Netflix’s Big Move to Monmouth County
In case you haven’t already heard, Netflix is coming to Eatontown, bringing a massive new production campus to Monmouth County, NJ. The company is transforming the historic Fort Monmouth site into one of the East Coast’s largest film and television studios — a project that’s expected to completely change the landscape for local jobs, housing, and entertainment.
I’m Melissa DeSantis, a Monmouth County real estate broker, and in my latest video I take you on a quick tour of the site and explain what this project could mean for our community and local real estate market.
A Look Back: The History of Fort Monmouth
Fort Monmouth’s story began in 1917, when the U.S. Army opened Camp Little Silver to train signal troops during World War I. It was later renamed Camp Alfred Vail, and by the 1920s it became known as Fort Monmouth, honoring those who fought in the Battle of Monmouth.
For nearly a century, the base served as a hub for communications and electronics innovation — from early radar to groundbreaking radio research — until it officially closed in 2011 under a federal realignment plan. That closure left hundreds of acres of opportunity in the heart of Monmouth County.
Netflix’s $900 Million Plan
In December 2022, Netflix purchased a 282-acre parcel at Fort Monmouth for roughly $55 million. Their vision: a state-of-the-art, one-million-square-foot production campus featuring 12 soundstages, backlots, offices, and support buildings.
New Jersey’s Aspire Program has already approved up to $387 million in tax credits, bringing the project’s total estimated investment close to $900 million–$1 billion.
Groundbreaking took place in May 2025, with demolition of old buildings expected to last about 13 months and the full campus targeted for completion by 2028.
Where the Impact Will Be Felt
Fort Monmouth spans Oceanport, Eatontown, and Tinton Falls, all with easy access to the Garden State Parkway and NJ Transit. But the ripple effect will stretch across nearby communities such as Red Bank, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Colts Neck, Holmdel, and Middletown.
Thousands of construction jobs and 1,400–1,500 permanent production positions are expected, not to mention the new restaurants, hotels, creative offices, and service businesses that will follow.
What It Means for Real Estate
From my perspective as a local agent, here’s what to watch:
- Housing Demand: Expect stronger demand for homes near Fort Monmouth — especially move-in-ready or short-term rentals for production crews and executives.
- Luxury & Lifestyle Appeal: Creative professionals relocating here will be drawn to Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Colts Neck, Holmdel, and Middletown for privacy, top schools, and space.
- Commercial Growth: More hotels, boutique inns, and coworking spaces will likely appear to support production and post-production teams.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: While construction may cause short-term congestion, long-term improvements like enhanced roads and public transit are expected.
All of this adds up to a major economic and real estate boost for Monmouth County.
The Current Timeline
Netflix has officially broken ground, and demolition of the old fort structures is already underway. Local officials in Oceanport and Eatontown continue to review development phases to ensure everything moves forward responsibly. If all goes as planned, the new studio will open its doors in 2028.
How Homeowners and Buyers Can Prepare
If you’re a buyer or investor, focus on properties with walkability, good light, flexible layouts, and proximity to transit.
If you’re a homeowner planning to sell, small updates and professional staging can make a big difference. Homes near Fort Monmouth that show well will see increased competition.
This project isn’t just about movies — it’s about community growth, opportunity, and a stronger local economy.
Stay Updated
I’ll continue covering every milestone as Netflix’s Fort Monmouth studio comes to life from construction updates to housing trends and neighborhood spotlights.
And if you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing anywhere in Monmouth County, feel free to reach out.
Leave a Reply