The white-sand beaches of Long Beach Island have long attracted residents to this half-mile wide, barrier-island chain off the South Jersey coast. Commonly called LBI, six towns call this 18-mile stretch home: Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Township, Ship Bottom and Surf City.
This former resort community is also one of New Jersey’s most popular beach towns; its location straddles the New York and Philadelphia metro areas. About 8,000 people live here year-round, but that number spikes as high as 200,000 come summer.
“First and foremost, this is a summer community and probably always will be,” says Nathan Colmer, an experienced agent with The Van Dyk Group - Long Beach Island and fourth-generation resident. He also lives here year-round with his family. LBI also attracts retirees and remote workers who take advantage of off-season vibes, like walking along empty, snow-covered beaches, most of which are narrow enough to provide views of both Manahawkin Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
“LBI is always changing and that’s what I like best about it,” says Colmer. “I wouldn’t like it if it were busy all year long, as in summer, or as quiet year-round as it is in winter."
LBI
Miles of coastline on Long Beach Island makes allows for plenty of room at the beach.
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18 miles of white-sand beaches
Beaches are the main attraction: In summer, the northern end contains quieter stretches in Barnegat Light and Harvey Cedars, while busier beaches near shopping and attractions reside in Surf City, Ship Bottom and Beach Haven.
Beach Haven is a family favorite for its Fantasy Island Amusement Park and Thundering Surf Waterpark, but residents also have the Surflight Theater. Families can join Haven Beach Club, which offers a children’s sailing program or Surf City Yacht Club for its sailing and boating offerings. Surfing and deep-sea fishing are additional pasttimes.
Take a drive to Holgate at the southern tip of the Island for some of the best surfing in LBI.
The ferris wheel at fantasy Island is a family favorite on Long Beach Island.
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Cape Cods and reverse living homes with water views
Just like the beaches, each town offers a different draw, but all homes are within walking distance of a beach. Long Beach Township and Harvey Cedars are among the residential communities and Beach Haven offers Victorians in its historic district. Generally, the south end is denser, while the north offers bigger lots.
Single-family homes on gravel lots dominate and serve as second homes for most buyers. The stock is mainly Cape Cods and new construction designed around reverse living, meaning a three-level home with the garage on the first level, followed by the bedrooms and living room and kitchen on the third floor. This arrangement minimizes flood damage and maximizes water views. Prices start around $400,000 for a studio condo and about $1 million for a single-family home. Homes can reach $10 million for beachfront living. The median is $1.6.
Large beach homes are often rented for the week or month in Long Beach Island.
Hop on your beach cruiser bike and hit the beach in Long Beach Island.
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Kite festival and chowder celebration
Festivities cater to both a year-round and summer community. Thousands attend Chowderfest for chowder soups, and all ages check out the LBI FLY International Kite Festival for its giant animal-shaped kites and competitions. There are also Easter egg hunts, a long-running Christmas parade and horse-drawn carriage rides. And July 4th brings fireworks on the beach.
Longtime mom and pops and year-round options
Many towns offer a small number of longtime mom and pops along Long Beach Boulevard, the island's main artery; an increasing number of businesses are open all year. These include the casual Dockside Diner overlooking the bay; Wally’s for American comfort food; Nardi’s Tavern for pub fare and LBI Pancake House with abbreviated winter hours. Summer welcomes Skipper Dipper, around since 1978, and roadside farm stands. More than 20 independently owned spots are concentrated in quaint Bay Village near the waterpark. There’s also an Acme and Murphy’s Fresh Markets for grocery shopping on LBI, with big-box options like Costco and Home Depot a short drive across the bay in Manahawkin.
Dockside Diner on LBI is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch.
Try the Nardi's Special Pizza or catch a great band at Nardi's Tavern on LBI.
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Top rated public schools and lower grades on LBI
Students attend Ethel Jacobsen Elementary School from pre-kindergarten to second grade, rated a B minus on Niche, before graduating to Long Beach Island Elementary School for grades three to six. Great Schools gives it an 8 out of 10. Students move over to the Southern Regional School District in Manahawkin, just across the causeway, for middle and high school. Southern Regional Middle School rates a B, and Southern Regional High School gets a B plus; the latter is ranked the sixth-best high school in Ocean County.
Ethel Jacobsen Elementary School.
Beach Haven Elementary School.
