Keyport

Located at the northern edge of the Jersey Shore, the small borough of Keyport prides itself as the “Gateway to the Bayshore,” a phrase once proudly emblazoned on the town’s prominent water tower. Sitting at the junction of Routes 36 and 35 with the Garden State Parkway, Keyport is just as much a gateway to North Jersey and New York City due to its convenient location along major transportation routes and offers stunning views of the Big Apple from its waterfront park. Beyond these amenities, Keyport is home to hundreds of suburban homes and around a dozen shops and restaurants along its Front Street and Broad Street, giving this community a charming small-town feel.

Keyport is one of the oldest towns on the Jersey Shore; while it was formally incorporated in 1870, Keyport started as farmland in the early 1700s and evolved into a shipping and oystering hub during the early 1900s. Keyport’s industrial nature has impacted the town’s appearance, housing styles, and even demographics; a section of this town is still devoted to trades such as metal fabrication, contracting, and welding. Keyport is notably the birthplace of the “Lazy Susan” rotating table, perhaps this former industrial hub’s greatest achievement.

Keyport’s home styles reflect the town’s story, with a combination of colonial residences and large apartment and condominium buildings making up most of this town’s housing stock. Local Realtor Harry Arnold shares, “Its condos are relatively new, built 10-15 years ago;” these buildings, and several smaller homes, offer commanding views of the Bayshore and the New York skyline. Keyport has a median home price of $390,000, well below the state median of $500,000, making Keyport a relatively affordable town within the New York metropolitan area.

The Keyport Fishery, a long-standing fixture of the community, prepares fresh seafood from the Raritan Bay for customers, and Arnold opines, “If you’re within 100 miles, come here and get some seafood. They prepare fish, shrimp, and scallops simply by running it and frying it.” This cash-only establishment sits along West Front Street in the town’s downtown area, and, from its fish and crab cakes to its clam chowder, it gives residents a true taste of Keyport history and culture with each bite of its fresh catches.

Another way to experience Keyport’s maritime history is to go fishing at the Keyport Fishing Pier, which includes cleaning tables for the cutting of bait or the preparation of newly caught fish. This pier is located next to the scenic Keyport Waterfront Park, a popular outdoor venue with a gazebo, bayside walking trails, and impressive New York vistas. At the eastern end of this park, a small beach and playground are available for outdoor recreation.

For landlubbers, Broad Street and Front Street offer their own selection of eateries and activities. McDonagh’s Pub & Restaurant welcomes guests into an Irish pub housed within a building dating to the early 20th century, and diners can enjoy burgers and beer while listening to live music. One of the most unique establishments in town is Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits, a restaurant located within a former church, with “New American” classics such as braised short ribs, pizza, and even pumpkin ravioli on the menu. For a morning bagel stop, Planet Bagel includes a large deli section full of both bagels and cold cuts for the traditional New Jersey breakfast experience.

Keyport’s students attend the Keyport Central School from kindergarten to eighth grade and Keyport High School, the latter of which ranks among the state’s top public schools and has historically boasted a strong football program.

Keyport’s location along both Route 35 and the Garden State Parkway allows for drivers to access New York City in approximately an hour’s drive, while the beaches of Sea Bright are a mere 25-minute trip down Route 36. With easy access to both New York City and the Jersey Shore, Keyport’s location is hard to beat.