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.
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Video By
Jonathan Bradley
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Here's your chance to own a spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome in the sought-after Park Ferry at Shoal Harbor. This light-filled home offers an open floor plan with beautiful oak flooring throughout, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, and a two-car garage with generous storage. The primary suite is a peaceful retreat featuring a custom walk-in closet, dual vanities, a glass-enclosed
Step inside this beautifully maintained home featuring a very large great room with a warm gas fireplace, ideal for gatherings or quiet nights in. The eat-in kitchen offers plenty of space for casual dining & everyday living. The spacious master bedroom includes vaulted ceilings & hardwood floors, creating a relaxing retreat. Enjoy the outdoors with a charming front porch and a private backyard
Diane KoehlerBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Murphy & Co.
''Ranchtastic'' Home with Timeless Charm and Modern Space!Welcome to this truly special property - a combination of the original home seamlessly expanded with a fabulous addition, offering space and versatility for today's lifestyle. Owned by the same family for decades, this home is filled with cherished memories and ready for its next chapter.Set on a large property, the grounds
Here's your chance to own a spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome in the sought-after Park Ferry at Shoal Harbor. This light-filled home offers an open floor plan with beautiful oak flooring throughout, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, and a two-car garage with generous storage. The primary suite is a peaceful retreat featuring a custom walk-in closet, dual vanities, a glass-enclosed
Step inside this beautifully maintained home featuring a very large great room with a warm gas fireplace, ideal for gatherings or quiet nights in. The eat-in kitchen offers plenty of space for casual dining & everyday living. The spacious master bedroom includes vaulted ceilings & hardwood floors, creating a relaxing retreat. Enjoy the outdoors with a charming front porch and a private backyard
Diane KoehlerBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Murphy & Co.
''Ranchtastic'' Home with Timeless Charm and Modern Space!Welcome to this truly special property - a combination of the original home seamlessly expanded with a fabulous addition, offering space and versatility for today's lifestyle. Owned by the same family for decades, this home is filled with cherished memories and ready for its next chapter.Set on a large property, the grounds
This 2 bedroom, 2 full bath unit is located on the lower level in desirable Beacon Place, in the Belford section of Middletown. This immaculate home is tastefully decorated in neutral colors and has plenty of storage space. The open floor plan boasts a beautiful living/dining room area and kitchen with gleaming stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom is accompanied with an en suite
Nicole DesarnoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Holmdel
This beautifully appointed south facing second floor unit in Beacon Place is abundant with natural daylight. This spacious unit has 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, open concept kitchen, separate dining area and living room with a courtyard facing private balcony. Open concept kitchen equipped with SS appliances and breakfast bar. Master bedroom boasts large walk in closet with large attic storage
This 3 level Ivory Gull model is in mint condition. It offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a Living/Dining area with a gas fireplace. The open kitchen area adjoins these rooms and enables the Chef to interact with family and guests. Level 3 provides a loft area to enjoy TV, relaxing and reading. 2 bedrooms and a full bath complete this floor. The Dunes community located on Sandy Hook Bay, has
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