Moving to New Jersey
Updated 2026-10-21. General information, not legal or tax advice.
How buying works in New Jersey
- Many contracts prepared by a real estate licensee have a three business day attorney review period. Either side's attorney can change or cancel the contract in that window.
- Most buyers and sellers in North Jersey use a real estate attorney for the closing.
- Sellers usually pay the realty transfer fee. Higher priced sales can have extra state fees. Ask your attorney for the current rules and amounts.
Property taxes
- Property taxes are set town by town and can be very different from one town to the next.
- Check the current tax bill for any home you consider. Your agent can pull it, and the town tax assessor has it on record.
Renting in New Jersey
- New Jersey limits security deposits and has rules on how landlords hold and return them. Read the state's Truth in Renting guide.
- Ask in writing about any broker or application fee before you apply.
Getting around
- NJ Transit runs trains and buses into New York City from many towns. PATH and ferries serve Hudson County.
- Test your commute at rush hour before you choose a town.
Schools
- Each town or regional district runs its own schools. Use the official district website for enrollment and boundaries.