Netflix Studios East Fuels Housing Boom in New Jersey

Developers have broken ground on The Premiere at Monmouth, a new housing community in Eatontown, New Jersey, situated near the future site of Netflix Studios East. This development aims to address the anticipated influx of residents and economic activity expected with the opening of the 292-acre production facility in Fort Monmouth in 2028.

Fort Monmouth Transformation

Netflix began a $1 billion project in 2025 to transform the former U.S. Army installation in Fort Monmouth into a major East Coast production center. The facility will feature 12 sound stages, totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, along with supporting production areas and community amenities. The project is projected to create numerous jobs and stimulate business opportunities in the region, often referred to as "Hollywood of the East."

Shortly after construction commenced, real estate interest in the surrounding areas saw a notable increase. In May, a five-bedroom home in Little Silver, approximately a 10-minute drive from the future studio site, sold for $2.6 million, exceeding its asking price by $500,000.

Revitalizing Howard Commons

The Premiere at Monmouth is being built on the site of Howard Commons, a former Army housing area that had been vacant for two decades. This project, a collaboration between the borough and developer Lennar Corp., involves the construction of 275 new homes, a public park, a grocery store, a convenience store, and a gas station, with a total investment of $70 million. Local reporters had previously described the site as an "apocalyptic-looking eyesore."

Dana Romano, New Jersey–New York Division President for Lennar, stated that the company recognized the potential of the site early on and that Monmouth County is currently a highly desirable place to live. Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr. noted the historical significance of the site, which once housed hundreds of military families, and expressed enthusiasm for welcoming new residents.

Interest in the new homes spans a range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to families seeking more space. VIP appointments for prospective buyers are scheduled to begin in the late fall. The development's location offers convenient access to Jersey Shore attractions like Asbury Park and Long Branch, as well as commuter routes to New York City via the Red Bank train station.

New Construction Amid Market Shifts

The Premiere at Monmouth project arrives at a time when new residential construction nationwide has faced challenges, including high mortgage rates and increased building costs. Despite a slight dip in September's housing starts and permits compared to previous periods, builders remain optimistic about future projects once market conditions stabilize. The development in Eatontown represents a significant investment in new construction, anticipating sustained demand driven by the burgeoning film industry presence in the area.