Demarest is a quiet and lush suburban town. Located about 30 minutes north of Manhattan, on the western highlands of the Hudson River, it is far from the noise of the city and filled with the tranquility of nature. However, it is not just a quiet town; it is one of the top areas in New Jersey in terms of stable school districts, solid residential infrastructure, and real estate value. Although small in size, it has a high level of completeness as a residential area, especially with many long-term residents and families.

Looking at the housing structure in Demarest, most of the homes are in the form of Detached Single-Family Homes. There is a very small commercial district in the town center, but the rest is entirely residential. The residential areas of the town are generally divided into three zoning categories: R-1, R-2, and R-3, where R-1 is the high-end single-family home area with the largest lot sizes, R-2 is for medium-sized homes, and R-3 is for areas with relatively small lots. Most homes have lots ranging from 0.5 to 1 acre (about 2000 to 4000㎡), with lawns, garages, and tree-lined driveways as standard. This structure makes the entire town feel spacious and relaxed, with homes not closely packed together, ensuring good privacy.

In terms of urban planning, Demarest does not have multi-family apartments or high-rise condo buildings. The height of buildings is mostly limited to two stories or less, and the building permit process is quite strict. This is a policy aimed at maintaining the town's quiet and orderly residential environment, which allows it to be relatively free from urban development pressures. Instead, there has been a steady increase in the remodeling of older homes or new constructions, resulting in many houses that combine classic exteriors with modern interiors. Recently, there has also been an increase in high-efficiency new homes equipped with eco-friendly energy systems.

Real estate prices are relatively high even within Bergen County. According to Zillow, as of 2025, the average home value in Demarest is around $1.3 million to $1.5 million, and newly built large homes can sell for over $2 million. The median price for a 4-bedroom home is about $1.2 million, while renovated 3-bedroom homes are priced around $900,000 to $1.1 million. The overall real estate prices in the town have shown a steady upward trend over the past five years, and especially since 2021, there has been active trading due to increased preference for suburban living after COVID-19. The reasons supporting the steady demand for real estate include large lot sizes, excellent school districts, and stable safety.

The rental market is almost nonexistent. Most homes are owner-occupied, leading to many long-term residents, and rental properties are limited. Occasionally available rental listings are around $3,000 to $4,000 per month, which offers fewer options compared to nearby Cresskill or Closter. For this reason, Demarest is referred to as a "residential-focused" real estate market rather than an investment one. In other words, it is a suitable area for those looking to buy a home for stable living rather than for short-term transactions aimed at price appreciation.

The exterior of the homes is often traditional in style. Many houses feature red brick exteriors, tiled roofs, and colonial-style white window frames, while some areas also showcase newly built homes with modern designs. The spacing between buildings is wide, and the yards are richly decorated with trees and flower beds, making the entire town look like one large garden. In summer, the green trees provide shade, and in autumn, the foliage turns red, making even a simple walk feel uplifting.

Demarest is also known for its high-quality school district, which is a key factor driving real estate prices. Local schools, including Demarest Middle School, have small student populations and high educational quality, leading to high satisfaction among parents. High school students are assigned to the nearby Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest, which is considered one of the top schools in New Jersey. The steady demand from families with children due to the good school district helps maintain the stability of the town's real estate market.