New Jersey is home to some of the most exclusive gated communities in the Bergen County area and the Jersey Shore, offering residents a mix of luxury, privacy, and stunning natural beauty. Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, the state attracts homeowners who want a lifestyle centered on convenience and sophistication.
In this guide, we rank the Top 20 Most Expensive Gated Communities in New Jersey, based on exclusivity, location, and overall prestige. From prestigious North Jersey suburbs like Alpine to resort-style retreats on the coast, these communities represent the very best in New Jersey living and continue to define the state as a premier destination for luxury real estate.
20. The Commons at Mendham
While primarily consisting of luxurious townhomes, The Commons at Mendham is a notable gated community in one of New Jersey’s most affluent townships. It offers a secure and prestigious environment with amenities that cater to a comfortable lifestyle. The presence of a gate provides a level of privacy and community that is sought after, and its location in Mendham ensures residents are surrounded by the affluence and bucolic charm the area is known for.
The homes within The Commons are designed for discerning tastes, with spacious layouts and high-end finishes. The community’s managed lifestyle, which includes exterior maintenance, allows for a focus on leisure and enjoyment of the surrounding area’s natural beauty. Its inclusion on this list reflects its status as a premier gated development in a highly desirable and expensive part of the state, even with a focus on attached residences.
19. Cedar Gate
Cedar Gate is an exclusive gated community of luxurious townhomes located in the highly sought-after suburb of Livingston. Known for its excellent schools and proximity to New York City, Livingston is a hub of affluence, and Cedar Gate stands out as one of its premier private communities. The development offers a secure and maintenance-free lifestyle, appealing to professionals and those seeking a lock-and-leave living arrangement without compromising on luxury.
The residences in Cedar Gate are characterized by their spacious and elegant designs, often featuring high-end appliances, custom finishes, and thoughtful layouts. The gated entrance ensures a level of privacy and security that is highly valued. While not a community of single-family homes, its prestige, location, and the quality of its residences place it among New Jersey’s more exclusive gated addresses.
18. The Enclave at Short Hills
As the only gated townhome community in the prestigious enclave of Short Hills, “The Enclave” holds a unique position in one of America’s wealthiest communities. Short Hills is renowned for its top-ranked schools, luxury shopping at The Mall at Short Hills, and its convenient commute to Manhattan, making any residence here highly desirable. The Enclave offers the security and exclusivity of a gated community with the convenience of a townhome lifestyle.
The homes themselves are designed with luxury in mind, featuring high ceilings, gourmet kitchens, and sophisticated finishes. Residents enjoy a sense of community and security, with the added benefit of being in a town synonymous with wealth and success. While not single-family estates, the prestige of the Short Hills address and the gated nature of the community make it a significant entry on this list.
17. East Gate
Located on the grounds of historic Fort Monmouth, East Gate is a unique and upscale community of renovated officers’ homes. While not a traditional gated community in the modern sense, it offers a distinct and exclusive living experience with a strong sense of history and community. The stately, historic homes have been meticulously updated to blend timeless architecture with modern luxury, creating a one-of-a-kind neighborhood.
The setting, with its mature trees and planned open spaces, provides a sense of seclusion and prestige. The community’s unique heritage and the quality of its homes, combined with its desirable Monmouth County location near the shore, contribute to its exclusivity. It represents a different kind of luxury living, one steeped in history and character.
16. The Estates at Bamm Hollow
A newer development of luxurious single-family homes, The Estates at Bamm Hollow in the Lincroft section of Middletown offers a prestigious and modern living experience. While not all sections may be formally gated, the community is designed to foster a sense of privacy and exclusivity. The large, custom-built homes are situated on spacious lots, often featuring the latest in luxury amenities and architectural design.
The community’s location in Monmouth County provides easy access to the Jersey Shore’s beautiful beaches and a convenient commute to New York City. The high price point of the homes and the overall upscale feel of the neighborhood place it among the more exclusive residential areas in this affluent part of the state.
15. Princeton’s Western Section
While not a formally gated community, the Western Section of Princeton is arguably one of the most exclusive and expensive neighborhoods in New Jersey. This historic area is characterized by its grand, early 20th-century homes, many of which are architectural masterpieces. The neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, large properties, and proximity to Princeton University and the town’s vibrant cultural scene.
The exclusivity of the Western Section comes from its storied history, the sheer scale and beauty of its homes, and the high cost of entry. Residents include a mix of academics, executives, and old-money families, all drawn to the neighborhood’s intellectual and sophisticated ambiance. The lack of a formal gate is superseded by the area’s established prestige and the privacy afforded by its large lots and mature landscaping.
14. Mendham Township’s Estate Area
Mendham Township, particularly its more secluded estate areas, is synonymous with wealth and bucolic luxury. While not a singular gated community, this region is dotted with numerous large, private estates, many of which are individually gated. The area is known for its rolling hills, horse farms, and a commitment to preserving its rural character, all of which contribute to its exclusivity.
