A beach town aims to become a year-round home with new developments
Long Branch is an oceanfront city that’s no longer just a summer escape. Local Realtors say that since the pandemic, incoming homebuyers have been seeking a primary residence. Over 30,000 people live here, and the median age is 36. With new developments fermenting, Long Branch is focused on the future. The Lower Broadway section is being revitalized with a mixed-use project including housing and athletic facilities like a yoga club and golf simulator – all with an eye to keeping residents here year-round. Upcoming business developments will support this growth trend. A mere 3 miles west, at Fort Monmouth, there’s a $903 million entertainment studio being built. “It’s a large project by Netflix, who’s planning to develop about 300 acres,” says Alex Farlow, a real estate salesperson with Compass New Jersey. “They expect to open it in 2028.”
Health care is currently a top industry in Long Branch, with Monmouth Medical Center standing out. The hospital is finalizing plans with the city to create a Health and Technology Center across from the train station, with the help of state and federal funding. For all the nascent growth happening, Long Branch likes to keep it simple. There are no vendors along the boardwalk – just a residential strip on one side and water on the other side. “At the end of the day, really, it’s all about the beach,” says Bruce Germinksy, owner-broker of BG Realty Services and a resident of Long Branch.
The boardwalk in Long Branch is a 2-mile long path that runners and walkers can enjoy.
The summer brings waves of visitors to the beaches in Long Branch.
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Suburban and coastal homes available, plus condo communities
The inland portions of Long Branch can be a bit suburban with grassy lawns and sidewalks. Multi-story and modern traditional homes take root here. The architectural look of Long Branch is quite eclectic, with no single style standing out more than others. Instead, the market is influenced by a timeless factor: location. “The waterfront is defined by high-end high-rise condos next to very expensive oceanfront houses," says Laura Parios-McBride, a sales associate of Ward Wight Sotheby's International Realty. Private beach access is available in gated communities like Renaissance, located on the city’s west end. At the other end of the boardwalk is Pier Village, which contains two condo developments. Between them is The Atlantic Club, a new condo community set to be completed in 2026. In the Lower Broadway section of town, a mixed-use development is putting up a pair of four-story buildings that will have housing units ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms.
The median sale price is $710,000 – making Long Branch one of the more expensive communities in New Jersey, where the statewide median sale price is $515,000. Waterfront homes can be anywhere from $1 million to $2.2 million, while other styles can vary between $420,000 and $800,000.
High rise luxury condos with ocean front views can be found in Long Branch.
Homes in Long Branch ranges from colonials to ranches and everything in between.
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Eight public schools and Monmouth University
The Long Branch Public School District receives a C-plus from Niche, while scoring a B-plus in the college prep category. There are roughly 5,500 students in attendance across eight schools.
Monmouth University is another educational resource for the community. Its aesthetically pleasing campus is decked out with massive, imposing buildings like The Great Hall at Shadow Lawn – once the summer residence of President Woodrow Wilson. The four-year private institution has seven schools of study, including sciences, business and education.
The Tennis Courts at Long Branch High School are located in front of the building.
Welcome to Lenna W. Conrow Elementary School.
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A commuter rail station and quick access to Garden State Parkway
Ocean Boulevard is the main drag of sorts, cruising along the coastline. It intersects at various intervals with other thoroughfares that lead into more suburban parts of the city. First, there’s Cedar Avenue on the east end. Further west there’s Bath Avenue, which feeds into the commuter rail station near the beach, followed by Broadway. In October 2024, City Council passed a resolution to upgrade the station and build a pedestrian tunnel connecting the east and west sides of the city. Joline Avenue is also known as state Route 36, which leads to the Garden State Parkway in Eatontown, about 4 miles west. New York City is roughly an hour and a half north for commuters who prefer to drive.
An oceanfront park celebrates presidents who summered here
The beach is of course the main attraction when it comes to outdoor recreation, but some areas are defined as parks, like Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park on the west end. Suitable for strolling, swimming and surfing, the park is also outfitted with a snack bar and volleyball court. Further inland on the east side is Long Branch Volunteer Fire Department Memorial Park. This rectangular parcel is connected to Van Court Park, which features ballfields and a fenced playground. In between is Lake Takanassee, crossable by a bridge open to both pedestrians and cars.
Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch is a sprawling oceanfront park.
Stop at one of the many benches on the Long Branch boardwalk and soak in the ocean views.
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Seafood and sweet treats at Pier Village
Pier Village is one of the oft-mentioned spots when it comes to boutique shops and locally owned restaurants. It’s a mixed-use development with plenty of options for pizza, seafood and sweet treats. The Carousel Bar is an iconic spot serving cocktails with views of the ocean. Essentially, it’s a place with something for everyone. “There are a lot of kosher restaurants between Pier Village and Allenhurst,” says Germinksy, speaking of a town outside Asbury Park, just 5 miles south. Asbury Park is another beach destination residents can easily travel to. It’s actually part of an Urban Enterprise Zone with Long Branch, which provides benefits to shoppers like reduced sales tax at participating merchants. “Asbury Park still has The Stone Pony music venue there, which is a huge attraction. And the boardwalk is a traditional experience lined with vendors,” says Germinksy.
Moves are being made to continue building out these entertaining seaside experiences. "Long Branch has a very old downtown area with cool old buildings, but it hasn't been revitalized yet," says Parios-McBride, speaking of the plan to create an arts district with two performing arts centers, as outlined in the city’s master plan. "The way the real estate market is trending there, I expect that this will eventually happen.” And Germinsky adds, “There’s been a tremendous amount of construction and development in the last seven to 10 years."
The Pier Village area of Long Branch is a hive of activity for out of town guests and locals.
Rooney's a fine dining restaurant and bar located on the boardwalk in Long Branch.
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Farmers market and fall events
Pier Village is also host to events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Long Branch Fall Festival with pumpkin carving, craft workshops, live music and a Pooch Parade with costume competition. Kids activities are in abundance at the Halloween Fest, held by the Long Branch Fire & History Museum. Thursdays from June to October there’s a farmers market at West End Park.
Friendly faces are abundant at the West End Farmers Market.
Long Branch Kite Festival features some of the most colorful and whimsical kites.
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Hot, humid summers
Despite the beachy image of hot and humid summers, Long Branch does get snow, usually in February as part of nor’easter activity.
According to data from the Long Branch Police Department, larceny and simple assault are the highest-ranking crime categories. Both categories have been declining since 2020.
Beachgoers come to Long Branch in droves during the summer months.
Drop in at the Seven Presidents Skateplex for hours of fun in Long Branch.
Bruce is a real estate professional servicing Monmouth and Ocean Counties along the northern New Jersey coast. With over 33 years of sales experience, he is adept at understanding the needs and goals of both home sellers and buyers having developed strong listening and communication skills which have enabled him to create a relationship of trust between him and his clients. A resident of Monmouth County for the past 22+ years, Bruce truly loves living here with its scenic vistas, ocean sunrises, fantastic parks, and easy access to NYC. He thoroughly enjoys sharing the many highlights of the area including favorite dining spots, the best shopping, and cultural events and venues that make this such a wonderful place to call home. His goal is always to make the process of selling or buying a home as stress-free as possible. He accomplishs this by utilizing successful strategies from experiences as well as the resources offered by the company: from award-winning marketing and best-in-class technology to in-depth market knowledge and the support of a strong management and operations team. Bruce looks forward to helping you successfully market your home and/or helping you find the home of your dreams. Please call him to discuss your needs further.
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.
