How Rising Home Prices Are Changing South Jersey Shore Real Estate in Atlantic City and Atlantic County

Written by:

Steve Marcinuk

Date:

13 Apr 2026

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Rising home prices along the South Jersey Shore are pushing buyers into new areas, creating fresh opportunities for both homeowners and investors. Eric Millstein, a real estate associate with Soleil Sotheby’s International Realty, has seen firsthand how these shifts in pricing and buyer behavior are opening new markets across Atlantic County’s coastal communities. “Opportunities for affordable summer homes, year-round residences, and investment properties have expanded in Atlantic City in ways that were not available five years ago,” Millstein says.

Price Migration Trends

As affordability declines in high-demand towns like Longport and Margate, buyers are moving to more accessible communities. Ventnor has become a popular alternative, offering a mix of summer and year-round residents, upgraded commercial districts, and infrastructure investments. Now, this trend is extending to Atlantic City, where land is more affordable and new construction is increasingly viable. Millstein notes, “We’re seeing buyers move outward as prices rise, looking for communities that offer value without sacrificing location or amenities.”

Finding Value Beyond “Deals”

The search for a bargain is giving way to a focus on long-term value. Properties are measured by lifestyle fit, rental potential, or renovation opportunities rather than immediate discounts. “People say they want a deal, but what really matters is value,” Millstein explains. Historical appreciation supports this approach: homes purchased in these neighborhoods five years ago have largely increased in value, demonstrating the market’s resilience and long-term growth potential. “You might feel like you’re overpaying now, but in a few years, you’ll have made money,” he adds.

Development Fuels Growth

New construction and infrastructure improvements are driving interest in these communities. Atlantic City is experiencing a surge in duplexes, mixed-use developments, and waterfront homes priced competitively for the East Coast market. “We’re seeing duplexes purchased by young families who live in one unit and rent out the other,” Millstein says. High-end luxury townhomes are also entering the market, with options just a block and a half from the beach available in the mid-$800,000s — bringing upscale coastal living to a price point that remains competitive with comparable properties up and down the Shore. Neighborhood investments, such as upgraded public spaces and new restaurants, are attracting families, remote workers, and investors alike, creating a cycle of demand and further appreciation. One bayfront project in Chelsea, he notes, “offers three-bedroom homes with deep-water docks in the low $600,000s — hard to match anywhere else on the East Coast.”

Why Investors Are Paying Attention

South Jersey Shore properties remain relatively affordable compared to other coastal markets. Buyers who might be priced out of prime Jersey Shore towns are finding value in Atlantic City and neighboring communities. Investors are capitalizing on duplexes, condos, and single-family homes with rental potential, drawn to steady appreciation and lower entry points. Millstein points out, “People are pulling money out of stocks and choosing real estate, because homes and land here have appreciated steadily over time, with no real history of depreciation.”

Looking Ahead

Rising prices, buyer migration, and targeted development are transforming the South Jersey Shore’s housing landscape. Atlantic City and surrounding towns are evolving beyond their casino-centered reputation, attracting a diverse mix of residents and investors who recognize long-term value. Neighborhoods like Chelsea, Bungalow Park, and Ducktown illustrate how affordability, infrastructure, and development create opportunities in areas previously overlooked. “All you have to do is look at the appreciation over the last 10 years to see that these neighborhoods are thriving,” Millstein says.

About the Expert: Eric Millstein is a real estate associate with Soleil Sotheby’s International Realty. He advises clients on primary homes, vacation properties, investment opportunities, and rehabilitation projects across Atlantic County’s coastal communities. He emphasizes value over short-term deals, helping clients navigate both lifestyle and investment opportunities in the South Jersey Shore market.

This article is based on information provided by the expert source cited above. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals before making any real estate or financial decisions.