Long Branch's beaches and views have attracted presidents and locals
Long Branch is a busy beach town on the New Jersey shore, where permanent residents and vacation homeowners live close to a shoreline that has attracted celebrities and seven past U.S. presidents who sought a place to relax. President Ulysses S. Grant called Long Branch the nation’s summer capital and chose the area as the site for his summer White House in the late 1800s. Today, Long Branch is more than just a place to sunbathe at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park or explore retail at Pier Village. The area has oceanfront condos, single-family homes steps away from the shore and grand homes close to Shrewsbury Bay. Leonard “Len” DiPaolo, a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty, says, “The beach and the ocean are major draws. Long Branch has been undergoing a resurgence. Everything is being focused on the beachfront. Second homes are being constructed near the shore, mainly condos. Right now, there are more vacation homes, and that drives most of the sales in Long Branch.” While many people stay for a season, some call Long Branch home year-round and commute into New York City with the convenient train station or ferry.
The summer seasons brings waves of visitors to the sprawling beaches in Long Branch.
Pier Village Ice Festival is a popular event in Long Branch where residents can gaze at unique ice sculptures.
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Housing ranges from townhouses and condos to luxury estates
The area has small condos to grand estates with numerous bedrooms. The median sale price is nearly $700,000, much higher than the national median of about $420,000. Large estates are in the southern half of the area and close to the shore, selling for up to almost $8 million. Condos with ocean views are often larger and more expensive than condos and townhouses toward the heart of the area, like in Pier Village. Single-family homes often have colonial-inspired, Cape Cod or Craftsman designs.
The lots here are narrow and close together; the front yards are short, but the back yards extend away from the homes. Sidewalks line almost every street, which means having slightly less front yard space but an easier way to walk or bike to the beach or nearby schools. Residents who live near the shore or the creeks extending from Shrewsbury River should check local maps to see if they are in a flood zone. Hurricane-force winds can also pose a risk to homes, so locals may need to ensure their insurance policies cover wind damage.
Most single homes in Long Branch are located on smaller lots further inland.
High rise luxury condos with oceanfront views can be found by the shoreline in Long Branch.
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Activities include sports, sunbathing and yacht outings
Long Branch has public parks across the area, like Manahasset Creek Park with its athletic courts and fields and the beachfront Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park. “That park has a tendency to attract more of the permanent residents from across New Jersey,” DiPaolo says. There are parking lots near Tony's Place Playground, the skate park and volleyball courts situated on the shore. The park is open year-round, but there are parking and admission fees during the peak summer season. “Then, there’s more of a tourist area called Pier Village,” DiPaolo says. “Pier Village has a ton of restaurants and shopping.” The Long Branch Beach ticket office is in Pier Village, where visitors can pay the daily rate or get an annual pass to lounge on the sand or swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Anyone who prefers quieter waters for fishing can launch their boats at the Long Branch Municipal ramp or become a member at spots like Patten Point Yacht Club to store a boat at the docks.
The boardwalk in Long Branch is a 2-mile long path that runners and walkers can frequent.
Drop in at the Seven Presidents Skateplex for hours of fun on the pipes in Long Branch.
Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch is an oceanfront with several recreation opportunities.
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Students may attend Long Branch Public Schools
The Long Branch Public Schools district earns a C-plus from Niche and features learning centers and elementary schools across Long Branch. For example, kids might attend the B-rated Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center for prekindergarten and kindergarten before going to the C-rated Gregory Elementary School for first through fifth grade. No matter which elementary school kids attend, they all learn at Long Branch Middle School, which receives a C. Long Branch High School gets a B-minus and allows students to enroll in specialized academies, like the school of social justice and the academy of visual and performing arts.
Long Branch Middle School receives a C score on Niche.com.
Long Branch High School features large athletic fields for aspiring athletes.
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Commuters have access to Garden State Parkway and Seastreak Ferry
Some people work locally, like at Monmouth Medical Center, one of the county's largest employers. People can drive about 55 miles to New York by taking state Route 36 to the Garden State Parkway, but that’s not the only commuting option. “One of the beautiful things for commuting is you have access to a high-speed ferry 8-10 miles away,” DiPaolo says. The Seastreak Ferry in Highlands allows passengers to park their cars and take an hour-long ferry ride to NYC. “You can live at the beach and still work in the city,” DiPaolo says. “You can drive from the city to Long Branch, because it’s the first beach town you hit as you come down the coastline. The train is convenient and goes into New York City.” NJ Transit trains from Long Branch station take over an hour to reach Newark’s Penn Station and closer to an hour and a half to reach New York’s Penn Station. Newark also has the Newark Liberty International Airport. Some residents walk to churches like Our Lady Star of The Sea or the synagogues like Ohel Yaacob Congregation.
