$2,137,610Average Value$1,025Average Price per Sq Ft142Homes For Sale
Small beach community that balloons in summer
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
On average, homes in Long Beach Island, Beach Haven sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Long Beach Island, Beach Haven over the last 12 months is $1,830,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Double Take... Awesome opportunity to acquire this rare second off the ocean duplex in Barnegat Light with easy to enjoy beach access along the wooden walkway through the dune. Use as an existing duplex or conversion to single family home offering 6 bedrooms (2 en suite) 4 full and 2 half baths. Cooks’ kitchens with WOLF and MIELE stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, chef’s table bar
Welcome to your dream coastal retreat in the heart of Beach Haven on Long Beach Island. This beautifully updated townhouse offers four levels of thoughtfully designed living space, with bay views and high-end upgrades throughout. In 2024, the entire interior was freshly painted creating a bright, clean, and welcoming atmosphere.The crown jewel of this home is the stunning rooftop deck — your
A beautiful and meticulously maintained home, located just 5 houses from the Ocean on one of the most desired and easy-access beach streets in Barnegat Light. Offered completely turn-key, estimated rental income of $ 70,000. This reverse living house offers 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and 1 half bath , with plenty of deck space to enjoy inside and outside living. This property is 50 x 125
Elizabeth BootheThe Van Dyk Group - Long Beach Island
THIS IS A COMING SOON AND CANNOT BE SHOWN UNTIL 9/8/25Oceanside Elegance on LBI (2nd home in on 16th Street)Experience the best of coastal living in this beautifully designed 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath oceanside home, built new in 2019 and located just steps from both the beach and bay in the heart of Long Beach Township. With 2,360 square feet of thoughtfully curated space, this residence
Beach Haven Terrace - This Ocean Block duplex offers 2 bedrooms and 1 bath per unit and sits just 5 houses from the ocean—no streets to cross! Affordable and turnkey, this property makes your Long Beach Island dream an easy reality. Located on the southern end of Long Beach Island, this gem is close to great restaurants and pickleball. The east unit just completed a reno including a gorgeous new
Brant Beach - Oceanside Duplex Just 4th Off the Beach! Opportunity knocks with this duplex featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath per floor, offering versatile living or rental options. Each level includes an open living/dining area, zoned central air and forced hot air heat, and coastal touches throughout—ideal for year-round use or summer stays. Situated in a quiet section of Brant Beach on Long
From October to May, escape to Long Beach Island this winter and enjoy the comfort of this newly renovated, well-kept beach house in desirable Peahala Park. Just steps from the beach, this home offers the perfect retreat for the off-season with all the essentials for an extended stay.Prime Location: Oceanside home, close to the beach, shops, and dining.Comfortable Living: Bright
WINTER RENTAL*** Available 10/15/25 - 5/15/26. Upstairs apartment. Utilities and WiFi included. Updated 2 bed 2 bath apartment with a newer kitchen, laminate floors throughout. Dual en-suite baths, sleeps 8. Fully furnished. Spend your winter near the beach in this great space. Conveniently located near parks, restaurants, and more with a quick walk to the beach.
Winter Rental-Spectacular location! Cedar Bonnet Island home offers three bedrooms, two full baths, outdoor shower, and VIEWS!!! Moments from LBI, bay at the end of the block.
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