Up-and-coming community with beaches and NYC views
This former resort community in Monmouth County is a developing section of the Jersey Shore, known as the Bayshore, and best known as the home of New Jersey's oldest amusement park. Though quiet much of the year, Keansburg is working to attract new businesses while improving the town, from restoring its 2.5 miles of beaches along Raritan Bay to updating its Baywalk Boardwalk. The mayor recently announced a million-dollar federal grant for improving local infrastructure, like mitigating future flood damage and fixing roads.
Developers are starting to take advantage of its proximity to NYC and Philadelphia, as well as its beaches and Manhattan skyline views. “This area will turn over in the blink of an eye and become highly sought after,” says Shealyn Casey, a licensed agent with Keller Williams Realty East Monmouth. Cliff Moore, Keansburg's Economic Community Development Coordinator, shared that property values have risen 54% in the past five years, in turn attracting investors.
Moore also sees Keansburg attracting more residents. "You get million-dollar views and salt air... it's perfect for a young family."
Clean beaches are the hidden treasure of Keansburg.
Baypoint is the up and coming area of Keansburg.
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Investment deals near the beach
Compact homes on small lots are packed into the one-square-mile borough, and some areas along the northern edge are within walking distance of the beach. Many are single-family cottages and Cape Cods built in the 1930s. There's a major mixed-use development underway on Carr Avenue near Keansburg Amusement Park that will eventually include 96 waterfront condos once approved.
In general, homes start around $300,000, although mobile homes can be found for $100,000. At the high end, larger homes within walking distance of the beach list for $700,000; the median is $325,000.
While there is a year-round community, about half of the homes are investment properties. The majority of homes are also in a flood zone and face a severe risk of flooding within the next 30 years, ranked a 9 out of 10 on Risk Factor. Some homes have been lifted to reduce the risk.
211 Bungalows Video 3.
Carr Avenue development is underway in Keansburg.
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Keansburg Amusement Park and restored beaches
In summer, families head to the amusement park, a throwback to an earlier time. The newer Runaway Rapids Waterpark is next door, and both are just across from the waterfront, making it easy to tack on a beach day. A multimillion-dollar project restored the shoreline after Superstorm Sandy; unlike most NJ shore towns, the beaches here are free, and technically the start of the Jersey Shore. "The beauty of a bay beach is that it's perfect for young families since the waves don't knock children over," says Moore.
Beaches and amusement areas are busy getting ready for the summer season.
Keansburg beaches are being restored and readied for the summer.
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New businesses and many mom and pops
Main Street features a small downtown with delis, barber shops and laundromats. Some businesses near the amusement park are seasonal, but year-round favorites include Hudson Coffee. It’s more of a take-out spot than cafe, but Hudson sources and roasts its own beans. Newer additions include Half Moon, offering comfort food, events and outdoor seating across from the beach, and Grin Brewing, a dog-friendly environment for craft beer. Celebrity chef David Burke now owns Dixie Lee Bakery, a local staple that his mother once frequented. The mixed-use development plans to add 45,000 square feet of restaurants, retail and entertainment in about five years. Nearby, Route 36 offers additional shopping like Sam’s Farm Market for basic groceries and there are farmers markets come summer.
Keansburg's Dixie Lee Bakery attracts folks from all the surrounding towns.
As soon as the warm weather arrives the Half Moon will be packed with patrons off the beach.
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Proximity to NYC commuter ferries
Route 36 travels past the southern end, a popular shore route that experiences heavy traffic on summer weekends. It’s the main road to reach NYC commuter ferries; the closest stop is three miles away in Belford, where the NY Waterway takes 40 minutes to reach Wall Street. The town hopes to add its own commuter ferry at some point, but Moore notes, "We have to have the population before we have a ferry." Route 36 also connects with the Garden State Parkway, a major artery, and NYC is about 43 miles north. Plus, there's a NJ Transit station in nearby Hazlet.
Patrons arrive from a pleasant trip from New York to the terminal in near Keansburg.
The Seastreak Ferry heads towards New York from just outside of Keansburg.
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Schools with a diverse community
Students start at Joseph C. Caruso School for kindergarten through fifth grade, rated a C plus on Niche. They continue to Joseph R. Bolger Middle School, rated a C, before finishing at C-plus-rated Keansburg High School, where sports participation is high. Districtwide, schools get an A for diversity and teachers are recognized with an A-minus.
Grades K-5 are taught in the Joseph C. Caruso School in Keansburg.
The Joseph R. Bolger Middle School in Keansburg is in a large suburban setting.
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Free summer events
Summer also brings free family-friendly concerts and movies on the beach. Year-round, the borough organizes community watch meetings and gives away tree seedlings to plant, encouraging new life to take root.
"In five years we will be a walking community just like Europe, where you can walk to any restaurant or shop you want; it's all part of the master development," Moore adds.
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.
