Upcoming hot market zip codes

[Stephen Wiater]

Does anyone know the best website to find out where the new upcoming hot areas are to invest in real estate (in central / North Jersey)? I want to invest somewhere that has a good chance for high appreciation in the years to come. I don't want to buy in a dying area.

Thanks all

[Bob Okenwa]

Up and coming areas are not always easy to spot before they are up and coming. Usually there is some kind of gentrification or revitalization project going on in the area that turns it from one of economic weakness and population decline, to one where money is flowing in and the population is increasing. 

I am in now an expert on NJ real estate, but I figure there are many parts of towns that are very old with buildings/roads in neglect. I would look for such places that commercial construction activity has increased. Just an opinion, but you can tell a lot about a neighborhood by the commercial activity in the area. New Starbucks, Home Depots, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and higher-end restaurants tend to be indicative of a community where the median income is good and population is growing. Look for areas that offer fresh food choices and try to avoid areas that have many more liquor/corner stores than grocery stores. Might not be realistic in older cities, but I know those trends work well for cities in the western US. 

Best of luck.