Despite being the smallest of the United States Census Bureau's designated areas in the US, the Northeast real estate market is just as diverse as the rest of the country. In the nine states that make up the region, properties, landscapes and lifestyles can vary greatly within a short distance. Populous cities like New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., turn into small towns and open countryside within 50 miles or so.
Home pricing shares this variance, which fluctuates substantially depending on where you are in the area. For example, in the West Village in Manhattan, the average price per square foot reached 2,366 dollars. Compare that to Trenton, New Jersey, which is only an hour away by train, where the average price per square foot it is $144.
See how these $3 million properties in different markets across the Northeast stack up against each other.
Bernards Township, New Jersey
Price per square foot: $417
Although an official borough of New Jersey, Bernards is considered a bedroom suburb of New York. A 50-minute drive from Manhattan, the landscape transforms from urban to bucolic, with distinct patches of rolling hillsides dotted along the small Somerset County community. Such open spaces offer spacious properties like this one Special estate of 3.28 acres at the northern end of the city. Surrounded by mature woodland, the imposing stone and plaster mansion sits at the end of a winding, private drive.
Extensive manicured lawns, perennial gardens and a charming conservatory create the effect of old world country manors. The magnificence of the exterior is combined with the interior. Spanning over 7,900 square feet over three levels, the six-bedroom residence features traditional touches such as ornate millwork, columns and arched entryways, as well as coffered ceilings, built-in bookcases and a limestone, wood-burning fireplace. A towering bay window in the main lounge overlooks the garden. Amenity spaces are quietly integrated, such as a home theater, fitness studio and massage room, offering modern conveniences without sacrificing the home's refinement.
The listing is maintained by Ashley Christus of Turpin Realtors.
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Price per square foot: $639
Completed this year to designs by Behrend Builders, 105 Elmwood Road offers traditional craftsmanship with modern construction. Featuring farmhouse architecture with Cape Cod-style elements, the more than 5,400-square-foot home has a porch and a large wooden front door. 10-foot ceilings on the main level create a bright, airy interior, while wide-plank oak floors offer a grounded elegance.
An open design combines the living room, dining room and kitchen, all lined with wide windows. The kitchen has a farmhouse sink, quartz counters and a walk-in closet. A formal dining room, den and eat-in area leading to the two-car garage complete the main level. Upstairs, four of the home's five bedrooms are located, including a spacious master suite. At the opposite end of the residence, a finished basement holds a great room, gym and an additional bedroom. In the heart of Wellesley, the half-acre property is 30 minutes from downtown Boston.
The listing is maintained by Katherine Bassik of Bassick.
Washington
Price per square foot: $1,304
Tucked away in one of DC's most eclectic neighborhoods, this fully renovated Georgetown residence includes one of the area's largest private gardens and was featured on the 2023 Georgetown Garden Tour. Multiple living areas are located within the manicured garden for a secluded retreat in heart of a great metropolis. A white brick facade allows for black accents seen in the shutters, trim and front door. Built in 1900, the residence was renovated from top to bottom by Akseizer Residential in 2021.
The renovations included the introduction of high-quality materials such as natural rift and quarter-sawn white oak floors, selected stones and a Shaw English fireclay country kitchen sink. Handcrafted millstones tastefully line the walls and ceilings for a decorated interior that remains clean and sophisticated. Weathered wood paneling runs along the edges of the wide entrances. The historic home covers 2,268 square feet with three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. Proximity to Volta Park and easy access to Dupont Circle, West End and Georgetown Waterfront Park. 1512 34th Street NW in one of the city's most desirable locations.
The listing is maintained by Linda Lizio of Long & Foster Real Estate.
Manhattan, New York
Price per square foot: $1,475
At 2,000 square feet, that luxury residence housed in Plaza 400 it's almost two and a half times the size of an average New York City apartment. Such a spacious footprint offers amenity spaces not often found in Big Apple homes, including an art gallery-style foyer, an office and a private terrace.
Huge windows frame sweeping views of the city's iconic skyline and East River, visible from nearly every room in the home. The main living room flows into an open dining room, complete with sleek designer cabinetry and space for two wine refrigerators. Adjacent to the dining room, a windowed kitchen features marble counters, imported tile, and stainless steel appliances. Three bedrooms complete the floor plan, including a large master suite with three closets, two of which are walk-in closets.
As a Plaza 400 property owner, residents have access to many amenities. Highlights include a heated pool and rooftop deck, gym and children's game room. Plaza 400 is located at the intersection of 56th Street and 1st Avenue in Sutton Place, just two blocks from the newly expanded East River Esplanade.
The listing is maintained by Sonal Patel of They checked.
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