$1,742,868Average Value$821Average Price per Sq Ft64Homes For Sale
Downbeach coastal life on New Jersey’s South Shore
Ask anyone who spends time on New Jersey’s South Shore for must-see tourist attractions, and they're sure to bring up wide-eyed Lucy the Elephant. Staring over the Atlantic Ocean from the beach block, Lucy is a former restaurant and hotel mascot in the shape of an Asian elephant, whose hollow insides have been repurposed as several businesses over nearly 150 years and now draw tens of thousands of annual visitors for guided tours. This rare example of zoomorphic architecture is many visitors’ introduction to Margate City, an overwhelmingly residential pocket of Downbeach New Jersey caught between the $10 million mansions of Longport and the buzzy boardwalk business district in Atlantic City. On avenues organized mostly by alphabetical order from Argyle to Washington, freshly painted historic homes and sleek new construction stretch from Beach Thoroughfare to the Atlantic Ocean. Ongoing infrastructure projects take on the flooding endemic to coastal cities. Lucy’s hard-won longevity as a landmark and ongoing preservation efforts parallel Margate City's own carefully kept coastal charm and small-town ambiance that draw year-round residents and tourists, which locals call "shoobies," out to where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against Absecon Island.
Despite coming up in centuries past through coastal railway tourism when it was still called South Atlantic City, the 1970 census reflected an overwhelmingly full-time residential community and placed the population at around 10,000; today, that number is closer to 5,000, reflecting Margate’s transition into a popular second-home locale for people hailing from New York and Philadelphia. Summer homes, despite their popularity, are still only part of the picture. “With the pandemic, there were a lot of people looking to get out of high-density areas. They rented here for exorbitant prices just to get out of the city. Some of them ended up buying and getting rid of their primary residences in the suburbs of Philadelphia,” says Daniel Smith, owner of Daniel J. Smith Real Estate who has lived in neighboring Ventnor City since 1980. “When we see people coming to the zoning board for construction approval, a lot of times they’re expanding a summer home into a permanent residence. We always applaud them for that. They call it, ‘getting sand in your shoes.’”
Outside the city’s own limited market of short-term rental homes and by-the-week summer beach houses, several of Atlantic County’s biggest employers are nearby – Atlantic City’s casinos are just up the beach, and the Federal Aviation Administration’s William J. Hughes Technical Center is on the mainland about 10 miles away.
AtlantiCare has boosted Absecon Island’s healthcare industry as well as access to care, from its regional hospital and emergency room in Atlantic City to the smaller specialist offices peppered south toward Ventnor City and beyond.
The Boardwalk in Margate City extends all the way to Atlantic City.
There are many playgrounds in Margate City, most of them right on the beach.
Locals in Margate City can take a walk on the boardwalk everyday.
Most of the homes in Margate City are located less than 5 minutes away from the Atlantic Ocean.
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Sandy beaches blocks from the Ventnor City Boardwalk
Sunbathers bearing beach tags don’t fight crowds on commercial blocks during the summer months – straight over the dunes, interrupted only by bright blue accessibility ramps and the occasional public restroom, stretch Margate City’s sandy beaches. Lifeguards watch over swimmers in the Atlantic Ocean during the summer months, catering to an influx of second-home return residents and snowbirds come north to roost. Margate’s own boardwalk was ransacked by a hurricane in the 20th century and never replaced, but the long, quiet stretches of Ventnor’s bike-and-pedestrian-friendly boardwalk are only blocks away to the north. “Ventnor’s got the best set-up because there’s no commercial on the boardwalk. It’s just peaceful – you go ride your bike, walk, sit on the benches, find a nearby fishing pier. But you can go all the way up around Absecon Inlet to Gardners Basin,” Smith notes.
Margate City’s bayfront offers its own wealth of waterfront recreation, lined with marinas and docks that launch boaters into the connected salt marshes and waterways that locals typically just call “the Bay.” While people walk the beach even as blustery winter settles over the shore, an indoor story time at the Margate Public Library or time spent on the indoor courts at the Marjorie and Lewis Katz Jewish Community Center are more weather-proof ways to pass the time.
There are many homes right on the water in Margate City.
Locals in Margate City love fishing off the pier on the beach.