Homes in this part of Mendham are often sprawling custom-builds set on multiple acres, offering the utmost in privacy and luxury. The high property values and the desire for seclusion have led many homeowners to gate their individual properties, creating a de facto collection of private enclaves. The overall atmosphere is one of understated wealth and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the Morris County landscape.
13. Harding Township’s Private Estates
Often cited as one of the wealthiest municipalities in the nation, Harding Township is a community of sprawling estates and preserved open spaces. Similar to Mendham, its exclusivity is not derived from a single gated community but from a collection of magnificent, individually gated properties. The township has strict zoning laws that ensure large lot sizes, preserving its rural and private character.
The homes in Harding Township are some of the most impressive in the state, often featuring custom architecture, extensive grounds, and luxurious amenities. The community is known for its low-key wealth and its residents’ desire for privacy and a connection to nature. The winding country roads and the heavily wooded lots create a natural barrier to the outside world, enhanced by the many private gates that guard the entrances to these grand estates.
12. Colts Neck’s Equestrian Estates
Colts Neck is renowned for its equestrian culture and its collection of expansive, multi-acre estates. While not characterized by large, formally gated communities, the township is home to numerous private, gated properties that are among the most impressive in Monmouth County. The area’s open spaces, horse farms, and large lot sizes create an atmosphere of rural elegance and exclusivity.
The homes in Colts Neck are often custom-built mansions that cater to a luxurious lifestyle, frequently with equestrian facilities. The privacy afforded by the large properties is often enhanced by individual gates, providing a secure and secluded environment for residents. The combination of a pastoral setting and opulent homes makes Colts Neck a highly desirable and exclusive place to live.
11. Gate Of Urban Farms
“Gate Of Urban Farms” is an exclusive, gated community of single-family homes in the affluent Bergen County borough of Franklin Lakes. This development offers a rare combination of a true gated community with the prestige and large properties that Franklin Lakes is known for. The homes within this enclave are substantial, often featuring custom designs, high-end finishes, and beautifully landscaped grounds.
The gated entrance provides a significant level of security and privacy, which is a major draw for high-profile residents. The community’s location in Franklin Lakes places it in one of New Jersey’s most desirable and expensive suburban towns, known for its beautiful lakes, strong schools, and proximity to New York City.
10. Saddle River Grand
Saddle River Grand is a premier gated townhome community that offers a luxurious, maintenance-free lifestyle in one of Bergen County’s most prestigious towns. While not single-family homes, its inclusion at this level is due to the sheer luxury and exclusivity of the development and its location in Saddle River, a town known for its multi-million dollar estates. The townhomes themselves are exceptionally large and well-appointed, rivaling many single-family homes in terms of space and features.
The community boasts a 24-hour gatehouse, a grand clubhouse, and a host of other amenities that provide a resort-like living experience. The prestige of the Saddle River address, combined with the security and luxury of this specific community, makes it one of the most exclusive townhome developments in the state.
9. Deal’s Oceanfront Mansions
The small coastal borough of Deal in Monmouth County is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the entire country, known for its spectacular oceanfront mansions. While not a single gated community, the main thoroughfare, Ocean Avenue, is lined with magnificent, individually gated estates that create an unparalleled sense of exclusivity. The privacy and prestige of owning a home on the beach in Deal are immense.
These homes are often sprawling, custom-built residences with private beach access, swimming pools, and every imaginable luxury. The community is known for its wealthy, and often private, residents who value the seclusion and the status that comes with a Deal address. The “gated” nature here is on a property-by-property basis, but the effect is a continuous stretch of secure, private, and incredibly valuable real estate.
8. Rumson’s Riverfront Estates
Rumson is one of New Jersey’s most affluent and desirable communities, situated on a peninsula with the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers as its borders. The most exclusive parts of Rumson are the neighborhoods along the riverfront, which feature some of the state’s most magnificent and expensive homes. While not formally gated as a whole, many of these estates are individually gated, and the winding, private roads contribute to a sense of seclusion.
These riverfront properties often boast private docks, panoramic water views, and stunning architectural designs. The community is known for its strong sense of tradition, its excellent schools, and its easy access to both the beach and New York City via a high-speed ferry. The combination of location, property values, and the private nature of its most exclusive streets makes Rumson a top-tier destination for luxury living.
7. The Rio Vista Neighborhood
While technically spanning Mahwah with a mailing address that can sometimes be associated with the prestige of neighboring Alpine, the Rio Vista development is a collection of large, upscale homes, many of which are in gated sections. This area is known for its grand, modern mansions and its affluent residents. The elevated location of many of the homes provides for stunning views, and the various gated enclaves within the larger neighborhood offer an added layer of security and exclusivity.
The homes in Rio Vista are typically large, custom-built residences on multi-acre lots. The community’s amenities, including a clubhouse and recreational facilities, add to its appeal. Its location in Bergen County, with its proximity to New York City and its reputation for wealth, makes Rio Vista one of the premier addresses in this part of the state.
6. Far Hills’ Private Compounds
Far Hills, nestled in the heart of Somerset County’s “hunt country,” is a small borough known for its vast private estates and its equestrian traditions, including the famous Far Hills Race Meeting. Exclusivity here is defined by immense land holdings and the privacy they afford. While there may be smaller gated communities, the true prestige of Far Hills lies in its sprawling, individually gated compounds that are often passed down through generations.
