Famous Film Facts & New Jersey Real Estate Ties

As someone who lives and breathes New Jersey real estate and happens to be a massive fan of The Sopranos, I thought I’d mix a little Hollywood magic with Garden State property trivia for this week’s newsletter.

You’d be surprised how many well-known movies and TV shows have deep real estate ties to New Jersey—some even right in our backyard. Check out these fun film facts that any movie buff or NJ homeowner would appreciate:

1. Tony Soprano’s North Caldwell Home

Let’s start with the king of North Jersey himself. Tony Soprano’s house—the one he pulls up to in that unforgettable Chevy Suburban—is a real home in North Caldwell. With 5,600 square feet and 1.5 acres, it hit the market in 2019 for $3.4 million. For fans like me, it’s practically a historical landmark.

2. War of the Worlds (2005) – House Demolished in Bayonne

Steven Spielberg didn’t mess around. For War of the Worlds, his team bought a real home in Bayonne just to destroy it for the film. They worked closely with local officials to ensure no neighborhoods were disturbed during the dramatic destruction.

3. Friday the 13th’s Camp Crystal Lake

Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco in Hardwick, NJ, doubled as the eerie Camp Crystal Lake in Friday the 13th. It’s a real Boy Scout camp still in operation—and yes, fans can actually take tours.

4. A Beautiful Mind at Princeton

The Oscar-winning A Beautiful Mind used actual Princeton University housing in its filming. Many of the scenes feature faculty homes, giving the film that authentic Ivy League charm.

5. Bruce Springsteen’s Childhood Home (Blinded by the Light)

Though Blinded by the Light wasn’t filmed in Freehold, NJ, Bruce Springsteen’s real childhood home there has become a must-see for fans. The modest two-story home reflects the working-class spirit that defines both the Boss and much of NJ real estate.

6. Amityville Horror–Style Homes in NJ

The original Amityville Horror house is on Long Island, but its gambrel-roofed style has inspired plenty of NJ homes. You’ve probably seen one in your own neighborhood—a little spooky charm right in suburbia.

7. The Godfather in Fort Lee

Fort Lee was home to a key scene in The Godfather—the apartment where Michael retrieves the gun. That pre-war building still stands today, adding cinematic gravitas to the neighborhood.

8. Big (1988) in Cliffside Park

Tom Hanks’ childhood home in Big was filmed in Cliffside Park, NJ. The area’s family-friendly vibe and NYC proximity made it perfect for the film’s early scenes.

9. Clerks’ Quick Stop in Leonardo

Yes, it’s real—and it’s still open. Kevin Smith’s Clerks was shot in a convenience store in Leonardo, NJ, that’s now a pilgrimage site for indie film lovers.

10. Frank Sinatra’s Hoboken Home

Old Blue Eyes was born in Hoboken, and several films have highlighted the walk-up where he grew up. The building still stands, full of charm and Sinatra lore.

New Jersey homes have stories—and sometimes scripts—tied to them. Whether you're buying, selling, or just love a good cinematic backstory, I'm here to help you find a property with star power of its own.