The coast line in Margate City runs from Margate City to Atlantic City.
Margate City is a small shore town surrounded by the beach and a Marina.
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Blocks of single-family homes and the Marven Gardens Historic District
East Coast coastal architecture staples like gambrel roofs and multi-story porches are common on Margate City’s closely packed and sidewalk-lined streets, but the city’s homes are truly diverse. Well-preserved homes in a lively medley of architectural styles sit behind looping sidewalks and careful landscaping in the Marven Gardens Historic District, spelled as a portmanteau of Margate and Ventnor thanks to its position on the cities’ border, not with the spelling error made popular in the board game, Monopoly. Condos in squat two- and three-story complexes and the rare midrise building range from the high $200,000s to over $1 million. The median single-family home price is around $1.2 million, much higher than the National Association of Realtors’ reported national average home value of $416,700. Based on a number of factors, some homes can easily go for more than five times that figure. Homes also tend to linger longer on the market, taking an average of 54 days to sell compared to the national average of 44 days.
Margate City has homes right on boardwalk allowing easy beach access.
There are many newer beach inspired homes in Margate City.
One of the most coveted neighborhoods in Margate City is the Marvin Gardens Historic District.
The streets in Margate City are quiet and very well maintained year round.
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Community festivals downbeach from Atlantic City
Atlantic City’s casinos and live music venues headline enormous concerts and conventions further north of Margate City throughout the year. Downbeach, community and cultural events tend toward a more lowkey, family-friendly sensibility. Neighbors face off across seasons through the Margate Cornhole League. Tie-dye shirts and a soundtrack full of the Grateful Dead’s music bring an unexpected, eclectic rock twist to the springtime Cherry Blossom Festival. The annual Beachstock claims to be the planet’s biggest beach party, packing a full day of live music, team sports and food and craft vendors along Atlantic Avenue each June.
Shopping and dining on Ventnor and Amherst avenues
Down Ventnor Avenue, Margate City’s commercial life is quieter than the buzzy outlet and boardwalk districts of Atlantic City, but clusters of businesses bunch near the city’s borders with Ventnor and Longport. The Margate Business Association entreats locals to shop small, highlighting a network of popular restaurants, boutique clothing stores and specialty grocers connected by sidewalks and crosswalks. Another commercial area, the Bay District, runs parallel to the bayside along Amherst Avenue, housing a blend of marinas, fishing charters and restaurants like Steve & Cookie’s By the Bay that promote waterfront dining alongside fresh seafood menus. Several houses of worship are scattered throughout Margate City, including synagogues like Young Israel of Margate and churches like Blessed Sacrament.
You can rent boats fishing equipment and more in Margate City.
You can grab some fresh smoked Salmon at Water Dog in Margate City.
Margate City has many privately owned small businesses.
Start your day in Margate City with a fresh cup of coffee.
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Traveling around Absecon Island and to mainland cities like Philly
While cycling is popular throughout much of Absecon Island, Margate City riders will need to be careful navigating streets with limited bike infrastructure on the way to the shoreline-hugging boardwalk. NJ Transit buses make stops along Ventnor Avenue on the way from Longport to Atlantic City. Longer-distance commuters take Margate Boulevard to the mainland and have a roughly 60-mile drive to Philadelphia. Atlantic City International Airport is about 10 miles away.
You can hop on a train from Margate City and get to Philadelphia in under two hours.
The bus in Margate City goes to Atlantic City and more.
NJ transit runs every day near Margate City.
There are many bus stops all over Margate City,
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Transitioning from Margate City schools to nearby districts
For kindergarten through eighth grade, students are enrolled in the Margate City School District which operates two schools open to Margate and Longport residents and earns an A-minus from Niche. In ninth grade, many kids enter Atlantic City’s public school district, attending Atlantic City High School which earns a B-minus. Families may also choose to send kids to small charter and private schools near Margate or to Ocean City High School, standing one island away across the Ocean City-Longport Bridge.
Four seasons, flood infrastructure and crime rates in Margate City
Hot summers and freezing winters mark the extremes of the four seasons Margate City sees, its average monthly temperatures peaking in the 80s and bottoming out in the low 30s. Salty sea air and regular precipitation blows in throughout the year, but more severe nor’easters tend to occur most often in the colder months.
