The Wildwoods have charms beyond their beach-season excitement
Occupying the island of Five Mile Beach along the southern Jersey Shore, the Wildwoods are known for their boardwalks, amusement parks and their claim to be “the Birthplace of Rock and Roll”; rock’s first chart-topper, “Rock Around the Clock,” was first performed here. Over 13,000 people live in the Wildwoods, which include Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and the tiny communities of West Wildwood and Diamond Beach. The tourism industry forms the backbone of the economy, especially in the form of the Wildwoods’ many hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. “Wildwood has a lot of entertainment, including a very popular water park with slides,” says Dick Saari, the former President of the Board of Directors of Friends of Lake Lily and a longtime Cape May County resident. “Most of Wildwood’s restaurants have wonderful, fresh fish and oysters; they’re right out of the water.” During the summer months, the Wildwoods’ population multiplies by nearly 1,823% to 250,000 people. Though the Wildwoods can get quiet once beach season is over, a stable community of local employees and retirees keep the Wildwoods inhabited year-round.
Residents of The Wildwoods flock to The Two Mile Landing Crab House for drinks and the freshest seafoods.
The Wildwoods is a quiet community with laid back winters and thriving summers filled with tourists.
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Historic properties and newer homes sit along the same streets in the Wildwoods
Once a barrier island used for fishing and agriculture, Wildwood transformed into a resort town from the 1880s to 1920s, a process completed by the arrival of the Garden State Parkway in the 1950s. While a few Colonial Revival and bungalow homes built from the 1880s to 1940s sit along the Wildwoods’ streets, the majority of the local housing stock was built in the 1950s and beyond. Original-quality residences built before the 1940s tend to sell for between $315,000 and $880,000, while refurbished 1940s homes sell for prices similar to residences built since the 2000s, ranging in price from $740,000 to $2.3 million. In addition to detached properties, the Wildwoods are also home to scores of shared living spaces. Condos built from the 1950s to 2000 have sold for between $125,000 to $850,000, while those built since 2000 range in price from $250,000 to $1.5 million. Wildwood’s streets are grid-patterned and juxtapose beach condos with smaller, fully detached properties.
American four squares in The Wildwoods have large front porches letting locals take advantage of the sea breeze.
Classic Cape Cods have great beach vibe minutes away from the coast.
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A miles-long boardwalk and expanding waterfront host thousands of beachgoers every summer
The Wildwoods are most famous for their beaches and boardwalks, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors during the summer months. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks, built in 1969, include more than 100 attractions from a “Ghost Ship” horror attraction to the looping Sea Serpent rollercoaster. A boardwalk lined with snack shops and restaurants connects these rides and offers access to a vast stretch of free-to-the-public beachfront. “The beaches there are beautiful. They’ve been replenished by the Army Corps of Engineers so that they’re wider,” Saari says. “Wildwood’s beaches are so wide that people have to be taken there by a cart.” This locally famous tram car system runs up and down Wildwood’s two-mile-long boardwalk, shuttling visitors along Wildwood’s expanding beachfronts. Beach season also sees Centennial Park host live music events, while Crest Pier becomes a prime fishing venue. Even when the summer crowds disperse, year-round residents still have plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. A section of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge occupies the island’s southern tip, and boardwalks lead into preserved dunes where shorebird chicks are hatched. Sunset Lake Park takes its name from its picturesque views of sunsets illuminating the nearby lake, and abundant green spaces create opportunities for sunset picnics.
Diners in The Wildwoods can grab a slice on the go or sit ocean side at Franconi's Pizza.
The Boardwalk at Morey's Pier has a full waterpark and plenty of rides to enjoy in The Wildwoods.
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Vintage and retro restaurants tell the story of this midcentury resort area
This island’s beachfront entertainment scene is matched by an equally bustling small business environment. Larkin’s Restaurant, in business since the 1950s, is the oldest family-owned restaurant in the Wildwoods. Open year-round, this vintage eatery serves up hearty breakfasts as customers use old-school jukeboxes to pick their favorite classic songs. The Doo Wop Diner also pays tribute to the Wildwoods’ abundance of ’50s-built motels and eateries with its retro theme, sporting neon lights, framed photographs of midcentury cultural icons like Elvis and a traditional bar area. Beyond Wildwood’s downtown area, other restaurants offer unique dining experiences. The Two Mile Crab House & Crush Bar, located across from the wildlife refuge and along the Jarvis Sound, allows customers to dock their boats and feast on seafood and cocktails. Home cooks don’t have to travel far to stock up on supplies; the Wildwoods are home to two Acme supermarkets in addition to a handful of Mexican food stores.
Kohr Brothers has been serving soft frozen custard and homemade ice cream in The Wildwoods for over a hundred years.
The Wildwoods locals can take a hike at Two Mile Beach Nature Trail runs along the Atlantic ocean.