The homes are typically classic, grand manors set on dozens, if not hundreds, of acres of rolling countryside. The lifestyle is one of quiet, old-money elegance, with a strong emphasis on land preservation and equestrian pursuits. The sheer scale of the properties and the wealth of its residents place Far Hills in the upper echelon of New Jersey’s most exclusive communities.
5. Bay Head’s Oceanfront Row
Bay Head, a small and charming town on the Jersey Shore, is known for its historic, shingle-style “cottages” that are, in reality, magnificent oceanfront mansions. While the town itself is not gated, the most exclusive section is the stretch of homes along the ocean. Many of these properties are individually gated and represent some of the most valuable real estate on the East Coast. The sense of a private, close-knit community of affluent families is palpable.
The homes are characterized by their classic coastal architecture, their private access to the beach, and their understated yet immense value. The community is known for its yacht club, its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere, and its resistance to the commercialization seen in other shore towns. The combination of historic charm, oceanfront location, and extreme wealth makes Bay Head one of New Jersey’s most exclusive enclaves.
4. Mantoloking’s Barrier Island Estates
Mantoloking is a tiny, incredibly wealthy borough located on a narrow barrier island. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Barnegat Bay on the other, nearly every home has a water view. The most exclusive properties are the oceanfront estates, which are some of the most expensive in the state. While not a formally gated community, the town’s geography and its single access road create a natural sense of seclusion and privacy. Many of the larger homes are individually gated.
The homes in Mantoloking are a mix of classic shore colonials and modern architectural marvels, all designed to maximize the stunning water views. The community is a quiet, residential enclave with a strong focus on boating, fishing, and beach life. The extreme wealth of its residents and the limited amount of real estate available make Mantoloking one of the most exclusive and expensive places to live in New Jersey.
3. Saddle River’s Grand Estates
Saddle River is a byword for luxury and exclusivity in Bergen County. The borough is known for its sprawling, multi-acre estates, its low property taxes, and its roster of high-profile residents. While there are some gated townhome communities, the true heart of Saddle River’s exclusivity lies in its grand, single-family estates, most of which are individually gated and set far back from the winding, tree-lined roads.
These homes are often palatial, with custom designs, lavish amenities, and meticulously manicured grounds. The community is designed to offer the utmost in privacy and luxury, all within a short distance of New York City. The combination of large lot sizes, immense home values, and the prevalence of private gates makes Saddle River one of the most exclusive areas in the state.
2. Short Hills’ Most Prestigious Streets
Short Hills, an unincorporated community within the township of Millburn, is consistently ranked as one of the wealthiest places in the United States. Its exclusivity is centered around its most prestigious neighborhoods, such as Old Short Hills and the Hartshorn section. While not gated communities in the traditional sense, the homes on these streets are some of the most expensive and sought-after in New Jersey. Many are individually gated, and the neighborhoods themselves have a palpable sense of privacy and prestige.
The homes are a mix of grand, historic estates and stunning new constructions, all on beautifully landscaped properties. The community’s top-tier school system is a major draw for affluent families, as are its direct train line to Manhattan and its world-class shopping. The combination of incredible wealth, exceptional schools, and a prime location makes Short Hills one of the most exclusive places to live in the entire country.
1. Alpine’s Billionaire’s Row
Alpine, in Bergen County, is not just the most exclusive community in New Jersey; it is consistently ranked among the most expensive zip codes in the United States. While there are no large, formally gated communities of the type seen in other parts of the country, the entire borough functions as a de facto gated enclave. The homes are situated on large, multi-acre lots, and virtually every property is individually gated, often with elaborate security systems. The winding, narrow roads and dense woods further enhance the sense of privacy and seclusion.
The residences in Alpine are some of the most magnificent in the country, often exceeding 20,000 square feet and featuring every imaginable luxury. The borough is famous for its celebrity and high-net-worth residents, who are drawn to its privacy, its low property taxes, and its proximity to New York City. With no downtown, no mail delivery to homes (residents use a post office), and a distinct lack of commercial activity, Alpine is designed for one purpose: to provide a secure and private haven for some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. This makes it, without a doubt, the most exclusive community in New Jersey.
New Jersey’s exclusive, gated communities highlight the state’s reputation as a hub for luxury living, particularly in the Bergen County area and the Jersey Shore. Each neighborhood offers its own distinct advantages, whether it be breathtaking ocean views, private lake access (such as at Lake Hopatcong or Lake Mohawk), championship golf (often in the tradition of the region’s historic courses like Baltusrol or Pine Valley), or a strong sense of private, estate-style living. Collectively, they form a landscape where privacy, security, and sophistication are a way of life.
For those considering a move to New Jersey, these communities represent not only desirable places to live but also lasting investments in one of the region’s most sought-after markets. Whether nestled among the suburban estates of North Jersey or situated in an exclusive oceanfront community on the coast, these neighborhoods showcase the very best of what New Jersey has to offer.