Monmouth County, NJ

Living in Red Bank, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

America's Best Small Downtown. Count Basie Center. NJ Transit.

Last updated: September 2026

$550,000
Median Home Price
65 min
To Penn Station
12,206
Population
1908
Founded
6.4%
YoY Appreciation

Why Red Bank, NJ?

Red Bank has been named one of America's best small downtowns — Broad Street is packed with independent restaurants, shops, and the Count Basie Center for the Arts. NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line provides NYC commuting. The Navesink River waterfront adds natural beauty. Kevin Smith's Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash is here. At $550K, Red Bank delivers genuine urban walkability in a shore-county setting.

Red Bank Real Estate Market in 2026

Red Bank homes sell in 18 days at a $550K median. Victorians, condos, and townhomes. The walkable downtown drives intense demand. Prices range from $300K condos to $1M+ river-view properties.

$550,000
Median Price
$380/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
18 days
Avg Days on Market
+6.4%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Red Bank

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

Broad Street / Downtown

$450,000 to $700,000

Walk to everything. Restaurants, shops, Count Basie Center. The heart of Red Bank.

Best for: Walkability seekers, culture lovers

West Side / The Hub

$400,000 to $575,000

More affordable section with growing arts scene. Diverse community.

Best for: Artists, value seekers

Navesink River Area

$600,000 to $1,200,000

River views and waterfront access. Premium properties.

Best for: Waterfront seekers, luxury buyers

Commuting from Red Bank to NYC

65
Minutes to Penn Station
Red Bank Station
North Jersey Coast Line
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 Red Bank

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

82
Walk Score
Very Walkable
65 min
NYC Commute
Red Bank Station
2.34%
Property Tax Rate
$9,567/year avg
22.4%
Hispanic/Latino
18.6% foreign-born

Red Bank Schools and Ratings

Red Bank Public Schools includes Red Bank Regional HS (shared with surrounding communities). Red Bank Catholic is a private option.

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

River Plaza Elementary School

RED BANK, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-5
B
11.4:1 ratio 262 students Score: 80/100

Fairview Elementary School

RED BANK, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
C
12.5:1 ratio 300 students Score: 76/100

Red Bank Charter School

RED BANK, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-8
F
8.1:1 ratio 187 students Score: 53/100

Red Bank Middle School

RED BANK, NJ · Middle · Grades 4-8
F
9.4:1 ratio 599 students Score: 51/100
View all Red Bank schools with full ratings →

Red Bank vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Red Bank $550,000 2.34% $9,567 65 min
Fair Haven $1,050,000 1.89% $16,234 68 min
Long Branch $520,000 2.34% $8,234 70 min

Where to Eat in Red Bank

Broad Street

Over 50 restaurants on walkable streets. Nicholas (fine dining), Pazzo (Italian), Danny's Steakhouse, Sickles Market, Triumph Brewing, and Teak (Asian fusion). One of the finest dining corridors outside NYC metro.

Parks and Recreation in Red Bank

Marine Park

Navesink River waterfront park with boat launch, playground, and summer concerts.

Count Basie Fields

Community recreation area.

New Development and Growth in Red Bank

The Rail at Red Bank

Mixed-use development near the station adding residential and retail.

West Side Arts District

Growing creative hub with galleries and studios.

History of Red Bank, NJ

Incorporated in 1908. Named for the red soil along the Navesink River banks.

Count Basie, the legendary jazz bandleader, was born in Red Bank in 1904. The Count Basie Center for the Arts honors his legacy.

Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats) operates Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash comic shop on Broad Street.

Red Bank has been ranked among America's best small downtowns by multiple national publications.

Safety in Red Bank

Red Bank is a safe community. The active downtown provides natural surveillance and police presence.

Notable Residents

Count Basie (1904-1984), jazz pianist and bandleader (Count Basie Theatre named after him) Kevin Smith, filmmaker (Clerks, Mallrats) — Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash comic store is in Red Bank Sebastian Bach, former lead singer of Skid Row Brian Fallon, frontman of The Gaslight Anthem Timothy Thomas Fortune (1856-1928), civil rights leader and journalist who founded The New York Age Frances Blaisdell (1912-2009), first female soloist with the New York Philharmonic Blair Kamin, Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic

Annual Events and Festivals

Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival Holiday Street Fair First Friday Art Walks

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Bank, NJ

What is the median home price in Red Bank, NJ?

The median home price is $550,000 as of 2026, with 6.4% year-over-year appreciation. Average $380/sqft, selling in 18 days.

How long is the commute from Red Bank to NYC?

65 minutes via NJ Transit from Red Bank Station on the North Jersey Coast Line. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Red Bank, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.34%. Average homeowner pays $9,567/year. At the median price of $550,000, expect about $12,870/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Red Bank?

Broad Street / Downtown ($450,000 to $700,000). West Side / The Hub ($400,000 to $575,000). Navesink River Area ($600,000 to $1,200,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is Red Bank safe?

Red Bank is a safe community. The active downtown provides natural surveillance and police presence.

How walkable is Red Bank, NJ?

Walk Score of 82, rated "Very Walkable." Median income $72,000, median age 37.8. 52% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Red Bank?

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Explore Nearby Communities

Fair Haven $1,050,000 68 min Long Branch $520,000 70 min