The Jersey Shore takes up about 140 miles of the Atlantic Ocean coast of the US. It is a favored vacation spot for the residents of New Jersey, as well as the neighboring states. Known to the New Jersey residents as simply ‘The Shore,’ it is famous for its boardwalks, amusement, and water parks. One of the particular perks of the Jersey Shore is that both sunrises and sunsets are visible over water from different parts because of its peculiar peninsular shape. All of this and more make it not only a great place to visit, but also to live in. The coast in general is rife with small towns, and here we provide you with a list of the best small towns in Jersey Shore. There is nothing quite like living the water view dream on an ocean coast.
Asbury Park
This town has been immortalized as the name of a Bruce Springsteen album, but that was the most exciting thing that happened to it for decades. However, it has recently gone through quite the transformation. It now attracts a more diverse and youthful crowd, both as visitors and as residents. The town has a very vibrant music scene with many festivals and events throughout the year. When it comes to the quality of living, the district boasts a steadily lowering crime rate. Even though it has become quite a hot spot in recent years, moving here is still as easy as ever with a company like Bluebell Relocation Services NJ. Its gay community has also been growing steadily since the 1950s. There is an LGBTQ-friendly beach and the Jersey Pride parade attracts a large number of visitors to the town each year.
Cape May
Cape May is not only one of the 10 most beautiful towns in New Jersey, but also the oldest seaside resort town in the country. Obviously, the leading industry in the town is tourism. However, just because the events and facilities are aimed at visitors doesn’t mean that residents can’t use them to their advantage as well. If you are a history nut, Cape May is surely one of the best small towns in Jersey Shore for you to move to as it is steeped in history. Just remember that planning your moving budget is the key. If you organize it well, you can be watching dolphins jumping out of the water at the Cove in no time.
Point Pleasant Beach
The name says it all. This small town of just around 4,500 residents offers a nice mix of suburbia tinged with the fresh ocean air. It has been voted one of the 10 best beach towns on the Jersey Shore for living. The schools are great and the crime rate low. Most residents own their homes even though housing can be quite expensive. If you end up buying a water view property, there are all kinds of fun activities available – arcades, amusement park, mini golf and even antiquing.
Wildwood
In many ways, this is another one of the 10 best beach towns on the Jersey Shore that has in many ways remained frozen in time. It’s the hometown of doo-wop, both the music genre and the architecture style. The aesthetic is that of a 1950s or 60s seaside town, which is a major draw for many people. There is a dreamy quality to it, perhaps because of the fact that it’s a look that you can indulge in yourself. The boardwalk makes it a quintessential small town on the Jersey Shore, and the adventure parks mean you will never have an idle day for as long as you live here.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake is definitely one of the 10 most beautiful towns in New Jersey, USA. Unlike the resort towns on this list skewing predominantly towards tourists, Spring Lake has more of a suburban feel to it. The public schools are highly rated, it is very family-oriented, and the crime rates are quite low. The main drawback would be the cost of living, which is on the pricier side.
Ocean City
Ocean City is another typical Jersey Shore town, only this time bigger than most on this list. Much like Spring Lake, its schools rate very high in the nation and it is very family-friendly. One of its peculiarities is that it is a dry town: no alcohol is sold within its borders. However, there are all kinds of other fun activities you can partake in – the main ones being the boardwalk and amusement parks. Typically for this kind of town as well, the cost of housing and the cost of living are higher than most others on this list.
Stone Harbor
Perhaps the tiniest of the small towns on our list, Stone Harbor doesn’t fall behind the others when it comes to its nightlife. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to have fun in while still enjoying life in a tiny suburban waterfront community. As most towns here, the schools are great, the community family-friendly, but housing somewhat expensive.
Avalon
Not only is Avalon one of the best small towns to visit on the Jersey Shore, but it is also one of the best to live in if you favor a quiet suburban feel of your hometown. Many of its residents are retirees, but it also rates as great for families with its highly-rated public schools.
Belmar
Belmar is a possibly the smallest US town with such a huge party-town rep. Many of Belmar’s residents are young professionals, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants for them to enjoy on weekends. Its marina is also the home to the biggest party boat fleet. The nightlife and outdoor activities are what makes this town fun to move to.
Long Branch
Long Branch is another one of the best small towns in Jersey Shore but it is on the pricier side. The boardwalk offerings can get quite decadent, though that is not all there is to life in this suburban town. Its housing, cost of living, and crime rates are the problem areas. On the other hand, it boasts quite a diverse population and an above-average school district.