$1,687,998Average Value$1,009Average Price per Sq Ft198Homes For Sale
Living in America’s greatest family resort in the on- and off-seasons
If people familiar with New Jersey’s South Shore don’t know Ocean City's nostalgic boardwalk, Atlantic Ocean beaches and the labyrinthian blocks of beach houses that fill the barrier island, they've certainly heard of them. “Ocean City has built its reputation as America’s greatest family resort. That makes it clean, safe and quiet,” says Doug Bergen, Ocean City’s public information officer and an OC resident of nearly a decade.
For the better part of its existence, Ocean City has been among the South Shore’s most popular vacation towns. Still, many are less acquainted with what goes on in the city in the months not between Memorial Day and Labor Day. By the numbers, the population decreases to less than a tenth of its summer peak. The flashing lights of amusement park rides and many boardwalk businesses wind down, or at least reduce hours, until next season. Ocean City has long been known for second homes and by-the-week summer rentals, a reputation that still resonates. However, the rise in remote work has allowed seasonal tourists, also called shoobies, to set up permanent roosts in what were once temporary abodes rather than only joining the flocks of renters (and seagulls) when it’s hot. And with an off-season defined by wide-open coastline, charming holiday events and a well-rated school district, Ocean City is just as equipped to offer the ambiance of a classic shore town during its low tide as it is during high summer’s high tide.
Most homes in Ocean City are within walking distance to the beach.
Ocean City is big for summer rentals, most homes have large decks and porches.
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Beach tag access to Atlantic Ocean beaches
When visitors cross the Ocean City Boardwalk laden with beach day gear, they tend to peer over the grass-swept dunes, trying to glimpse the Atlantic Ocean. Local or tourist, however, they will be stopped by a teenager in a beach chair before they can start the long trek over the sand. Beach tags are needed to access Ocean City’s Atlantic Ocean beaches during the city’s summer season, the proceeds of which help to keep them beautiful year after year. The boardwalk is its own recreation destination, its wooden planks clearly labeled with lanes for walkers, bikers, runners and multi-user surrey bikes on the widest blocks. Through the summer, cycles of all sorts are restricted to the morning hours. Understandably, year-round residents look forward to “local summer,” those early weeks of fall when restrictions loosen, temperatures remain balmy and the relative potential for bike-on-bike collisions becomes much lower. While the ocean and boardwalk receive a lot of attention, Great Egg Harbor Bay lines the other side of Ocean City, packed with hassocks and meandering waterways for boaters and anglers to explore. Those that get sick of sand in their toes can enjoy some time indoors at places like the Aquatic & Fitness Center or Ocean City Free Public Library.
Don't forget to get your beach tags for the Ocean City beach.
Take in some nature on the Great Egg Harbor Bay in Ocean City.
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Blocks of porch-fronted beach houses in Ocean City
Laid out in even blocks from the back bays to the beach block, Ocean City’s housing is varied, but popular coastal motifs tie well-landscaped lawns and the overall architecture together. Large single-family homes stand close together, typically sporting two or three floors of porches out front to capture the ocean breeze, whether they were built in the early 20th century or are being rebuilt in New Traditional designs in the 2020s. Smaller homes that have not been replaced by new construction can still be found throughout the city, especially in the more winding, northern Ocean City Gardens area. Condos are popular, both in a few larger complexes and in one of a beach house’s multiple floors. Ocean City’s median single-family home price is more than $1.7 million, blowing the national median of $406,100 given by the National Association of Realtors out of the water. That cost, however, can sometimes be offset by Ocean City’s exceptional summer rental economy. “Some people are doing Airbnb or Vrbo, but there’s a lot of agencies in Ocean City that handle weekly rentals. You find a lot will do it both ways, and take what’s best for the week,” says Amy Reuter, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway who specializes in southern New Jersey and has recently begun living in OC full-time. Regardless of square footage, cost and style, houses with enough back alley or garage parking spaces are a must for many buyers; street parking can feel close to impossible when summer rolls around.
Most homes in Ocean City have a porch or deck so you can relax in a cool breeze.
The Ocean City population drastically increases during the summer months with available homes rentals.
