Why Carteret, NJ?
Carteret is a 25,300-resident borough in transformation — a $1 billion film production complex (Carteret Stages, 1.2 million square feet) is under construction, a ferry terminal to Lower Manhattan broke ground in December 2025, and the NASDAQ OMX primary data center operates here. Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Medwick grew up in Carteret. Former Governor Jim McGreevey is from here. Three members of The Smithereens (Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, Mike Mesaros) are Carteret natives. The borough has NJ's largest Sikh community (1,000 to 2,500 residents) and an Urban Enterprise Zone with reduced sales tax. At $380K with 8.2% appreciation, Carteret is one of central NJ's best value plays with massive development pipeline.
Carteret Real Estate Market in 2026
Carteret homes sell in 20 days at a $380K median. Older homes and new development.
Best Neighborhoods in Carteret
2 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Waterfront
$325,000 to $475,000Arthur Kill waterfront. Park access. Converting.
Residential
$350,000 to $450,000Older residential sections.
Commuting from Carteret to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Carteret
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Carteret?
Carteret Schools and Ratings
Carteret School District serves 3,926 students across six schools. Columbus School, Nathan Hale School, and Nicholas Minue School (PreK to 4) feed into Carteret Middle School (5 to 6) and Carteret Junior High (7 to 8). Carteret High School (9 to 12, 1,182 students) serves the community. Saint Joseph School offers private PreK to 8 education.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Nathan Hale Elementary School
Carteret Junior High School
Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School
Columbus Elementary School
Carteret High School
Carteret Middle School
Carteret vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carteret | $380,000 | 2.56% | $5,890 | 40 min |
| Woodbridge | $450,000 | 2.12% | $7,234 | 42 min |
| Perth Amboy | $380,000 | 2.45% | $6,234 | 45 min |
Where to Eat in Carteret
Local
Diverse dining reflecting the international community.
Parks and Recreation in Carteret
Waterfront Park
Arthur Kill waterfront recreation.
New Development and Growth in Carteret
Warehouse Conversion
Former industrial sites converting to residential and mixed use.
History of Carteret, NJ
Originally incorporated as the Borough of Roosevelt on April 11, 1906. Renamed Carteret on November 7, 1922, after Sir George Carteret and his son Philip Carteret, colonial proprietors of New Jersey.
The T.A. Gillespie Shell Loading Plant explosion of 1918 was a major industrial disaster during WWI.
The NASDAQ OMX Group operates its primary data center in Carteret, processing billions of dollars in daily transactions.
Carteret Stages, a $1 billion, 1.2 million square foot film production complex, is under development — positioning Carteret as a major East Coast film hub.
A ferry terminal to Lower Manhattan broke ground in December 2025, with anticipated opening in 2028.
Safety in Carteret
Carteret is generally safe.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions About Carteret, NJ
What is the median home price in Carteret, NJ?
The median home price is $380,000 as of 2026, with 8.2% year-over-year appreciation. Average $225/sqft, selling in 20 days.
How long is the commute from Carteret to NYC?
40 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Drive to Rahway/Woodbridge. Transfer required.
What are property taxes in Carteret, NJ?
Tax rate is 2.56%. Average homeowner pays $5,890/year. At the median price of $380,000, expect about $9,728/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Carteret?
Waterfront ($325,000 to $475,000). Residential ($350,000 to $450,000). See the full guide above for all 2 neighborhoods.
Is Carteret safe?
Carteret is generally safe.
How walkable is Carteret, NJ?
Walk Score of 42, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $62,000, median age 37.8. 32% renter-occupied.
Homes for Sale in Carteret, NJ
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