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Schools in Wildwood
Wildwood’s students can start their education at Glenwood Avenue Elementary School, which receives a C from Niche, before going on to attend the C-rated Wildwood Middle School. Wildwood High School, which receives a B-minus, previously received a Blue Ribbon award from the Department of Education and offers a student-teacher ratio nearly half that of the national average.
Wildwood High School is conveniently located right in the middle of the island.
Younger students will continue their education at Wildwood Middle School.
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The Wildwoods has a high risk of flooding
Due to their location along the Atlantic coast, the Wildwoods are assessed by First Street to have an extreme risk of flooding and a severe storm wind factor. Communities like North Wildwood have set up websites dedicated to hurricane preparedness, helping residents plan for the occasional severe weather event.
Getting around (and out of) town
The Wildwoods sit just a 5-minute drive from the Garden State Parkway, which provides direct access to other major coastal points from Cape May in the south to Ocean City and Atlantic City to the north and, 2 hours and 30 minutes to the north, New York City itself. Philadelphia is an hour and a half’s drive up the parkway and along the Atlantic City Expressway. Healthcare is never far from home; the Wildwoods are home to a campus of Cape Regional Urgent Care as well as a local dentistry practice.
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
Christopher Ferzoco,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Diamond Park
Coleman Callahan Veterans Park
Bil Henfey Park
Fox Park
Wildwood Tennis Courts
Sunset Lake Park
Byrne Plaza
Scoop taylor memorial park
Albert J. Allen Memorial Park
Transit
Airport
Atlantic City International
74 min drive
Bus
New Jersey Ave & 11th Ave
Bus
New Jersey Ave & Garfield Ave#
Bus
New Jersey Ave & 9th Ave
Bus
New Jersey Ave & 13th Ave
Bus
Spruce Ave & Anglesea Dr
Bus
Wildwood Bus Terminal
Bus
Anglesea Dr & Oak Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
The Wildwoods
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
The Wildwoods Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in The Wildwoods, Wildwood sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in The Wildwoods, Wildwood over the last 12 months is $582,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully updated 2nd floor condo. 3 spacious bedrooms,full bath,half bath, and outdoor rainfall shower. New floors/ carpet 2023. New wide open kit and appliances (2021). New roof and windows 2021. Great natural light throughout and the cross airflow is great because there is no house to the east of you. All furniture is negotiable for a turn key summer home. Custom retractable kitchen island
Oceanfront 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo in Wildwood Crest ~ Welcome to Summer Sands, a year-round beachfront condominium. Just steps from the sand, this 4th-floor unit offers breathtaking ocean views and is ideal as a personal beach retreat or a performing rental investment. This condo features a bright and spacious living room with wood flooring, a ceiling fan with lighting, and window treatments
New construction townhome within steps of the beautiful beaches of Wildwood Crest. This 3-story home features views of the beach and ocean from all three (3) decks and three (3) bedrooms. You are welcomed to the home by immaculate landscaping and a large driveway. The Primary bedroom has a large deck and a beautiful bath with double vanities and exquisite tile. The kitchen has stainless steel
Step into coastal luxury with this fully renovated 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo in the heart of Wildwood Crest, NJ. Only two blocks from the beach, this stylish retreat features a designer kitchen with navy cabinets, brass accents, stainless steel appliances, and sleek quartz countertops. The spa-inspired bathroom showcases marble-style tile, gold fixtures, and a walk-in shower with rainfall head.
Welcome to this charming and fully updated year-round condominium, ideally located just a block from the beach, boardwalk and bike path. This well-designed unit offers a spacious bedroom currently set up with two twin beds and a layout that maximizes comfort and functionality. Furniture is included in the sale of this unit, inclusive of a queen sleeper sofa. Enjoy relaxing on your front porch
Oceanfront 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo in Wildwood Crest. Welcome to Summer Sands, a year-round beachfront condominium located in the serene southern end of Wildwood Crest. This spacious third-floor oceanfront corner unit offers beautiful ocean views and enjoys extra natural light from windows on two sides. Just steps from the sand, this inviting condo is perfect for a personal beach retreat or a
Guest access: You’ll have full access to the condo, including the front balcony, backyard, and a private outdoor shower. Parking is easy with one spot in the driveway, two in the garage, and plenty of street parking. Beach chairs, towels, and toys are available for your use. Other things to note: While the owners love pets, unfortunately they cannot accommodate them as most of the condo is
Regatta Club in Wildwood's Marina District. *Don't miss the chance*Great SEASONAL rental. WEEKLY OR MONTHLY What a treat to have beach time or boating time then come home to a spacious air conditioned home to have cooling beverages in the gazebo or pool side to bring in the evening.This luxury condo has a large two car piggy back garage and perhaps enough room for a golf cart as well. Three
Dorothea SlaughterCentury 21 Action Plus Realty - Northfield
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christopher Ferzoco,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
19,612
Median Age
54
Population under 18
17%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
33%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$65,293
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$88,497
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.8%
College Graduates
27.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.9%
% Population in Labor Force
47.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
6''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
71/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
74/ 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.
