked by Market Score)

11. Edison / New Brunswick

Market Score: 17.29

Average Annual Revenue: $18,741

Anchored by Rutgers University and a growing life-science corridor, the Edison–New Brunswick area draws a steady mix of visiting academics, medical travelers, and business guests. Its modest Market Score reflects regulation and seasonality concerns, but affordable entry prices and solid weekday demand provide an underrated foothold for value-minded investors.

10. Freehold

Market Score: 22.50

Average Annual Revenue: $22,510

Freehold pairs suburban charm with access to the Jersey Shore and commuter routes to New York City. Leisure demand peaks during summer concert series and equestrian events, creating seasonal upside for investors who can navigate moderate occupancy swings.

9. Trenton

Market Score: 36.11

Average Annual Revenue: $28,383

New Jersey’s capital attracts steady government, legal, and corporate travel. While tourism is limited, reliable weekday bookings and budget-friendly housing stock can translate to healthy cash-on-cash returns for hosts focusing on mid-term stays.

8. Lake Hopatcong

Market Score: 52.50

Average Annual Revenue: $45,125

As New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Hopatcong is a summer playground for boating, fishing, and lakeside dining—yielding strong ADRs during peak months. Off-season demand is thinner, but well-amenitized properties can offset dips with weekend getaways and holiday bookings.

7. Hewitt

Market Score: 56.39

Average Annual Revenue: $62,792

Bordering New York’s Sterling Forest, Hewitt offers rustic cabins and lake houses just an hour from Manhattan. Limited inventory keeps competition low, allowing premium nightly rates for properties that showcase waterfront views and outdoor amenities.

6. Blairstown

Market Score: 56.47

Average Annual Revenue: $65,329

Nestled in the Kittatinny Valley near the Delaware Water Gap, Blairstown is ideal for hikers, skiers, and film buffs (think “Friday the 13th”). Its high revenue potential stems from large home sizes and strong weekend demand from NYC and Philadelphia residents seeking countryside escapes.

5. East Brunswick

Market Score: 68.16

Average Annual Revenue: $18,424

Situated along the NJ Turnpike and Route 18, East Brunswick benefits from commuter traffic to both New York City and the Jersey Shore. Consistent corporate and family travel underpins occupancy, though ADRs remain modest compared to waterfront alternatives.

4. Vernon

Market Score: 69.86

Average Annual Revenue: $38,454

Home to Mountain Creek ski resort and Appalachian Trail access, Vernon thrives on four-season recreation—skiing in winter, waterpark fun in summer, and foliage tourism each fall. Cabins and condos with hot tubs and ski-in/ski-out access command premium rates.

3. Princeton

Market Score: 79.25

Average Annual Revenue: $42,237

Beyond its Ivy League prestige, Princeton hosts biotech conferences, cultural festivals, and collegiate events that sustain year-round demand. High property values raise barriers to entry, but elegant homes near campus consistently achieve standout ADRs.

2. Jersey City / Newark

Market Score: 85.04

Average Annual Revenue: $30,683

As New York City’s gateway airports and PATH-train hubs, Jersey City and Newark capture overflow tourism and business travel at more affordable nightly rates than Manhattan. Strict regulations exist, but compliant listings enjoy strong occupancy and rapid booking lead times.

1. Livingston

Market Score: 85.26

Average Annual Revenue: $25,861

Livingston tops the list thanks to an attractive blend of low STR saturation, high household incomes, and proximity to major employment centers in Essex County and Manhattan. Family-sized homes excel here, serving medical travelers to nearby hospitals and extended-stay corporate guests.

Should You Invest in New Jersey?

For investors eyeing the Mid-Atlantic, New Jersey presents a compelling mix of urban, suburban, and nature-oriented STR plays. Urban gateways like Jersey City/Newark provide high occupancy and liquidity—assuming hosts stay current on evolving local regulations. University and corporate hubs such as Princeton, Edison, and Trenton offer balanced weekday demand, while lake and mountain retreats like Vernon, Blairstown, and Lake Hopatcong deliver strong seasonal ADRs with limited competition.

Combine these demand drivers with solid statewide infrastructure—major airports, extensive rail networks, and highway connectivity—and New Jersey stands out as a versatile, resilient STR market. Whether you prioritize consistent cash flow, capital appreciation, or lifestyle perks, the Garden State likely has a submarket that fits your investment thesis.