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Shopping and dining on the boardwalk and Asbury Avenue
Reasonable minds can disagree on which of the boardwalk’s pizza shops and breakfast joints, fudge stores and watch-the-magic saltwater taffy shops are best, but long lines reveal some of the favorites. Toward the center of the island, Asbury Avenue is a quaint downtown shopping district where plenty of specialty shops, local restaurants and boutique art galleries line the sidewalks. Considering the city’s seasonality, locals keep mental lists of the places that open for longer than the summer. Nowhere in Ocean City, however, can anybody get a drink; since 1909, it has been illegal to manufacture or sell alcohol. Ocean City was designed as a Christian seaside summer escape, and plenty of local churches have stuck around alongside the religion-fueled anti-alcohol law. Bergen notes that despite OC being a dry town, there’s nothing stopping residents from partaking in the privacy of their own homes or grabbing a drink in a neighboring municipality.
Yianni's Cafe is a family owned restaurant and it is said they have the best bagels at the shore since 1997.
There is so many different things to chooses from at Stainton's in Ocean City.
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Boardwalk amusement and seasonal Ocean City events
The Music Pier, as its name suggests, sticks straight out over the beach from the boardwalk, a popular concert venue and homebase for the Ocean City Pops orchestra. Wonderland, a beloved amusement park that has long marked the northern end of the boardwalk with its castle-like facade and towering Ferris wheel, closed in 2024. There’s been much hubbub about potentially building a hotel, but zoning challenges have made any plans uncertain. In the meantime, amusement park fans need not worry – the coasters and carnival atmosphere of Playland’s Castaway Cove are a handful of blocks away.
Summer brings countless parades, events and tourist-centered attractions to the boardwalk. But one of the best-loved, according to Reuter, is a parade and party that takes place on the back bay. “In July, we have the Night in Venice. It’s a boat parade on the bay. Everybody decks out their boats and the houses along the bay, there’s fireworks – it's a big party,” she says. Smaller crowds celebrate off-season holidays with fanfare at the Halloween and Christmas parades.
Playland's Castaway Cove is one of the top attractions on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
The OC Waterpark is very popular place to spend a day during the summer in Ocean City.
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Biking in OC and driving to the mainland’s Garden State Parkway
Cyclists travel around the island on the boardwalk and in a handful of bike lanes. Bridges like the Ninth Street Bridge offer access to the mainland. Beyond Atlantic City’s casino and AtlantiCare-based hubs, the nearest big city is Philadelphia, about 65 miles away by way of the Atlantic City Expressway. Medical care is much closer to home at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point. The Garden State Parkway offers broad access to New Jersey’s shoreline destinations, including Atlantic City International Airport, which is about 16 miles from home. While Jitney buses only operate during the summer season, those needing to access NJ Transit can board buses at the Ocean City Transportation Center.
Just minutes from Ocean City is Shore Medical Center for all of your medical needs.
To get into Ocean City you will need to take one of the few bridges that go over the Great Egg Harbor Bay.
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Shore town athletes at Ocean City High School
Ocean City is family-friendly to more than seasonal visitors – Ocean City School District earns an A from Niche, ensuring that the kids sticking around off-season can access an excellent education. Ocean City High School earns an A-minus and is known for its student athlete culture, with plenty of fans cheering on the home team at Carey Stadium or rooting for practicing teams that come running by along the boardwalk or the shore.
Ocean City High School is rated #1 in best public high school in Cape May County.
Ocean City High School offers many sports programs for it's students.
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Understanding crime data, weather patterns and flood risk in OC
The Ocean City Police Department provides annual crime statistics to New Jersey’s Uniform Crime Reporting database. The most recent years for which full-year reports have been aggregated are 2021 and 2022, during which overall crime rose by 81%. Property crime was most common during both years, with violent crime rarely being reported.
Though many know Ocean City for its hot, beachy summers, it experiences all four seasons. Sand dunes often sparkle with snow through below-freezing winters.