Consulting a FEMA flood map reveals that Margate City falls entirely in a floodplain, from Beach Thoroughfare to the Atlantic Ocean. Flood insurance is a need for homeowners. On the public infrastructure side, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has long been a major player in projects like improved stormwater management systems. State and local groups have gone back and forth on potential mitigation efforts in years past, especially regarding potential dune restoration projects on the oceanfront.
According to the FBI’s crime data, the Margate City Police Department reported a total of 14 violent crimes in 2023, down from 18 in 2022. The department also reported 97 total property crimes in 2023, higher than the 78 reported in 2022.
Written By
Julia Szymanski
Photography Contributed By
Vincent Mauriello
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gerard Rosenberger,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Margate City, NJ sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Margate City, NJ over the last 12 months is $1,127,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
"Luxury New Construction" FULLY COMPLETED It is with great anticipation and fanfare, that we proudly introduce Margate’s newest, state-of-the-art townhouse, development project. Featuring, perhaps the most convenient location in Margate, “The Marina District“ providing a pleasant stroll to Margate's exciting night life, fine dining and casual dining establishments, Margate’s business district and
Huge Price Improvement, a rare find in Margate NJ at this low price. Welcome to 5 Exeter Court located in this very desirable cul-de-sac and only 8 blocks to the beach. Exeter Court offers a reduction in traffic, safer and a quieter living experience. Located on a large lot 50 x 70, this 3-bedroom home (could be 4 to 5 bedrooms) includes 2.5 full baths as well. With an inviting front patio, an
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 9/6 from 9am to 11am. Located in the heart of Margate’s Marina District, this end-unit 4-bedroom, 3-bath townhome offers a unique layout, high-end finishes, only one shared wall, and an exceptionally walkable location. Directly across from Tomatoes and just a short walk to the Marina District’s many restaurants, shops and marinas, the home is also only four blocks to the beach
Welcome to 402 N Clermont, an exceptional opportunity to own an entry-level priced new construction single-family home in the heart of Margate offering approximately 2,150 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. This beautifully crafted 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home blends modern finishes, functional design, and coastal charm. The ground level features a garage, four off-street parking
Fantastic Location! Only 1.5 blocks to the beach and two streets from Longport City. Rehab or build new. Lot can accommodate a home over 3,000 square foot. Lot is very long at 25 x 125. Build a 5 bed 4 bath home! Room for a pool, garage, parking and more. Short walk to Steve n Cookies, Gilchrist, Ice Cream, restaurants, shops, stores and more. Please be very careful when walking through property.
Direct Ocean front unit offering Ocean Views for miles from every room in this oversized large one bedroom with brand new flooring with newly renovated bathroom located on the third floor. No assessments! Sit out on your expansive deck and enjoy the waves and dolphins! Ask about having a washer and dryer in the unit. Margate Towers has not had an ocean front this large for sale in years! Very
Very large one bedroom could be two bedrooms. Offers an enlarged custom renovated bathroom with oversized step in shower. Open renovated kitchen and gorgeous ceramic floors. Located on the second floor no waiting for elevators and easy access to pool. No assessments! Sit out on your expansive private deck and enjoy the magnificent sunsets. Ask about having a washer and dryer in the unit. Very
Experience elevated shore living in this exceptional new construction corner property offering over 2,800 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Built with premium finishes and attention to detail throughout, this home features James Hardie cement board siding, a four-stop elevator, two-car garage, and four total off-street parking spaces. The ground
Stunning new construction on the Ventnor–Margate border! This 5 bed, 4.5 bath single-family home offers 2,808 sq. ft. of luxury living with hardwood floors, a cozy gas fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen with GE Cafe appliances. Exterior features include upgraded landscaping with lighting, paver/bluestone hardscaping, and a 2-car garage. Located in a prime shore location, minutes to top-rated
Welcome to 7 S. Benson Avenue — a striking new construction coastal estate just one block to the beach, blending modern California coastal design with bold architectural presence. Situated on an oversized 65' x 108' lot, this exceptional residence will offer approximately 5,180 square feet of refined living space across three levels, complete with a four-stop elevator for effortless access.
