A coastal community with suburban stretches, supported by tourism and entertainment
Toms River receives a lot of visitors, and not just the kind who want to enjoy waterfront fun – it has the most UFO sightings of any city in New Jersey. This county seat of Ocean County has a penchant for the far out and otherworldly. “The Amityville Horror” was filmed here in 1979, followed up by “The X Files” movie in 1998. Firemen who organize the annual Halloween parade claim it’s the second largest of its kind in the world. But these days, the city likes to keep things grounded, by attracting homebuyers with a promise of community, no matter their previous residence – or previous galaxy, as it were.
“It’s a big small town,” says Diana Morgan, a Realtor with Keller Williams Shore Properties. “Even though it’s large, when locals are out, they usually run into someone they know.” Nearly 100,000 residents make up Toms River, where the median age is 42. Tourism is of course a thriving industry, with nearly 20% of residents working in retail, but education and health care are highly represented, too. Ocean First Bank, headquartered there, is another top employer.
One of the ways that Toms River aims to increase connection is through mixed-use development. In fall 2024, the city’s planning board began reviewing a proposal to rehabilitate the intersection of Hooper Avenue and Fischer Boulevard. The project would bring batting cages, offices, pickleball courts and eateries.
In addition, Toms River is continuing to build on its entertainment profile, thanks to another major project 30 miles north, at the abandoned Fort Monmouth complex. “Netflix is in the process of developing a nearly 300-acre parcel,” says Alex Farlow, a real estate salesperson with Compass New Jersey. “It’s very rare to find a property that big within an hour of Manhattan, especially with easy access to the train and to the ferry.”
The Atlantic Ocean is just a quick boat ride away down the Toms River.
Founders Day offers a family-friendly environment with amusements and live music.
1/2
From seaside estates to small ranches
Toms River starts at the Atlantic Ocean, then stretches inland several miles, in the direction of McGuire Air Force Base. As a result, there’s a mix of coastal and suburban lifestyles.
“The section of town known as North Dover was a farm at one time. Now it has many beautiful homes on large lots,” says Morgan. “The east section of town has riverfront homes with private docks and access to Barnegat Bay.”
The preponderance of sidewalks and mature shade trees makes for a highly walkable community, even though most people drive to run errands. Homes are usually set back on the lot, with owners aiming for minimalist landscaping, such as shrubs and hedges. Driveways and attached garages are abundant.The far western part of Toms River begins stretching toward Monmouth County, which Farlow says is quite a bit different than coastal culture. “It’s suburban but more rural,” he says. “People go there for bigger houses and more land.”
In the $250,000 to $350,000 range, there are numerous variations on small boxy cottage styles and ranch styles. These two-bedroom homes can be fully brick, while others are built with siding. More than a few have mixed materials.
Cape Cods, larger ranch styles and split-level homes appear in the $450,000 to $550,000 range. Within the $600,000 to $900,000 range are modern traditional homes that move away from midcentury style for a more contemporary look. Above $900,000 and into the multi-million-dollar range are waterfront properties and sprawling estates. The median home price is $450,000 while the national median is $416,700.
Mansions on the Toms River with private boat docks are a unique feature to the area.
Ranch homes in Toms River are a popular home style.
1/2
Strongly rated public schools, plus a community college known for performing arts
Toms River Regional School District receives an overall B rating from Niche, and gets an A-minus in the college prep category. More than 14,500 students are spread across 18 schools. Toms River Intermediate East, which receives a B-minus rating, is one of the city’s leading employers, with over 350 staff members.
In line with the city’s love of entertainment and its efforts to build community, Toms River Fest was created by the school district in the early 2000s as an education fundraiser. Even though the festival was retired in 2008, it’s been considered a high watermark of success in Toms River history. Superstars like Avril Lavigne, Joan Jett and Keith Urban performed. Today, fundraising concerts are held at RWJ Barnabas Health Arena, which is connected to Toms River High School North.
Toms River High School East students became influencers of their own for a viral series of lip-synching videos in the 2010s. The videos were produced by the district’s TV network.
Ocean Community College features a large performing arts center, and has Bruce Springsteen on its roster of former students. Donovan Catholic High is the only Catholic school in the county.
Toms River High - East High School
Welcome to Toms River Intermediate East in Toms River, NJ.
1/2
Route 9 and Route 37 hold the community together
U.S. Route 9 and state Route 37 form the crux of the Toms River transportation network, intersecting near the city’s namesake river. By taking Route 9 north, drivers can reach Interstate 195. New York City is a little over 70 miles north, while Philadelphia is just over 50 miles south.
Route 37 and Hooper Avenue bear the brunt of traffic during the summertime surge. Route 9 is known for being the site of the Community Medical Center, formerly the state’s largest nonteaching hospital.
For public transportation, New Jersey Transit buses will take riders to Journal Square in Jersey City, to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan and to Atlantic City. The Atlantic City International Airport and the Trenton-Mercer Airport are roughly 50 miles away.