NJ Transit trains can depart from Long Branch Station for those returning to New York City from a beach trip.
Residents can hop on a bus at Long Branch Station to easily get around the community.
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Pier Village is a retail and restaurant destination close to the water
DiPaolo says Pier Village has restaurants, coffee shops, stores and even a small bowling alley, all steps from the beach. One of the more popular restaurants is McLoone's Pier House, which serves surf and turf dishes and sushi while guests get a clear ocean view. Exito Fresh Market sells fresh produce and a wide range of Latin American products. Fine Fare supermarket neighbors the train station, so people can pick up any last-minute needs after work. For major retailers, residents take a short drive to the Target in Eatontown or the Home Depot in West Long Branch’s Consumer Centre.
The Pier Village area of Long Branch is a hive of activity for out of town guests and locals.
Fish tacos are a local favorite dish at McLoone's Pier House in Long Branch.
Nicholas Creamery offers various ice cream flavors for those craving a sweet treat on a hot summer day in Long Branch.
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Oceanfest is a July 4 tradition
Bruce Springsteen was born in Long Branch and even wrote most of his “Born to Run” album while visiting the city. In the same spirit of music, Oceanfest has been a tradition held on the Fourth of July with live performances from local bands and a spectacular fireworks display to end the night.
Written By
Rylee Doyle
Video By
Alex Finneran
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Raffaele Marino,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Long Branch, NJ sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Long Branch, NJ over the last 12 months is $800,000, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this delightful home situated in a prime Long Branch location—just minutes from the famous Pier Village, beautiful beaches, shopping, and all major transportation routes. This versatile home offers two, possible 3 potential bedrooms, including a primary suite on the main level, perfect for easy living.Step inside and enjoy the warmth of a cozy gas fireplace, a spotless kitchen with
Welcome to The Inkwell Lofts, a boutique collection of one- and two-bedroom homes just moments from Long Branch shoreline. Residence 309 is a split two-bedroom, two-bath home offering 1,084 square feet of interior living space. Each room has floor to ceiling windows with North exposure for all day sunlight. Off the living and dining area is access to a private 87 sf balcony. The well-appointed
Elevated coastal living at The Atlantic Club Residences. This exceptional two-bedroom home features expansive wraparound terraces that capture stunning natural light and refreshing ocean breezes. The open-concept layout includes high-end appliances, custom finishes, and elegant living and dining areas ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Residents enjoy over 75,000 sq. ft. of resort-style
STUNNING VIEWS - STUNNING UNIT! Where ocean breeze meets modern indulgence. South Beach captures the effortless sophistication of Miami's famed coastline—right on the Jersey Shore. Wake each morning to sweeping Atlantic views, a private elevator that opens directly into your luxurious residence, and the soothing rhythm of waves just steps from your door. This boutique collection of oceanfront
Stunningly renovated Renaissance on the Ocean townhouse features three bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and the highest quality finishes. Additionally, a fully finished ground-level basement for a 4th bedroom or office-den area. Situated in the most prestigious gated community at the Jersey Shore, this property offers private beach access, beach attendants with furniture, a heated pool and spa,
Welcome to this delightful home situated in a prime Long Branch location—just minutes from the famous Pier Village, beautiful beaches, shopping, and all major transportation routes. This versatile home offers two, possible 3 potential bedrooms, including a primary suite on the main level, perfect for easy living.Step inside and enjoy the warmth of a cozy gas fireplace, a spotless kitchen with
Welcome to 678 Buttonwood Avenue! This cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom gem is a rare find, perfect for those looking to enjoy coastal living all year round. Step inside to discover an inviting living area that seamlessly connects to the well-appointed kitchen, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is both snug and spacious. This annual rental offers both comfort and convenience just a short
** ANNUAL RENTAL ** Spacious Luxury 3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath Townhome in the desirable Elberon Section of Long Branch. Conveniently located minutes from the Elberon train station, local houses of worship, Monmouth University, dining, shopping & of course the beach!!! Features a full finished basement, in-unit washer and dryer, a comfortable well-designed layout & ample off-street parking - perfect
** SUMMER RENTAL ** Spacious Luxury 3 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath Townhome in the desirable Elberon Section of Long Branch. Conveniently located minutes from the Elberon train station, local houses of worship, Monmouth University, dining, shopping & of course the beach!!! Features a full finished basement, in-unit washer and dryer, a comfortable well-designed layout & ample off-street parking.
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