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Belford

Belford

Suburban Neighborhood in Middletown, New Jersey

Monmouth County 07718, 07758

Neighborhood Reviews
4.5
$684,862 Average Value
$348 Average Price per Sq Ft
8 Homes For Sale

An industrial, waterfront town with big ambitions

Belford is a small maritime community along central New Jersey’s Raritan Bay with a heritage of fishing and seafaring industries. Much of the area is encumbered by wetlands and streams, and the remaining land mainly houses county-wide utility and commercial services. A few residential streets are tucked in the southwest corner and along Route 36, which acts as the neighborhood’s south border. Near the shore, the Belford Ferry Terminal offers travel to downtown and Midtown Manhattan. “Locals can enjoy the suburban life and still have access to the big city here,” says Melissa DeSantis, top Monmouth County agent and broker associate at Real Broker LLC. “You can head to New York City or Philadelphia in an hour or so but you can just as easily reach about a dozen beaches in a half hour.” Though it’s years from fruition, the local township committee has proposed a redevelopment plan that would completely transform the area into a sprawling mixed-use district and grant community-wide access to the prime waterfront.

Belford neighborhood is surrounded by nature.
Belford neighborhood is surrounded by nature.
Beachgoers can park close to the water at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Belford.
Beachgoers can park close to the water at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Belford.
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Limited inventory but growing interest among homebuyers

Belford’s small-town feel is visible in its modest housing stock: a mix of manufactured houses, Craftsman bungalows with front porches and traditional ranches clad in vinyl siding, with a median price of $561,000. There’s limited inventory and very little turnover. The neighborhood’s only waterfront property is the coveted Cape-Cod style condominium, Dunes at Shoal Harbor, which offers exclusive amenities like a private clubhouse, pool and gym. A two-bedroom unit can start around $560,000, while a bayfront four-bedroom townhouse can fetch $960,000. “If you’re a New York City commuter, what you can get here is likely a lot more than what you’ll find in the boroughs,” DeSantis says. “For less money, the size of your property is larger and taxes are lower.” Under the town’s proposed redevelopment plan, two multifamily housing complexes would join the neighborhood—one of them waterfront—with a small number of units set aside for low- and moderate-income households.

Most homes in Belford feature large porches and expansive lawns.
Most homes in Belford feature large porches and expansive lawns.
Craftsman bungalows in Belford, NJ, exude an inviting and comforting charm.
Craftsman bungalows in Belford, NJ, exude an inviting and comforting charm.
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The Seastreak Ferry makes a quick turn around in Belford.
The Seastreak Ferry makes a quick turn around in Belford.

Access to major cities by land or sea

The arrival of the Belford Ferry in 1989 transformed this humble fishing community into an emerging commuter suburb. Operated by Seastreak, the ferry travels to downtown Manhattan in 40 minutes or Midtown Manhattan in 75 minutes. Drivers can connect to highways via Route 36, reaching New York City in 44 miles or Philadelphia in 88 miles.

A small selection of local favorites

The Belford Seafood Co-Op is a Monmouth County staple, providing fresh-caught seafood and daily specials. Newcomer Ross Brewing Co. has a loyal following delighted by the brewery’s events and laid-back, waterfront atmosphere. Otherwise, restaurants can be found along Route 36 or in neighboring New Monmouth along Main Street and Leonardville Road. Pueblo Mágico serves authentic Mexican fare, Belford Bistro is an upscale American eatery, and Claudie’s Chicken is a fast-casual spot with friendly staff and good prices. Super Foodtown of Port Monmouth is the main grocery store.

Ross Brewing Company in Belford is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and exceptional beer.
Ross Brewing Company in Belford is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and exceptional beer.
Pueblo Mágico serves authentic Mexican fare in a vibrant setting
Pueblo Mágico serves authentic Mexican fare in a vibrant setting
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Waterfront parks, beaches and miles of hiking trails

Bayshore Waterfront Park, one of the premier attractions of Belford and Port Monmouth, is a 229-acre stretch of beach that locals visit to swim, fish or picnic while taking in views of the New York skyline. In just over five miles, residents can reach Huber Woods Park, a 360-acre green space with dog-friendly hiking trails. Seven miles away, there’s Hartshorne Woods Park with more hiking, water views and WWII-era bunkers. Bikers enjoy the 24-mile Henry Hudson Trail, a former railroad-turned-paved trail, and neighborhood children use the sports grounds at Belford Park. The Jersey Shore’s popular Sea Bright beaches are under 10 miles away.

Belford residents can wander the meandering trail of Huber Woods Park.
Belford residents can wander the meandering trail of Huber Woods Park.
The Henry Hudson Trail, passing through Belford neighborhood, is popular among bikers.
The Henry Hudson Trail, passing through Belford neighborhood, is popular among bikers.
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Numerous public schools and athletic excellence

Belford’s students attend seven public schools in neighboring New Monmouth. Both Leonardo Elementary School and Bayshore Middle School earn a B-plus from Niche. Middletown High School South earns an A-minus and has one of the most successful athletic programs in the state, evidenced by alumni, Belford native and NFL running back Knowshon Moreno.

Leonardo Elementary School in New Monmouth is known for its academic excellence.
Leonardo Elementary School in New Monmouth is known for its academic excellence.
Bayshore Middle School in New Monmouth prepares students for a successful future.
Bayshore Middle School in New Monmouth prepares students for a successful future.
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Belford’s plans for the future

Belford is home to multiple flood zones, a landfill, a compost facility and a sewerage authority. However, the town is pursuing an ambitious redevelopment plan that would preserve the natural wetlands and creeks while bringing community-focused attractions. Ideas include a bayfront amphitheater, pedestrian promenade, retail and dining, mixed-use buildings, new housing, a community center and a museum honoring the area’s maritime history.

Jacob Adelhoch
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Tony Simonetti
Video By
Tony Simonetti

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Transit

Airport

Newark Liberty International

49 min drive

Bus

Nj 36 & Main St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.5 8 Reviews
3.0 Current Resident
4/19/2021 Niche Review
I moved to this area around 2 years ago. I experienced limited diversity, and witnessed less multi-cultural experiences than I would in other surrounding small towns, and cities. The area is small, and a branch off of Middletown Township (much larger town).
5.0 Current Resident
1/9/2022 Niche Review
I currently live here and the education is really decent. It is a moderate to right leaning area of NJ so if you don't want that then you probably just don't want to be in Monmouth County
Are you familiar with the Belford neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Belford US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$630,500
Median Single Family Price
$640,444
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$640,888
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$348
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
26
Months of Supply
3.70
Median List Price
$640,444
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
12%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
243
Median Year Built
1982
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
845
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    5 Skimmer Ln, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758

    $715,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,430 Sq Ft
    • 5 Skimmer Ln

    Welcome to the Dunes, a prestigious waterfront community. This mulit-level townhouse boasts 3 bdrms and 3.5 baths. As you enter the front door you are greeted by beautiful newer plank floors and wainscoting. There are French doors leading to an office or den. The open floor plan leads to the tastefully decorated Great Room with floor to ceiling windows, custom remote shades, cathedral ceilings &

    Maryann Callahan Heritage House Sotheby's International Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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
1,700
Median Age
41
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$153,883
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$175,420

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.8%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
42.8%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.9%
% Population in Labor Force
69.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
19''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

28 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

10 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Belford