By: Richard L. Smith
A recent article titled "The Five Worst New Jersey Cities to Buy Property in the Next Five Years, According to Real Estate Experts" has garnered attention for its harsh portrayal of Irvington, New Jersey, alongside other cities like Paterson and Camden.
The article, published by GoBankingRates on September 29, 2024, claimed that Irvington's high crime rates and economic struggles make it one of the least appealing places to buy property in the state. However, RLS Media has found that these assertions are not only misleading but demonstrably false.
The Problem with Outdated and Inaccurate Information
At the heart of the misinformation lies the claim that Irvington has a murder rate “eight times the state average” and that it remains economically stagnant. This narrative is not only sensationalist but also lacks any factual basis, as pointed out by Mayor Tony Vauss and the Irvington legal team.
As the Mayor stated, "The claims made in this article do not reflect the reality of our real estate market or the positive developments taking place in our town."
Indeed, the article appears to rely on outdated and incorrect data, even referencing information pulled from a nearly 20-year-old New York Times article and a Wikipedia page rather than conducting meaningful research or consulting updated crime statistics.
Mayor Vauss said such careless journalism has real consequences for communities, businesses, and potential investors. These falsehoods undermine the progress made by Irvington’s residents, businesses, and local government.
Irvington’s Crime Rates: A Dramatic Turnaround
Contrary to the grim picture painted in the article, data received from state officials shows Irvington has significantly reduced crime, particularly violent crime, over the past several years.
According to statistics provided by the Irvington Police Department, which is part of the New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Report, crime rates have dramatically decreased since Mayor Vauss took office and introduced several key public safety initiatives.
From 2015 to 2023, the data indicated that homicides dropped from 14 to just one by the end of the 2023 summer, an extraordinary achievement in public safety. These results are the culmination of proactive policing strategies spearheaded by Irvington Police Director Tracey Bowers, including innovative units like the Border Patrol, designed to target criminal activity near the Newark border.
In 2016, RLS Media found that a broader reorganization of police efforts was undertaken, prioritizing crime prevention and community collaboration, and it has yielded impressive results.
Far from being a place where investors should be wary of high crime, Irvington’s crime reduction has positioned it as a safer community and an emerging area for investment. Claims that Irvington’s murder rate is eight times the state average are not only inaccurate but irresponsible, failing to reflect recent trends that show ongoing improvements in public safety.
Economic Revival and Real Estate Growth
The article's argument that Irvington's economy continues to "struggle" is equally flawed. Irvington’s proximity to Newark and New York City makes it an attractive option for buyers seeking more affordable real estate while remaining within commuting distance of major urban centers. In recent years, Irvington has seen increasing property values, defying the notion that it is a poor choice for real estate investors.
Data provided by the Irvington Township Tax Office shows a consistent trend of rising property values.
For example, properties along Sanford Avenue have seen significant value appreciation—1086 Sanford Ave, which sold for $195,000 in 2019, now holds a proposed value of $405,700. Similarly, properties on Lincoln Place, such as 50-52 Lincoln Place, have nearly quadrupled in value from $120,000 in 2012 to a proposed value of $479,200.
These figures contradict the claims of declining property values and reflect a thriving real estate market that continues to grow.
The narrative of Irvington as a high-risk investment zone also fails to consider the area's long-term potential.
Irvington has become a community ripe for long-term growth amid ongoing efforts to revitalize public infrastructure. With robust local leadership, active investment in public safety, and a strong housing market, Irvington is a prime example of a city overcoming past challenges and building a brighter future.
Flawed Journalism and a Call for Accountability
In a statement released to RLS Media, Mayor Vauss and the Township's legal team said the criticisms in GoBankingRates' article are not just unfounded but indicative of a broader failure in journalistic integrity.
Irvington’s legal department noted that the lack of reliable sources and failure to adhere to journalistic standards raises serious ethical concerns. According to the Township's attorney, GoBankingRates “did not even exercise a modicum of journalistic integrity that would have obliged [them] to inform [their] readers that the Wikipedia page relied upon was outdated and inaccurate.”
The legal department told RLS Media that the township is actively considering litigation, citing potential claims of defamation, libel, and false light. This highlights the seriousness with which Irvington views the damage caused by the inaccurate portrayal of the town.
Officials said GoBankingRates has positioned itself as a source of “trustworthy content” yet has failed to meet its own standards by publishing misleading and damaging information about Irvington.
Irvington's Real Story: Progress and Potential
At a time when urban areas across New Jersey face their own set of challenges, Irvington’s story is one of resilience and progress. With falling crime rates, rising property values, and a growing economy, it is clear that Irvington is not the city depicted in GoBankingRates' inaccurate and unfair article. The town has emerged as a community committed to safety, economic growth, and public investment—qualities that make it a desirable place for real estate investors, not a cautionary tale.
As Mayor Tony Vauss emphasized, “We have been actively working to attract investment, enhance public safety, and promote economic development.” It is essential that news outlets accurately reflect these developments rather than perpetuating false narratives that can have lasting repercussions for communities.
In closing, the unfounded claims in the GoBankingRates article should be seen for what they are: a poorly researched piece of journalism that fails to recognize Irvington's significant strides in recent years.
Our data obtained from state and township officials showed that for those seeking an emerging real estate market with solid leadership and a focus on long-term growth, Irvington is far from a risk—it’s an opportunity.