Several unique communities come together to form Dennis Township
Located in north-central Cape May County, Dennis Township offers a quiet, rural alternative to the lively resort atmosphere of Cape May and other Jersey Shore communities to the south. “Dennis is very important to Cape May County’s culture,” says Dick Saari, the former President of the Board of Directors of Friends of Lake Lily and a longtime Cape May County resident. “It’s got a lot of 1800s houses in it. Most of Cape May’s historic homes have been turned into bed-and-breakfasts, but, in Dennis, they’re all privately owned.” Just over 6,000 people call Dennis home, living in communities like the forested Belleplain, the historic Dennisville and Seaville, located along the Garden State Parkway. Apart from the township itself, the local healthcare and retail industries are major employers, as Dennis has long been a major destination for retirees and other seasonal residents during the summer months. Though Dennis does not have many restaurants or shops, its location between major nature preserves and the shore gives its residents plenty of opportunities for adventures, while the resort and dining scenes of Sea Isle and Cape May are short drives away.
Dennis' neighborhoods consist of both historic homes and brand-new construction
Since its origins in the 18th century as a logging and shipbuilding town, Dennis Township has retained its woodsy atmosphere. However, it offers homebuyers an even more diverse selection of homes than can be found in neighboring townships. A handful of properties built in the first and middle decades of the 1800s are scattered throughout historic Dennisville, while South Seaville is the site of brand-new construction from the early 2020s. “During Christmastime, Dennisville offers tours of its historic houses,” Saari says. The typical ranch-style or split-level home built off the Garden State Parkway can sell for between $423,000 and $850,000, while older properties built from the 1920s to 1980s have sold for between $180,000 and $540,000. Cottages, RVs and manufactured homes, some built as recently as the 2010s, have price ranges as low as $12,500-$67,500.
Dennis Township Schools offer more personal learning experiences
Students can start their education at the Dennis Township School District, which receives a B-minus rating from Niche, before attending the B-plus-rated Middle Township High School. Smaller classroom sizes help students stand out in class, while performing arts and mock trial extracurriculars give them opportunities to put their passions into practice.
Birdwatching, boating and camping in Dennis' parks and wildlands
Dennis Township makes use of its wealth of wild nature to provide its residents with dozens of parks and other outdoor amenities. At Dennis’ western edge, the Eldora Nature Preserve preserves nearly 1,000 acres of marshland and forest, navigable by boardwalk and along overgrown nature trails. Beaver Swamp, at the heart of the community, offers space for camping and RV parking while offering birdwatching opportunities. Belleplain State Park has historically been a major venue for competitive birding. “The New Jersey Audubon Society has the World Series of Birding in the spring, where teams from all over the state participate, in a 24-hour timeframe, in identifying as many birds as they can,” Saari says. “The winners might identify 150 species of birds.” The Dennis Creek Fish and Wildlife Management Area, where bald eagles spend their winters, is navigable by boat from Jakes Landing, also making Dennis Creek a prime fishing venue. For recreation closer to civilization, the Dennis Township Recreation Center offers five baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, an indoor gym and many other amenities to the public. Just off Highway 9, the Shore Gate Golf Club is open to the public, while, just down the road in Middle Township, the private Union League National Golf Club offers a 27-hole championship course renovated in 2022.
Grocery stores and restaurants are scattered throughout Dennis' vast boundaries
Because of its spread-out character, Dennis Township does not have a central business district or main retail thoroughfare. Residents of Dennis’ northwestern Belleplain community may find themselves driving 20 minutes for groceries. Shoppers can travel down Highway 9 to Middle Township to stock up at Acme, but Al’s Produce in Dennis sells fresh produce grown on Dennis’ own farms. A selection of small cafes, breweries and restaurants also sit along the highway, while Dennis’ rural interior has a smattering of food outlets like Wawa, an ice cream shop and a new pizzeria.
Important to know
Dennis Township receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, below the national average of 4. According to First Street, Dennis has a moderate risk of wildfire and a severe wind factor, especially during hurricane season.
Dennis' roads become busy during the summer months
As Cape May is a popular beach destination for Philadelphians and other Middle States travelers, Dennis’ State Routes 47 and 83 can experience intense congestion during the summer months. Dennis residents live just 10 minutes away from the Cooper University Hospital in Middle Township. Beach access is likewise close to home at Sea Isle City and Avalon, less than 10 minutes from home.
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Roehrer
