New Jersey’s Big Screen Boom: Netflix, Major Movie Studios & the Rise of the Hollywood of the East
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New Jersey is officially stepping into the spotlight. With Netflix’s massive East Coast studio campus, Paramount-anchored 1888 Studios in Bayonne, and additional film studio development underway in Newark, the Garden State is rapidly transforming into what many are now calling the Hollywood of the East.
This entertainment industry expansion is not only reshaping New Jersey’s cultural identity—it’s having a powerful and lasting impact on real estate, particularly along the New Jersey Shore, where demand for housing, rentals, and filming locations continues to surge.
Netflix, Paramount & Studio Expansion: A New Era for New Jersey
The momentum began with Netflix’s announcement and groundbreaking of its nearly $1 billion production hub at Fort Monmouth in Monmouth County, setting the tone for long-term investment and job growth. That momentum has only accelerated with:
1888 Studios in Bayonne, one of the largest production campuses in the Northeast, backed by a long-term Paramount agreement
New film studios planned and under construction in Newark, expanding production capacity closer to NYC
Ongoing state incentives that continue to attract major studios and streaming platforms
Together, these developments are positioning New Jersey as a premier East Coast production destination, rivaling traditional hubs while offering unique coastal, suburban, and urban filming environments.
What This Means for New Jersey Real Estate
As production companies move in, so does opportunity. The entertainment industry creates consistent housing demand for:
Cast and crew members
Production executives
Location scouts
Support staff and creatives
This has direct implications for:
Residential home values
Short-term and seasonal rentals
Investment properties
Luxury and waterfront real estate
Vacant and flexible-use properties
Nowhere is this more evident than along the New Jersey Shore, where proximity to studios, diverse filming backdrops, and seasonal housing inventory make the region especially attractive.
James Ward: A Trusted Realtor at the Intersection of Real Estate & Entertainment
As New Jersey’s film and television industry expands, James Ward of Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living has emerged as a realtor of choice for buyers, sellers, investors—and entertainment professionals seeking specialized real estate solutions.
With deep expertise in New Jersey Shore real estate, James Ward offers a unique advantage: real-world experience working directly with the entertainment industry.
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Proven Experience with Film & TV Projects
James Ward has successfully worked with:
Entertainment industry buyers and renters
Production companies seeking short-term and seasonal housing
Location scouts searching for filming-friendly properties
Investors leveraging film demand for rental income
He represents hundreds of properties along the Jersey Shore that remain vacant 9–10 months of the year, making them ideal candidates for film locations, crew housing, and production staging. This niche expertise positions him as a critical resource as studios expand their footprint across New Jersey.
Why the New Jersey Shore Is a Prime Fit for Film & TV
The Jersey Shore offers something few markets can:
Coastal homes
Luxury waterfront properties
Quiet residential neighborhoods
Classic Americana downtowns
Seasonal flexibility with vacant inventory
These features make shore towns especially appealing for:
Filming locations
Temporary housing for cast and crew
High-end short-term rentals
Long-term investment opportunities tied to production growth
James Ward’s in-depth market knowledge allows him to match entertainment industry needs with the right properties, while also guiding traditional buyers and sellers through a market benefiting from increased exposure and economic momentum.
Real Estate Benefits Fueled by the Entertainment Boom
As New Jersey becomes the Hollywood of the East, buyers and investors are already seeing:
Increased interest in shore communities and commuter-friendly towns
Rising rental demand tied to production schedules
New opportunities for homeowners to monetize vacant properties
Stronger long-term appreciation driven by job creation and infrastructure growth
James Ward helps clients navigate these changes strategically—whether that means purchasing a second home, listing a property attractive to production companies, or investing in rental real estate positioned to benefit from industry expansion.
New Jersey’s Spotlight Is Just Getting Brighter
With Netflix, Paramount, and major studios committed to New Jersey’s future, the state is no longer just a filming alternative—it’s becoming a production destination. As this transformation continues, real estate and entertainment are becoming increasingly interconnected.
For buyers, sellers, investors, and industry professionals alike, working with a realtor who understands both the local market and the entertainment landscape is more important than ever.
James Ward of Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living stands at that intersection—helping clients capitalize on New Jersey’s rise as the Hollywood of the East, one property at a time.
If you’re curious how New Jersey’s film industry growth could impact your real estate plans—especially along the Jersey Shore—now is the time to explore the opportunities ahead.