It’s no fun to bring up flood risk on vacation, but Ocean City is one big flood zone. Dunes protect the oceanside, but the bay has long been the main cause of both nuisance flooding and worse storm surge. Bergen offers an accounting of the city’s successful mitigation efforts: “Whenever we repave streets, we try to elevate them as much as possible. Even two feet is the difference between a flooded street or not. Pumping stations can keep ahead of a lot of it. They’ve been life-changing, there’s only a small number of neighborhoods without them yet.” Ocean City’s current and future-facing plans for flood mitigation mean that residents can enjoy discounts on flood insurance through a program partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Written By
Julia Szymanski
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Birnbaum
Video By
Mark Tilley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Ocean City, NJ sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocean City, NJ over the last 12 months is $1,112,500, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this North End Gem, 35 Asbury Avenue 2nd Floor. A meticulously cared for second floor home ideally located in Ocean City's North End of the island. This recently renovated residence offers three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a perfectly laid out floor plan for year around living or a second home investment unit at the shore. The kitchen has been completely reimagined with bar top
Fully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage in the heart of Ocean City. Located directly across from Bungalow Bowls and Starbucks and diagonally off Asbury Avenue, this is one of the most walkable, high-demand locations on the island. The unit has been completely updated with all new finishes and brand-new appliances throughout. Part of a three-unit building with the condo conversion process fully
Catch those good vibes at 809 1st Street Unit 1, right in the heart of Ocean City’s beloved North End, just steps away from 1st Street Beach. This laid-back, sun-soaked first-floor condo is everything you’ve been dreaming of — featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, one of which is private to the primary bedroom and convenient laundry room off off of the kitchen. Originally built in 1920 and
Arthur CarrKeller Williams Realty - Washington Township
Welcome to Oceanside Condominium unit 35. Beautifully updated and ready for its new owner! Experience the best of Ocean City in this second floor, one bedroom unit ideally situated only steps away from the boardwalk, beach, water park, music pier, shopping, restaurants and so much more! This unit offers thoughtful updating and a very private deck for outdoor living. Enjoy all the amenities
CHRISTINE ECKER MASKER
LONG and FOSTER REAL ESTATE INC-Ocean City, 9th St
Welcome to Ocean Colony! Discover beachside living at its finest with this beautifully updated condo in the heart of Ocean City! Renovations include a new open concept kitchen with white shaker style cabinets, granite counter tops, tiled back-splash, large island with lots of counterspace and extra storage. Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout kitchen, living area and bath. Gorgeous crown
Located just steps from the beach, boardwalk, and downtown shopping district this 2nd floor condo features one bedroom, one bath. Park in your assigned space conveniently located right at the elevator. This furnished and well-equipped unit is perfect as a weekend retreat or could be used as a rental.
Welcome to 2924-26 Wesley Ave! Located in Ocean City's exclusive Gold-coast neighborhood, this immaculate duplex offers an open floor plan, granite, quartz, and tile throughout. This home has been meticulously maintained and has amazing ocean views! Also featuring private garages and plenty of storage. Enjoy your private path to the beach directly from your home. Why buy one floor of a duplex
This beach-block studio sits just steps from the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk, lively beaches, and only a short stroll to downtown shopping and dining. A beautifully maintained corner unit that offers the perfect way to enjoy everything America’s greatest family resort has to offer—without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re looking for a personal getaway, extended stays, or a smart rental to
Adorable first-floor 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo located in the heart of Ocean City! Recently updated with brand-new countertops, fresh cabinetry, new appliances, and a spacious rear porch perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach. Just two blocks to the Boardwalk, beaches, and Music Pier, and three blocks to Asbury Avenue’s shops and restaurants. Conveniently situated within walking or biking
Welcome to this North End Gem, 35 Asbury Avenue 2nd Floor. A meticulously cared for second floor home ideally located in Ocean City's North End of the island. This recently renovated residence offers three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a perfectly laid out floor plan for year around living or a second home investment unit at the shore. The kitchen has been completely reimagined with bar top
This well-appointed condo features 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. The unit has a gourmet kitchen, with a Sub Zero refrigerator and Wolf appliances along with a dining room and living room with multiple Juliette balconies. Open the sliders and enjoy the ocean breeze. The unit is accessed by a common area spiral stair tower featuring handcrafted railings or by elevator. Enjoy beautiful arched mahogany
Welcome to this North End Gem, 35 Asbury Avenue 2nd Floor. A meticulously cared for second floor home ideally located in Ocean City's NorthEnd of the island. This recently renovated residence offers three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a perfectly laid out floor plan for year around living or a second home investment unit at the shore. The kitchen has been completely reimagined with bar top
Welcome to The FLANDERS Condominium Hotel and this SPACIOUS 1 bedroom, 1 bath CONDO! Located on the 8th floor, the VIEWS are incredible. Enter to find a SPACIOUS living room with an adjoining dining area. The UPDATED kitchen shines with granite countertops, a TRENDY backsplash, white cabinets, a dishwasher, a fridge, a cooktop, and a microwave. The bedroom easily holds a KING-sized suite, 2
Welcome to 811 Delancey Place, a beautiful Gardens beach block single family home, just completely restored! This home features a custom gourmet kitchen, hardware floors, new roof, new mini split AC system, and heat pumps, situated on a quiet residential street, just steps from the Gardens north end boardwalk, and beaches! Why buy one floor of a duplex, when you can have your own private single
New oceanfront construction featuring 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths per unit. Each residence offers a private pool, elevator, garage parking, and multiple covered and uncovered decks with stunning ocean views. Open-concept living, ensuite bedrooms, rooftop deck access, and high-end finishes throughout. Prime beachfront location in Ocean City’s desirable Gold Coast.
