Ocean County, NJ

Living in Jackson, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Six Flags. NJ's Largest by Area. Rural-Suburban Mix.

Last updated: September 2026

$470,000
Median Home Price
75 min
To Penn Station
58,516
Population
1844
Founded
6.8%
YoY Appreciation

Why Jackson, NJ?

Jackson is home to Six Flags Great Adventure (510 acres of rides, safari, and seasonal events — NJ's largest theme park) and is the third largest municipality in New Jersey by area. Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, E Street Band original drummer Vini Lopez, and Stanley Cup champion Anthony Stolarz all come from Jackson. The Lighthouse Restaurant serves filet mignon and fresh seafood. Solo Bella offers Southern Italian with fresh-baked bread. The Edge features New American with Latin and Asian influences. Jackson Premium Outlets (Brooks Brothers, J. Crew) provides outlet shopping. Mix of suburban developments, horse properties, and Pine Barrens rural land. At $470K with 6.8% appreciation, space and family value in central Ocean County.

Jackson Real Estate Market in 2026

Jackson homes sell in 18 days at a $470K median. Large lots, horse properties, and suburban developments.

$470,000
Median Price
$250/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
18 days
Avg Days on Market
+6.8%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Jackson

3 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range

Six Flags / Central

$425,000 to $600,000

Near Six Flags Great Adventure and Jackson Premium Outlets. Suburban developments with family-oriented character. The Lighthouse Restaurant and Solo Bella Italian nearby.

Best for: Families, entertainment, shopping

West Jackson / Horse Country

$475,000 to $800,000

Larger lots with rural character and horse properties. Pine Barrens fringe. Working farms and estate-style homes.

Best for: Equestrians, space seekers, rural living

East Jackson / Lakewood Border

$400,000 to $550,000

Eastern section near the Lakewood border with newer developments and growing communities.

Best for: Value seekers, growing families

Commuting from Jackson to NYC

75
Minutes to Penn Station
Drive to Freehold/Point Pleasant
Transfer required
Peak frequency: 3 to 4 trains per hour
Also nearby
Newark Liberty Airport: 10 min drive
NJ Turnpike, I-78, Routes 1 and 9
7 NJ Transit bus routes

Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.

Walkability and Livability in Jackson

How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Jackson?

8
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
75 min
NYC Commute
2.23%
Property Tax Rate
$7,234/year avg
10.4%
Hispanic/Latino
10.2% foreign-born

Jackson Schools and Ratings

Jackson Memorial HS and Jackson Liberty HS serve the community.

Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025

Ocean County Vocational Technical School Jackson Center

JACKSON, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
A
0.1:1 ratio 1 students Score: 100/100

Manchester Regional Day School

JACKSON, NJ · Other · Grades PK-12
B
4.9:1 ratio 64 students Score: 83/100

Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary School

Jackson, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
D
9.7:1 ratio 251 students Score: 69/100

Carl W. Goetz Middle School

Jackson, NJ · Middle · Grades 6-8
D
12.8:1 ratio 1011 students Score: 61/100

Elms Elementary School

Jackson, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
F
13.4:1 ratio 721 students Score: 56/100

Christa McAuliffe Middle School

Jackson, NJ · Middle · Grades 6-8
F
10.2:1 ratio 662 students Score: 55/100

Jackson Memorial High School

Jackson, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
F
14.2:1 ratio 1496 students Score: 53/100

Howard C. Johnson Elementary School

Jackson, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
F
10.9:1 ratio 383 students Score: 50/100
View all Jackson schools with full ratings →

Jackson vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Jackson $470,000 2.23% $7,234 75 min
Howell $550,000 2.23% $9,456 65 min
Toms River $450,000 2.12% $6,234 85 min

Where to Eat in Jackson

Fine Dining

The Lighthouse Restaurant features filet mignon, lamb chops, and fresh seafood — clams, mussels, scallops, and flounder. Solo Bella serves Southern Italian in a warm family atmosphere with fresh-baked bread and simmering sauces.

Casual and Creative

The Edge is a family-owned New American restaurant with Latin and Asian influences. Route 537 and Route 571 corridors add casual chains and local spots.

Parks and Recreation in Jackson

Six Flags Great Adventure

NJ's largest theme park with safari, roller coasters, and seasonal events.

Prospertown Lake

County park with nature.

New Development and Growth in Jackson

History of Jackson, NJ

Founded in 1844. Named after President Andrew Jackson.

Six Flags Great Adventure opened in 1974 and has grown into one of the largest theme parks on the East Coast.

Safety in Jackson

Jackson is a safe community.

Notable Residents

Zakk Wylde (born 1967) — guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and founder of Black Label Society, one of heavy metal's most iconic guitar players Anthony Stolarz (born 1994) — NHL goaltender who won the 2024 Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers and now plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs Vini Lopez (born 1949) — original drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band Steve Niles (born 1965) — comic book writer who created 30 Days of Night Deena Nicole Cortese (born 1987) — reality television personality from MTV's Jersey Shore Matt Thaiss (born 1995) — MLB first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels

Annual Events and Festivals

Jackson Day (annual community celebration) Six Flags seasonal events

Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson, NJ

What is the median home price in Jackson, NJ?

The median home price is $470,000 as of 2026, with 6.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $250/sqft, selling in 18 days.

How long is the commute from Jackson to NYC?

75 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Drive to Freehold/Point Pleasant. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Jackson, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.23%. Average homeowner pays $7,234/year. At the median price of $470,000, expect about $10,481/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Jackson?

Six Flags / Central ($425,000 to $600,000). West Jackson / Horse Country ($475,000 to $800,000). East Jackson / Lakewood Border ($400,000 to $550,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is Jackson safe?

Jackson is a safe community.

How walkable is Jackson, NJ?

Walk Score of 8, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $95,000, median age 40.8. 8% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Jackson?

Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Jackson inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.

Explore Nearby Communities

Howell $550,000 65 min Toms River $450,000 85 min