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 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocean City, NJ over the last 12 months is $1,150,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Beautifully maintained and move in ready, this exceptional 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath single family home is ideally situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in the sought after Baylandings neighborhood. Thoughtfully updated throughout, the home features a custom-designed kitchen with handcrafted cabinetry, premium appliances, fresh interior paint, upgraded LED lighting, driveway pavers, and an epoxy-coated garage
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
BAY VIEWS and Coastal Living!! Tucked away Ocean City's southend, enjoy the serenity of the bayside Bluewater Condominium complex. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo is situated just 3 units in from bayside end of building and offers generous water views (awning installed 2025. You'll be just steps away from the community marina and clubhouse...bring your boat and your fishing rods!! On summer days,
301 Alder Lane presents a rare opportunity to own a truly exceptional bayfront townhome, where every detail has been thoughtfully curated with top-of-the-line, fully custom luxury finishes throughout. This three-story residence is being offered fully furnished, delivering a seamless, turnkey experience from the moment you walk in. Designed to capture the essence of elevated waterfront living, the
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 your perfect beach retreat in the heart of Ocean City, NJ! This meticulously maintained and updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo sits on the 2nd floor, offering the ideal blend of privacy, comfort, and coastal charm—just steps from the beach, boardwalk, and top local attractions. Step inside to a bright and airy open-concept living space - featuring vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors,
Opportunity awaits at 2016 Haven Ave in the heart of Ocean City! This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath bungalow sits on an oversized 4,600 sq ft buildable lot in one of the island’s most desirable locations—ideal for investors, developers, or buyers looking to create their dream shore home. Located just a few minutes’ walk to the beach on a quiet, low-traffic street with no through traffic, this property is
Northend Historic District • 1922 coastal residence • Dual covered front porches • Fenced rear yard • Detached garage • Walkable beach and dining location Set within Ocean City’s desirable Northend Historic District, 406 Central Ave presents a rare opportunity to update and personalize a classic shore home rich with original character and timeless architectural appeal. Built in 1922, this
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
934 Haven Avenue – Duplex for Sale in Ocean City Prime Location Just Steps 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 beautifully
Welcome to 1341 Pleasure Ave! Like new construction, this single family home has breathtaking OPEN BAY VIEWS! Thoughtfully designed for coastal living, this property features quartz, granite, and hardwood throughout. Enjoy the open concept quartz kitchen, with a double oven, and walk-in chefs pantry. Each bedroom has custom walk in closets, and fire places. This home also features a 2 car garage,
The advertised rate of $13,313/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
Property Id: 144199YEARLY RENTAL (available now).Renovated 3bd/1ba detached cottage. Walk up the exterior steps to a quaint porch & enter into the expansive combined dining/living room with built in-60” buffet. Immediately to your right is the brand kitchen, followed by the renovated bathroom (w/ in-unit laundry), and the largest bedroom. Towards the rear of the unit are the other
The advertised rate of $8,429/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 14, 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 $6,148/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 17, 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
YEAR-ROUND RENTAL. This is a newly renovated, corner property located at 1 W 8th St which has 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The property is situated on ground level as part of a two-family home. The living room provides ample space for relaxation and entertainment, while the bedrooms offer comfortable accommodations. Each bathroom is equipped with essential fixtures for convenience. One
Available starting Sept 1st RARE YEARLY LEASE available @ $2,200 p/mo + utilities. This CONDO is all about LOCATION-LOCATION-LOCATION -life your best life right on the OC Boardwalk! OCEAN FRONT Condo Boardwalk 986 Building is your Ocean City NJ tropical oasis. This listing is for UNIT A (2-Bed/1-Bath, sleeps 2-4). Ideally located in middle of it all & in heart of famous Ocean City Boardwalk in a
Available for Summer 2026 and flexible with dates. Custom bay-front single family home with 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Beautiful finishes inside and out. Great location for all of the best summer activities including a front row seat for Night in Venice. 3 season blue stone patio with indoor/outdoor fireplace. Beautiful views and ideal location for magical sunsets. Call for a showing. Date could
WINTER RENTAL -Cozy Cape Cod single family home in the south end! Fully furnished available for the WINTER season from September 1st 2026 thru May 15, 2027. Come enjoy Ocean City during the off-season months and see all the extra things that happen year round for all of the holidays! 3Bedrooms/2 bathrooms, Outside Shower, Fenced Yard, Shed, Florida Room, Gas Heat, Central Air, plenty of sleeping
DEBORAH IMBERKeller Williams Realty Jersey Shore - Ocean City
OC Bayfront Condo for rent; located on the Open Bay in Ocean City. Features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Updated Kitchen and Open Concept Living Area, Nicely Appointed Tile Bathrooms, Ample Off-street Parking, Storage, a Bike Rack, a large Bayfront Deck for Lounging and to Take in The Open Bay Breezes! This property sleeps 6. All just a few short blocks to the center of the the island. Located close
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
North end 1st floor 2 bedroom 2 full bath available for yearly rental. Extra large unit has sunroom hardwood flooring Fenced in yard (owner will consider a pet) and offstreet parking all central located near the beach, boardwalk, schools, downtown and much more. Call about a 3 bedroom option as well. Available immediately. Call today
THIS IS NOT A YEARLY RENTAL! AVAILABLE OCTOBER 1, 2026 THROUGH APRIL 30TH, 2027 AS WINTER RENTAL FOR $2200/Month. ALSO AVAILABLE AS SUMMER 2026 RENTAL FOR SEPTEMBER FOR $5000 FOR THE MONTH! 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA Condo on Boardwalk/Ocean side of Ocean Colony! Many upgrades AND SPACIOUS, with lots of natural light, and two large decks! Minimum 1 month rental in this building. Common Areas include
Cynda HollenbaughLONG and FOSTER REAL ESTATE INC-Ocean City, 9th St
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