Despite being the smallest of the designated United States Census Bureau regions in the U.S., the Northeast real estate market is equally as diverse as the rest of the country. Across the nine states that comprise the region, properties, landscapes and lifestyles can vary greatly in a short distance. Densely populated cities like New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C., change to small towns and spacious countryside in a matter of 50 miles or so.
Home pricing shares this discrepancy, ranging substantially depending on where you are located in the region. For example, in the West Village in Manhattan, the median price per square foot reached $2,366. Compare that to Trenton, New Jersey, which is only an hour away by train, where the average price per square foot is $144.
Check out how these $3 million properties in distinct markets across the Northeast stack up against each other.
Bernards Township, New Jersey
Price per Square Foot: $417
Although an official township of New Jersey, Bernards is considered a bedroom suburb of New York City. The 50-minute drive from Manhattan sees the landscape morph from urban to bucolic, with clear patches of rolling hillsides decorated along the small Somerset County community. Such open spaces afford roomy properties, like this 3.28-acre custom-built estate on the north edge of town. Enclosed by a mature forest, the stately stone and stucco mansion sits at the end of a winding, private drive.
Sprawling manicured lawns, perennial gardens and a charming greenhouse create the effect of old-world countryside manors. The grandness of the exterior is matched by the interior. Spanning over 7,900 square feet across three levels, the six-bedroom residence features traditional touches like elaborate millwork, columns and arched entryways as well as coffered ceilings, built-in bookshelves and a limestone, wood-burning fireplace. A towering bay of windows in the main living area looks out across the grounds. Amenity spaces are quietly integrated, like a home theater, exercise studio and massage room, offering contemporary comforts without sacrificing the home’s refinement.
The listing is held by Ashley Christus of Turpin Realtors.
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Price per Square Foot: $639
Completed this year with designs by Behrend Builders, 105 Elmwood Road offers traditional craftsmanship with modern construction. Featuring farmhouse architecture with elements of Cape Cod styling, the over-5,400-square-foot home is fronted by a porch and oversized wood door. 10-foot ceilings on the main level make for a bright, airy interior while wide-plank, oak floors provide a grounded elegance.
An open-concept design blends the living room, dining room and kitchen, all lined by wide windows. The kitchen boasts a farmhouse sink, quartz countertops and a walk-in pantry. A formal dining room, parlor and a mudroom leading out to the two-car garage complete the main level. Upstairs, four of the home’s five bedrooms can be found, including a spacious primary suite. At the opposite end of the residence, a finished basement fits a great room, gym and an additional bedroom. Located in the heart of Wellesley, the half-acre property is 30 minutes away from downtown Boston.
The listing is held by Catherine Bassick of Bassick.
Washington, D.C.
Price per Square Foot: $1,304
Tucked away inside one of D.C.’s most eclectic neighborhoods, this fully renovated Georgetown residence encompasses one of the area’s largest private gardens and was featured in the 2023 Georgetown Garden Tour. Multiple seating areas are nestled within the manicured garden for a secluded retreat in the heart of a major metropolis. A white brick facade allows for black accents seen in the shutters, trim and front door. Built in 1900, the residence received a top-to-bottom remodel by Akseizer Residential in 2021.
Renovations included the introduction of high-end materials, such as natural rift and quarter-sawn white oak floors, handpicked stone selections and a Shaw English fireclay farm kitchen sink. Handcrafted millwork tastefully lines the walls and ceilings for an adorned interior that remains clean and sophisticated. Weathered-wood trim runs along the edges of wide entryways. 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, the West End and the Georgetown Waterfront Park put 1512 34th Street NW in one of the most desirable locations in the city.
The listing is held by Linda Lizzio of Long & Foster Real Estate.
Manhattan, New York
Price per Square Foot: $1,475
At 2,000 square feet, this luxury residence housed in Plaza 400 is almost two-and-a-half times the size of the average New York City apartment. Such a spacious footprint affords amenity spaces not often found in Big Apple housing, including an art gallery-style foyer, office and private terrace.
Massive windows frame far-reaching views of the iconic city skyline and the East River, seen from almost every room in the home. The main living room flows into an open dining room, replete with sleek designer cabinetry, and space for two wine fridges. Abutting the dining room, a windowed kitchen boasts marble countertops, imported tile and stainless-steel appliances. Three bedrooms complete the floor plan, including a sizable primary suite with three closets, two of which are walk-in.
As a Plaza 400 property owner, residents have access to a wealth of amenities. Highlights include a heated rooftop pool and deck, fitness center and children's playroom. Located at the intersection of 56th Street and 1st Avenue in Sutton Place, Plaza 400 is just two blocks away from the newly extended East River Esplanade.
The listing is held by Sonal Patel of Elegran.