$2,506,816Average Value$951Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
From summer vacation spot to year-round scenic small town
Locust went from a Colonial-era fishing village to a summer vacation spot after the Civil War, and the scenic rolling terrain along the Navesink River makes the transition apparent. It’s even possible to find cedar shingle homes from the early 20th century that evoke nostalgic times along the riverfront in warm seasons. But today, Locust isn’t that sleepy. Less than 4 miles west are modern retail stops along state Route 35. It’s not a bubble anymore — it’s a place of movement, and yet, it holds onto charm. With a small-town feel, access to the beach and a ferry to New York City, Locust allures in several ways.
Locust residents can take their boat out on the Navesink River.
Locust is a town in NJ that boarders the Naveskink River.
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Huber Woods Park anchors the community
Huber Woods Park, which fills much of the center of Locust, is a protected area for nature, with a lot of hiking trails. The Environmental Center on grounds has interactive exhibits and opportunities to observe local fauna, like the Reptile House, where turtles and snakes are on display. Being a riverfront community, there are other ways to enjoy the outdoors, like boating and fishing. “Golfing is popular here, too,” says Alex Farlow, a real estate salesperson with New Jersey Compass. “Beacon Hill Country Club is a great golf course, and likely more approachable for your average member, since costs are lower. Navesink Country Club is great, too, it’s a higher end place.”
Residents love to walk through the many grassy paths of Huber Woods.
"Grace for Go Turtle" is familiar to most visitors of Huber Woods Park.
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Million-dollar estates with colonials and modern farmhouses
Views of the Navesink plus backyard access to the Oceanic Bridge into Rumson all come with a higher price tag: Homes here routinely start at the million-dollar mark and extend up to $3 million. “Locust borders Rumson, where Jon Bon Jovi once had a $15 million dollar house, so you’re dealing with a high-net-worth area,” says Brett Sikora, CEO of The Sikora Group with eXp Realty. “That said, you can still find a home there for $800,000 and those estates along the Navesink River don’t necessarily come on the market too frequently.” Even the newer homes retain the spirit of Locust’s past as a retreat, by situating themselves on estates that afford privacy to the owner. Homes are set back from the road, surrounded by mature trees. “You’ll see a lot of center hall colonials on large lots,” says Farlow. Many of these show up in traditional form, dating to the early 20th century and presenting a symmetrical face along with a columned front porch. But others, like those from 2024, riff on the genre by mixing Craftsman and modern farmhouse elements like stone accents and metal roofing.
Homeowners who can afford one of the expensive waterfront estates can enjoy an amazing view.
Large Million Dollar Estates line the Navesink Riverfront.
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State Routes 35 and 36 offer grocers and restaurants
“For groceries, there’s a Whole Foods on Route 35, and you can find places to gather like Nicholas Barrel and Roost,” says Farlow, referring to the commercial strip about 4 miles west of the neighborhood. Livoti’s Old World Market and Stop & Shop are other supermarket options. “But there are plenty of grocers on Route 36, too,” Farlow adds. About 5 miles north, Route 36 features a pair of Super Foodtown locations and casual stops like Ben’s Bistro, where patrons grab fries, burgers and sandwiches. Rumson, 3 miles south over the Oceanic Bridge, offers fine dining experiences. River Pointe Inn is a place for cocktails and oysters, while Red Horse is an upscale steakhouse.
Football is the big sport at Middletown South High
Highly ranked schools are also part of the appeal. Navesink Elementary covers kindergarten through fifth grade and earns an A from Niche. The school has a 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Bayshore Middle receives a B-plus and offers a range of extracurriculars, from the environmental club to the tech team. Middletown South High receives an A-minus and is known for its focus on athletics, including the annual Thanksgiving Day football game with Middletown North High. Several former students have gone on to play in the NFL.
Navesink Elementary School earns an overall score of A on Niche.
New Monmouth Students can go to Middletown South High School.
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The Belford Ferry Terminal offers rush hour service to NYC
Locust Point Road, which becomes Navesink River Road, provides a convenient perimeter pathway around the east and south sides of the neighborhood. It can be taken west to Route 35, intersecting near Nicholas Barrel and Roost, which Farlow says is a popular hangout spot for the community that feels like a refined diner. The Belford Ferry Terminal is about 5 miles north, accessible via Route 36. Rush hour service goes to Manhattan and Jersey City. For drivers using the Garden State Parkway and Interstate 95, it takes about an hour to reach New York City, which is 45 miles away.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Locust, Middletown sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Locust, Middletown over the last 12 months is $1,505,000, down 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This exquisitely renovated home offers a perfect blend of modern luxury & serene countryside living. With captivating views of the Navesink River, this 5 bed 3.5 bath property is a true gem. The classic floor plan seamlessly connects the living, dining, & kitchen areas, creating an inviting space for both relaxation & entertainment. Large windows throughout the main living spaces allow an
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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.