An extraordinary new construction opportunity awaits in the heart of Margate. Expertly crafted by Oasis Property Group, this future luxury coastal residence offers the rare chance to secure a brand new home before construction begins while personalizing select finishes to suit your style. Thoughtfully designed for today's coastal lifestyle, this exceptional 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home will feature
MOVE IN READY! ENJOY THE BEST OF SUMMER IN YOUR MARGATE HOME! Welcome to an extraordinary luxury new construction residence in Margate's coveted Down Beach neighborhood. Perfectly positioned on one of the area's most desirable south side streets, this exceptional home offers the ideal combination of privacy, convenience, and coastal elegance. Just a short stroll from Casel's Marketplace,
Luxury New Construction, situated in Margate's desirable Marina District. The convenient location allows for a quick and pleasant stroll to Margate's beautiful beach, business district, fabulous dining establishments, awesome night life and all of the kid friendly attractions Margate has to offer. Exterior features include totally maintenance free exterior with Azek trim boards and custom
Fabulous Southside rental available MAY AND JUNE 2027. Picture perfect and ready for you to spend the best time of year down the shore. Dates are flexible. Call to discuss options.
AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER 2027. Secure your unforgettable Summer 2027 vacation in this fantastic Margate duplex, offering an exceptional blend of space and convenience in a great location. This rental shines with its incredible outdoor amenities: enjoy sunny days on two private decks and take advantage of the spacious shared backyard. A rare find in Margate, you'll also benefit from PLENTY of valuable
Beautiful 1 bedroom 1 bathroom condo for rent in Margate, one block from the beach. New appliances including washer and dryer in unit. Available October 17 - May 31, 2027
Direct ocean front oversized one bedroom unit for rent for summer of 2027 offered at 30K. Longer season available, rent May and Sept too. Located on the 7th floor offering ocean views for miles. This unit offers the most direct and extensive views of the ocean available in Margate City. An oversized large one-bedroom unit with a pull out queen sofa bed plus a new full bath with large step in
Summer Rental JUNE 23-30 - $3,500, Located in the middle of everything, 2 blocks to the beach, around the corner from Starbucks, Casels, Downbeach Liquor, Bocca, Roberts, Bike Shop, and more. Come enjoy everything Margate has to offer on your vacation at the Jersey Shore. Sleeps 7 in beds and a 1 pull out couch, 2 off street parking spots, EV charging plug. Upstairs and downstairs deck, enclosed
Yearly rental 1800 a month starting in December of 2026 or Summer of 2027 long season 20K with 1st floor GARAGE Parking. Bay Views. May thought October. Landlord cannot rent for less than 90 days. A beautiful Jr. One Bedroom. Sit out on your private deck and enjoy the waves, A very well-run building on the beach with 24 hour security and assigned parking. This is such an opportunity. Enjoy the
Yearly rental or Summer of 2027 starting in December of 2026 with 1st floor GARAGE Parking. Bay Views. May thought October. Landlord cannot rent for less than 90 days. A beautiful Jr. One Bedroom. Sit out on your private deck and enjoy the waves, A very well-run building on the beach with 24 hour security and assigned parking. This is such an opportunity. Enjoy the heated pool, BBQ area, huge
Fabulous Southside rental available October 2026. Picture perfect and ready for you to spend the best time of year down the shore. Dates are flexible. Call to discuss options.
POOL AND LOCATION!!!!! 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. One king bedroom, three queen bedrooms and one room with two double beds. In ground heated pool with retractable pool cover for child safety. Fully stocked kitchen (including second basement fridge for storage) and outdoor grill. Perfect for kids and adults of all ages offering a peloton, plenty of toys, air hockey and a foosball table. Enjoy the
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath rental ideally located on the first block south of Adams Ave, offering both comfort and convenience for your September stay. Enjoy the spacious deck perfect for relaxation and entertaining while soaking in the sun and water views. With popular eateries, lively bars, and more just around the corner, you’ll have everything you need close to your doorstep. Don’t miss out
This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse in Margate’s desirable Marina District offers the ultimate lifestyle, just a short distance from the bay, beach, top-rated restaurants, and local retail. Featuring an open layout and coastal convenience in one of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods, this well-located home delivers the perfect blend of comfort, accessibility, and vibrant shore
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