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In between NYC and Philadelphia
Long Beach Island is about 65 miles from Center City Philadelphia and 107 miles from Midtown Manhattan. In summer, heavy shore traffic needs to be factored into commuting times and getting around, however the town plans on adding another lane to the causeway. It also provides LBI shuttle trolleys in summer that navigate the island.
Occasional NYC commuters can catch an express bus from Toms River or NJ Transit from Point Pleasant; both options entail a minimum two-hour commute. The causeway is the only way onto or off of the island and the Garden State Parkway runs though neighboring Stafford Township.
Future flooding is a consideration
All homes are in a flood zone and require flood insurance. “Oceanfront is considered the highest risk even though those homes were the least affected,” Colmer says, referring to Superstorm Sandy. According to Risk Factor, LBI is at severe risk for flooding within the next 30 years, but mitigation efforts included rebuilding homes in a way to minimize flood damage.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carole Kubis,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Meadowedge Park
Harvey Cedars Sunset Park
3rd St Playground
Basketball
Playground
Bay View Park
Mill Creek Park
Transit
Airport
Atlantic City International
81 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Long Beach Island
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Long Beach Island, Beach Haven sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Long Beach Island, Beach Haven over the last 12 months is $2,114,046, up 11% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Best priced home on the BEACH BLOCK on LBI, just 6 homes from the beach path, minutes from the LBI Bridge, and room for the whole family --OR RENT IT for a few years, and then build the LBI home of your dreams. This raised Cape offers the perfect blend of charm and opportunity. With 5 bedrooms and 2 baths, this home is designed for comfortable coastal living. The
OCEANSIDE....Discover the ultimate in seaside living with this exquisite home nestled just a short stroll from the breathtaking beaches of Barnegat Light. This newly listed property boasts a generous 1926 square feet spread across three meticulously crafted levels, each offering comfort and elegance tailored for beachside enjoyment. Start your tour on the ground level, equipped with sliding doors
Nestled in a prime location between the bay and the beach, this stunning, fully furnished, side-by-side townhouse offers an unmatched combination of style, functionality, and breathtaking views. Boasting an open living space with vaulted ceilings, the home is bathed in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. With 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 beautifully designed bathrooms, this
Experience the ultimate Jersey Shore lifestyle with this stunning, custom-designed 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom Shore Colonial. Nestled in the heart of Ship Bottom, this meticulously crafted home offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and coastal charm.As you step inside, you'll be greeted by gleaming hardwood floors that flow seamlessly throughout the entire home. The two-story
Discover all that the south end has to offer in this 5-bed, 4.5-bath home thats situated on a 60x100 lot with over 3,000 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space, just one block from the ocean and boasting incredible bay views. Inside, vaulted ceilings and large windows create a bright, open atmosphere throughout the main living areas. A second family room on the first floor makes it perfect
Edward Freeman SrRE/MAX at Barnegat Bay - Ship Bottom
Welcome to an extraordinary example of coastal luxury at one of Long Beach Island's most exquisite properties, where sophistication meets effortless beachside living. Nestled on a private lane in the exclusive, beachfront enclave of Loveladies, this custom-designed, newly completed (2022) residence transcends the ordinary, offering a rare blend of beauty and functionality. Every detail has been
Newer building. Open Floor plan 2 bedroom / 1 bathroom apartment with washer/dryer. 1 yr lease Rent $3,600 per month plus gas & electric. New furniture. 2 reserved Off Street Parking spaces. Central AC. Roof deck with views of ocean and bay. Outdoor shower. No Pets.
YOUR PERFECT WEEKLY GETAWAY IN THE HEART OF BEACH HAVEN! Pack your bags... This spacious 4 bedroom 2.5 bath is conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, Fantasy Island amusement park and just 12 houses from the Beach! It is fully stocked with all your kitchen essentials including WIFI and Central AC and beach badges. It also features a large fenced in deck perfect for grilling in the
Laura MondoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
NOW BOOKING SUMMER 2025 - Escape to your perfect beach retreat on Long Beach Island! This centrally located home offers the ideal blend of convenience, comfort, and coastal charm, nestled between the beach and the bay just steps away. Featuring 2 separate living spaces with their own entrances, this property provides flexibility for privacy or multi-family use. Accommodating up to 8 guests, it
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carole Kubis,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
28,149
Median Age
61
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
42.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$98,298
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$135,245
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.5%
College Graduates
63.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.9%
% Population in Labor Force
46.2%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
22''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
30/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
