$679,822Average Value$382Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes 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.
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.
Craftsman bungalows in Belford, NJ, exude an inviting and comforting charm.
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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.
The Seastreak Ferry makes a quick turn around in Belford.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photography Contributed By
Pushparaj Aitwal
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christine Trabattoni,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Belford, NJ sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Belford, NJ over the last 12 months is $600,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Totally renovated ranch with beautiful Shaker white kitchen cabinets, new stove, refrigerator,dishwasher. All hard wood flooring, upgraded Caiman interior doors, newer siding and solar panels. Lot is 80x100 with detached garage, sheds and central air conditioning. No wonder Niche.com writes: ''Belford is one of the safest areas within Monmouth County.''
Welcome to 19 Galloping Circle, Belford - a charming 3 bdrm, 2 1/2 bath Split level home perfectly situated on a quiet, private circle. This property offers a spacious layout with great potential. Formal living and dining room, bright eat-in kitchen and a cozy family room, ideal for gatherings. Enjoy outdoor living in the fenced rear yard with mature plantings a screened in porch, perfect for
Fern PaganoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Red Bank
This is a coming soon listing and cannot be shown until 6/17.RARE WATERFRONT WALKOUT AT THE DUNES!Live the ultimate coastal lifestyle at 70 Golden Eye Lane - this rarely available, first-floor condo with direct, unobstructed views of NYC and the bay. Located in The Dunes at Shoal Harbor, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence is one of the few units offering true walk-out access—step from your private
Prepare to be amazed by this stunningly beautiful Dutch Colonial, transformed from the studs up with no expense spared! Step into the expansive first floor featuring a sunlit living room, a show-stopping gourmet kitchen with a 13'x4.5' center island, a spacious dining area, a full bath, laundry room, & a guest bedroom. Upstairs, you'll find four oversized bedrooms, two elegant bathrooms, and
Totally renovated ranch with beautiful Shaker white kitchen cabinets, new stove, refrigerator,dishwasher. All hard wood flooring, upgraded Caiman interior doors, newer siding and solar panels. Lot is 80x100 with detached garage, sheds and central air conditioning. No wonder Niche.com writes: ''Belford is one of the safest areas within Monmouth County.''
MOVE-IN READY & PACKED WITH PERKS!Welcome to this beautifully maintained custom Colonial in sought-after Middletown Twp a home that delivers space, style, and serious wow-factor!From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the pride of ownership. Inside, you're greeted by a bright, inviting layout featuring a spacious living room that flows effortlessly into the dining area. The eat-in kitchen is
Stunning Waterfront rental with NYC Skyline Views! Beautifully maintained 2 bedroom/2 bath first-floor ranch style end unit. Enjoy the serene scenes of Sunrise & Sunset from your Private Beach Facing Patio! Open floor plan, high ceilings, & large windows give a very spacious feel. Features include a Three-Sided Gas Fireplace, multiple patio entrances, Gorgeous Hardwood Floors, and Granite
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