$2,091,325Average Value$1,002Average Price per Sq Ft135Homes 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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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.
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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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.
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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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
Gina Laird,
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
Long Beach Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Long Beach Island, Beach Haven sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Long Beach Island, Beach Haven over the last 12 months is $1,850,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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 great room is both
Discover a luxurious retreat on the ocean block in the heart of Ship Bottom, where contemporary elegance meets coastal charm. This exquisite detached residence, built in 2000 by local builder Jeff Seddon, boasts an open floor plan that seamlessly blends comfort and sophistication. Reverse living design with 3 bedrooms on the 1st floor and the primary bedroom upstairs. The gourmet kitchen, adorned
Charming Waterfront Home in The Dunes, Long Beach Island – $2,295,000Nestled in the highly desirable Dunes section of Long Beach Island, this single-family, two-story home offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and modern convenience. Situated on a 61’ x 90’ lot along a deep water lagoon, this property provides direct, effortless access to Barnegat Bay—a dream for boaters and water lovers
SHIP BOTTOM- Check out this spacious 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, 2,322 SF reversed living home! This elevated retreat offers seamless indoor-outdoor living with beautiful Bay Views. Enjoy two front decks, a rooftop deck and an open-concept living area designed for relaxing and entertaining. A 3 stop elevator ensures easy access to all levels. Bonus ground floor storage for beach gear, bikes and
BEACH HAVEN GARDENS-Classic Long Beach Island Beach House – Just Steps to the Beach!Situated on a 40x90 lot in one of Long Beach Island’s desirable areas, this beach house offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and modern comfort. Just steps away from the pristine shoreline, this home features 4 spacious bedrooms, 1 full bath, and 2 convenient half baths—ideal for hosting family and friends
BRANT BEACH-One off the Ocean Duplex. Each updated unit features 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths, vinyl plank flooring, Ductless Split Systems, Laundry and more. Both units have front decks to enjoy Ocean Breezes and views from the second floor. This property has been a successful rental property and has established rentals in place for the Summer. The corner location provides plenty of natural light
GREAT LOCATION! Weekly Rental in Beach Haven Gardens on Long Beach Island! Third house from the Ocean and just steps to the Beach, this immaculate 2BR, 1 BA includes all you need for your relaxing Getaway. It includes Central AC, full kitchen, access to W/D and off street parking. You will have use of the picnic table, beach badges, outdoor grill, outdoor shower and extra sofa bed. Conveniently
Laura MondoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
Weekly Summer Rental! Stunning 5 BR, 4.5 BA home just steps to the beach in LBI's Prime location of Beach Haven Gardens. Wake up to peaceful ocean views from the balcony and unwind at night with the breathtaking panoramic sights from the rooftop deck. This rare find includes every amenity for a carefree vacation: an open floor plan, elevator, outdoor grill, enclosed outdoor shower, beach chairs
Laura MondoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
SUMMER WEEKLY RENTAL - ONLY 1 WEEK REMAINING in the summer 2025 from July 12-19, 2025, at a rate of $3,850 for the week plus a $300 cleaning fee. Enjoy a summer getaway in LBI at this 2 BR, 1 Bath cottage offering unbelievable charm and is renovated to perfection with gas fireplace, central air, washer/dryer, covered front porch, rear deck, wonderful yard and outdoor shower! Plus detached garage.
Mario VenancioBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Rumson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gina Laird,
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.
