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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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ocean City, NJ sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocean City, NJ over the last 12 months is $1,140,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming beach block home just steps from the beach. The first floor features a spacious living room, an eat-in kitchen with a gas range, a convenient powder room, and both front and rear decks. Relax on the wraparound front deck and enjoy beautiful ocean views and coastal breezes. Upstairs, you'll find three generously sized bedrooms and a full bath, with one bedroom offering scenic ocean views.
Beach block South End • One house to beach • Renovated spring 2026 • New roof 2024 • Furnished • Driveway parking Just one house from the beach, this renovated South End condo offers a rare blend of location, condition, and value in Ocean City. 3619 Central Ave. #3 is a first-floor, one-level 2-bedroom, 1-bath retreat designed for effortless shore living. Renovated in spring 2026, the home
"Better than new construction!" Welcome to 3232 Simpson Ave, a stunning coastal retreat situated on a wide, quiet street in the heart of Ocean City. Built in 2021, this modern single-family masterpiece features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and premium amenities designed for luxury shore living. From the moment you arrive, you will appreciate the convenience of an attached 2-car garage, providing
***PRIVATE ROOFTOP LIVING IN OCEAN CITY'S SOUTH END Experience the best of the Jersey Shore from this exceptional top-floor 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence in Ocean City's sought-after South End. Offering a rare combination of spacious indoor living, private outdoor spaces, an elevator, and impressive ground-level amenities, this home is designed for both relaxed beach living and effortless
Gold Coast oceanfront • Reimagined in 2025 • 3,641 sq ft • 5 BR | 5.5 BA • 50' x 165' parcel • Panoramic ocean views • Direct Boardwalk & beach access**Built in 2019 and extensively reimagined in 2025, this three-level, side-by-side oceanfront townhouse pairs substantial scale with a highly considered collection of materials and exceptionally detailed finish work. At 1913 Wesley Avenue in
Charming beach block home just steps from the beach. The first floor features a spacious living room, an eat-in kitchen with a gas range, a convenient powder room, and both front and rear decks. Relax on the wraparound front deck and enjoy beautiful ocean views and coastal breezes. Upstairs, you'll find three generously sized bedrooms and a full bath, with one bedroom offering scenic ocean views.
Oceanfront Southend location • 5 bedrooms • Covered private decks • Ocean view primary suite • No HOA • Fully furnished • Proven rental income Wake up to the sound of the ocean and enjoy coastal living from this first-floor oceanfront condo at 4301 Central Ave in Ocean City’s sought-after Southend. Positioned on the corner of 43rd Street and Central Avenue, this spacious 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath
Welcome to 935 Ocean Avenue in the highly sought-after Ocean Colony! This fully renovated beachfront condo offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, and beautiful ocean and Boardwalk views. Inside, you’ll find an upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a tile backsplash, soft-close cabinetry, and a beautiful accent wall. Brand-new sliders and floor-to-ceiling window treatments include room-darkening
Welcome to 212 Central Ave #2, also known as “A Wave From It All,” a spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bath 2nd and 3rd floor condo located in the highly sought-after Northend section of Ocean City, New Jersey. This top-floor unit offers the perfect blend of shore lifestyle and investment potential whether you are searching for a strong rental property, second home, or future primary residence. Featuring
Beach block South End • One house to beach • Renovated spring 2026 • New roof 2024 • Furnished • Driveway parking Just one house from the beach, this renovated South End condo offers a rare blend of location, condition, and value in Ocean City. 3619 Central Ave. #3 is a first-floor, one-level 2-bedroom, 1-bath retreat designed for effortless shore living. Renovated in spring 2026, the home
Welcome to 735 Wesley Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226. This renovated historic 4-bedroom, 3-full-bath, three-story home is ideally located at 8th Street and Wesley Avenue in the heart of Ocean City’s Downtown area. Offering approximately 1,955 square feet of living space, the home provides a spacious and versatile layout with plenty of room for everyone. Whether used as a primary residence, second
In the heart of Downtown Ocean City, this historic corner triplex captures the timeless coastal charm of the shore, featuring a rare side-by-side front building and a separate rear cottage—all situated on a 40x90 lot. The front building offers a spacious side-by-side layout, with each unit featuring 6 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. Each first floor includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, half
934 Haven Avenue – Condo for Sale in Ocean City Prime Location Just Short walk to the Beach & Boardwalk Discover an exceptional investment opportunity in the heart of Ocean City’s sought-after shore district. Located just a short stroll from the pristine beaches and iconic boardwalk, 934 Haven Avenue offers the perfect blend of location, lifestyle, and income-producing potential. This beautiful
Single-family home featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in a quiet neighborhood, just minutes from the bay. This charming home offers tons of storage, an updated kitchen and bathrooms, a fenced-in yard, and an outdoor shower. Relax and unwind on the cozy covered front porch. Perfect starter home for a growing family!
Beautifully maintained efficiency condo in a prime Ocean City location! This move in ready unit features heating and A/C, luxury vinyl flooring, newer windows, and a newer front door, and more. Enjoy excellent building amenities including a heated pool, kiddie pool, elevator, on site laundry, and game room. Conveniently located near the beach, playground, tennis courts, and shopping. With a
The advertised rate of $3,502/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 22, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
The advertised rate of $5,226/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 18, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Property Id: 1811527 A beautiful home in an amazing location close to everything OC offers! On Ocean Ave by boardwalk entrance. 3 bed, 2 bath, front porch to relax on Bike and beach chair storage. Private parking. Available November 1, 2026 to May 27, 2027.
The advertised rate of $12,193/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of April 30, 2027. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $9,090/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of May 15, 2027. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $4,625/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 26, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $13,365/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 9, 2027. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $5,526/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 15, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $6,158/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 24, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $4,540/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 18, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $6,461/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 10, 2026. Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
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