Spacious Sunny Yearly rental in Ocean City. Located in the Four Seasons Condo complex all ages welcome. Unit faces Bay with open views. Renovated 1st floor unit includes two bedrooms and one full bathroom. Washer and dryer in unit plus a community super clean laundry room for larger loads. New air conditioning units are included. New mattress. Hardwood floors, sleeper queen size sofa, 2 tv'
Experience bayfront living at its best in this stunning WATERFRONT summer rental at Harbor House, located in the north end of Ocean City. This second-floor end unit offers spectacular bay views and incredible sunsets. The property features 1BR/1BA, a full kitchen, washer/dryer and excellent amenities; including fishing right at your doorstep, a relaxing pool, and a bayfront sundeck and barbecue
Nestled in the heart of Ocean City, feel at home in this charming coastal retreat just minutes from the beach and boardwalk. This 3-bedroom bungalow offers bright and airy interiors.This home features a fully stocked kitchen with all cookware and dishes, toaster, blender, and Keurig coffee maker. Beach essentials include 6 beach chairs, a cooler, a wagon/cart, an umbrella, and 6 beach tags
Updated yearly rental at 12 Genoa Ct, Ocean City in the sought-after Ocean Reef Condo Association. Offered fully furnished, this 2BR, 2.5BA bayfront condo offers 1,360 sq ft of well-planned living space plus two bayfront decks with wide open-water views and a sunset-facing orientation. The main level features a spacious living room, dining area, and kitchen—all positioned to capture the bayfront
Escape to this stylish 3-bedroom condo in Ocean City, New Jersey, perfect for families. Located just steps from the beach, boardwalk, and various dining options, feel at home in this spacious apartment.This carefully curated and professionally managed apartment is designed to ensure a memorable stay, creating a perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and relaxation. The open-concept living
LAST MINUTE WINTER RENTAL OR SUMMER 2026? Don’t miss this rare chance to lease a premier boardwalk condo in Ocean City. Offering coastal living at its finest—complete with balconies, ocean breeze, top-tier amenities, and the iconic beachside lifestyle. Ideal for those ready to embrace a seaside retreat without compromise. 1 car parking spot & beach storage included.
Michael MarottaKeller Williams Realty - Wildwood Crest
Escape to this modern 2-bedroom condo in beautiful Ocean City, NJ, a stone's throw from the beach! Feel at home in this carefully curated and professionally managed space, designed to ensure a memorable stay.The open-concept living area features comfortable seating, a large TV, and plenty of natural light. The fully equipped modern kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, all cookware and
Experience bayfront living at its best in this stunning WATERFRONT summer rental at Harbor House, located in the north end of Ocean City. This second-floor end unit offers spectacular bay views and incredible sunsets. The property features 1BR/1BA, a full kitchen, washer/dryer and excellent amenities; including fishing right at your doorstep, a relaxing pool, and a bayfront sundeck and barbecue
DEBORAH IMBERKeller Williams Realty Jersey Shore-Ocean City
Nestled in Ocean City's desirable Gardens neighborhood, feel at home in this cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath retreat, offering a peaceful escape just a 9-minute walk from the beach.This home features an open-concept living area with plush seating, a large TV, and plenty of natural light. The fully equipped modern kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, all cookware and dishes, a toaster, blender,
READY FOR SUMMER 2026? Don’t miss this rare chance to lease a premier boardwalk condo in Ocean City. Offering coastal living at its finest—complete with balconies, ocean breeze, top-tier amenities, and the iconic beachside lifestyle. Ideal for those ready to embrace a seaside retreat without compromise. 1 car parking spot, beach storage, community room, gym with sauna & game room included.
Michael MarottaKeller Williams Realty - Wildwood Crest
Tucked away in Ocean City, feel at home in this 5-bedroom, 3-bath home that comfortably accommodates up to 13 guests.Enjoy a bright living space with smart TVs, a fireplace, and a fully stocked kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The kitchen includes all cookware and dishes, a toaster, blender, Keurig coffee maker, and an island with bar seating. Step outside to a private backyard with a
Bayfront townhouse rental available for summer 2026! Features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, open bay views, community pool, and access to dock for swimming & fishing. Off-street parking for 2 cars and enclosed outdoor shower. $50,000 for the whole summer.
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