Which Beach Community Is Right for You? Exploring the Jersey Shore’s Top Towns

The Jersey Shore boasts some of the most picturesque beach communities on the East Coast. Each town has its own distinct vibe, demographics, and attractions, making it a challenge to choose which one is right for you. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the top beach communities on the Jersey Shore, including Margate, Brigantine, Avalon, Ocean City, Sea Isle, and Cape May, to help you make an informed decision.

Margate

Margate is a small town located just a few miles south of Atlantic City. With a population of approximately 6,000, Margate is a quiet and charming town that is popular among families and retirees. The town is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a low-key beach vacation.

In terms of real estate, Margate has an average sale price of around $700,000, making it one of the more expensive towns on the Jersey Shore. Rentals can also be on the pricier side, with the average weekly rental rate hovering around $3,000 during peak season.

Top Destinations:

image from https://www.facebook.com/lucytheelephant/

  1. Lucy the Elephant - This iconic landmark is a six-story elephant-shaped building that has been a staple of the Margate community since 1881.

  2. Steve & Cookie's By The Bay - A popular waterfront restaurant serving up seafood and American cuisine, with beautiful views of the bay.

  3. Downbeach Deli - A must-visit for breakfast or lunch, this classic deli is known for its delicious bagels and sandwiches.

Brigantine

Brigantine is a barrier island located just north of Atlantic City. With a population of approximately 9,000, Brigantine is a more affordable option compared to some of the other beach towns on the Jersey Shore. The town boasts a number of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a golf course and a wildlife refuge.

In terms of real estate, Brigantine has an average sale price of around $425,000, making it one of the more affordable towns on the Jersey Shore. Rentals can also be reasonably priced, with the average weekly rental rate hovering around $1,500 during peak season.

Top Destinations:

  1. Brigantine Beach - A wide, clean beach with a variety of activities, including surfing, fishing, and kayaking.

  2. Laguna Grill & Rum Bar - A popular beachfront restaurant and bar with a tropical atmosphere, live music, and great food.

  3. Marine Mammal Stranding Center - A nonprofit organization that rescues and rehabilitates stranded marine animals, offering educational tours and events.

Avalon

Avalon is a small town located on Seven Mile Island, which is situated between Stone Harbor and Sea Isle City. With a population of approximately 1,300, Avalon is known for its stunning beaches, upscale restaurants, and high-end shopping. At night bar hoppers flock to 21st St from all over the shore to celebrate the summer.

In terms of real estate, Avalon has an average sale price of around $2 million, making it one of the most expensive towns on the Jersey Shore. Rentals can also be quite pricey, with the average weekly rental rate hovering around $7,000 during peak season.

Top Destinations:

  1. Seven Mile Beach - A beautiful stretch of beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.

  2. Whitebrier Restaurant - A fine-dining establishment known for its fresh seafood and creative cocktails.

  3. The Princeton Bar & Grill - A lively bar and restaurant with an extensive menu of American comfort food and live music.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a family-friendly town located on a barrier island just south of Atlantic City. With a population of approximately 11,000, Ocean City is known for its boardwalk, which features an amusement park, restaurants, and shops. The town also boasts a variety of restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors.

In terms of real estate, Ocean City has an average sale price of around $650,000, making it a moderately priced option compared to some of the other beach towns on the Jersey Shore. Rentals can also be affordable, with the average weekly rental rate hovering around $2,000 during peak season.

Top Destinations:

  1. Ocean City Boardwalk - A classic East Coast boardwalk with amusement parks, shops, and eateries.

  2. Sunrise Cafe - A popular breakfast spot serving up delicious pancakes, waffles, and omelets.

  3. Oves Restaurant - A family-owned restaurant that has been a local favorite since 1948, serving up classic seafood dishes.

Sea Isle

Sea Isle is a small town located on Ludlam Island, which is situated between Ocean City and Avalon. With a population of approximately 2,000, Sea Isle is known for its family-friendly beaches, lively nightlife, and seafood restaurants.

In terms of real estate, Sea Isle has an average sale price of around $800,000, making it a moderately priced option compared to some of the more expensive towns on the Jersey Shore. Rentals can also be reasonably priced, with the average weekly rental rate hovering around $3,000 during peak season.

Top Destinations:

  1. Sea Isle City Beach - A wide, clean beach with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of activities, including paddle-boarding and parasailing.

  2. The Lobster Loft - A waterfront restaurant and bar that specializes in fresh seafood, with beautiful views of the bay.

  3. Kix McNutley's - A popular bar and restaurant that offers live music, karaoke, and a lively nightlife scene.

image source @stillnotgnarlow

Cape May

Cape May is a historic town located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. With a population of approximately 4,000, Cape May is known for its Victorian architecture, charming bed and breakfasts, and its beaches. The town boasts a variety of restaurants, boutique shops, and cultural attractions, such as the Cape May Lighthouse and the Cape May Zoo. Cape May Point is a perfect spot to catch the sunset on the east coast this summer, definitely visit the local winery nearby first for a sunset beach picnic!

In terms of real estate, Cape May has an average sale price of around $650,000, making it a moderately priced option compared to some of the more expensive towns on the Jersey Shore. Rentals can also be reasonably priced, with the average weekly rental rate hovering around $2,500 during peak season.

Top Destinations:

  1. Cape May Beach - A beautiful beach with Victorian architecture as its backdrop, and plenty of amenities including restaurants, bars, and shops.

  2. Washington Inn - A fine-dining restaurant housed in a restored 1840s plantation-style mansion, with an extensive wine list and a menu of American cuisine.

  3. Cape May Lighthouse - A historic landmark that offers panoramic views of the ocean and the town.

As you can see, the Jersey Shore has something to offer for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet and charming town, a family-friendly destination, or a lively beach community with plenty of nightlife, the Jersey Shore has it all. When choosing the right beach community for you, consider factors such as population, real estate prices, rental rates, and attractions. By doing so, you're sure to find the perfect town to meet your needs and make the most of your beach vacation.

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Philly Proper is a real estate licensee affiliated with Equity Mid Atlantic Real Estate. Equity Mid Atlantic RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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