Beach fun, walking trails and plenty of playgrounds
One of the prime outdoor attractions in Toms River is the beach. And it’s a unique setup, too: Dover Beaches North and South are situated on a peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can rent a bike and pedal along Bay Boulevard. For an entertaining boardwalk experience, strollers along Seaside Avenue will encounter games and amusement rides.
The park spaces are intriguing, too. Huddy Park is downtown with a Revolutionary War fort reproduction. For modern fun, the Toms River Skatepark features a large bowl that was completed in 2021. Field of Dreams is a brightly colored playground with themed areas, like Gavin’s Galaxy, which is marked by an archway with smiling extraterrestrials. Toms River Veterans Recreation Complex offers a more traditional park atmosphere with playgrounds, walking trails and ballfields. Fans of soccer, tennis and more walking trails can go to Shelter Cove Park. The John Bennett Indoor Athletic Center is one of the largest indoor athletic complexes in the state, and has been nicknamed “The Bubble” for its unusual dome-shaped profile.
Asbury Park is an outdoorsy gathering spot just over 20 miles north that’s part of the metro area, with daily news coverage of Toms River provided by the Asbury Park Press. “It’s considered a central destination in this area,” says Farlow. “It’s right on the beach, there’s a boardwalk, you can walk over to great music venues and multiple restaurants.”
Field of Dreams Playground is open for all special needs children of all ages in Toms River.
The Seaside Boardwalk is very leisurely with some restaurants open all year round.
1/2
Comfort food, cook-offs and a downtown farmers market
The tightknit and small-town vibe that Morgan speaks of really shows up on Washington Street during Fridays and Saturdays from May to October. Downtown Night Out is all about food, shopping, living music and mingling. The downtown area is also host to the Chili and Salsa Cook-Off, held at various times during the cooler months. Every Wednesday, Huddy Park is host to a farmers market downtown.
Main Street is considered the city’s restaurant row. Walking this stretch, patrons can encounter playfully named places like Shut Up & Eat, which specializes in old school diner food. But there are also plenty of opportunities for pizza, tacos, Asian cuisine and baked goods. Hooper Avenue is another reliable dining strip, lined with bistros and bars.
Plus, there’s world-class dining to explore in Rumson, about 30 miles north. “Red Horse is a steakhouse with a chef nominated for James Beard awards,” says Farlow. Chef David Burke is also a frequent guest on hit TV show “Top Chef.”
For brand name shopping, two big regional shopping centers are placed across from each other on Bay Avenue: the Ocean County Mall and Seacourt Pavilion.
Your weekly grocery shopping can be done at Shop Rite.
Step back in time and enjoy the retro diner scenery of Poppy's Place.
1/2
Insectropolis is a museum crawling with bugs
Insectropolis is crawling with insects, but that’s exactly how this museum likes it. Visitors can even pick up a live tarantula or a scorpion. Outer space is pondered at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, and history buffs like learning about an oceanside past at Toms River Seaport Society and Maritime Museum. For those who want to rove around on the water, River Lady is a paddle wheel boat that travels Toms River. Exit 82 is the city’s premier performing arts group.
Insectropolis is a great place to learn about insects of all types in Toms River.
Handling a tarantula spider at Insectropolis in Toms River.
1/2
Water concerns, low violent crime rate
The city’s humid climate can bring around 120 days of rainfall on average, making umbrella ownership a necessity in Toms River. Downtown is also one of the lowest lying areas, so when major storms come through – like Hurricane Sandy in 2012 – flooding can occur.
A different concern relating to water exists, too, mainly drinking water. In the 90s, federal health agencies investigated the Toms River Chemical Plant, after local reports of childhood cancer. The plant closed in 1996, followed by a marked decrease in cancer cases. Stringent tests to restore clean drinking water to the community have been met with success.
One of the appeals to Toms River is a low violent crime rate. According to FBI data, the state’s violent crime rate in 2022 was 203 cases per 100,000 residents compared to the Toms River rate of six cases and the national rate of 380. A new police chief was hired in September 2024, after the previous chief was embroiled in a publicized battle with the mayor, who took office in January. The mayor was in favor of cutting police staff and diverting funds to emergency medical technicians.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Video By
Adam Lapallo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jamie Paradise,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Toms River, NJ sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Toms River, NJ over the last 12 months is $410,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This is a Coming Soon listing & cannot be shown until 3/19 Welcome to this beautifully maintained Colonial located in the highly desirable Georgetown neighborhood. Situated in a family-friendly community known for its welcoming atmosphere, this home offers both comfort & privacy.Step inside to a bright & inviting cathedral ceiling entryway that creates an impressive first impression. The spacious
Very Well-Maintained Home with Great Location! Wonderful Backyard and Property!Picturesque with Brook!Very Pretty Tree Lined Street!Most Desirable Fort De France!Great Holiday City Berkeley Community!Very Convenient to 2 New Clubhouses, and 2 Pools!2 Gyms!New Large Library and Computer Room.Game Rooms!Pool Room with 5 Pool Tables!Exercises
COMING SOON SHOWINGS START ON 3/21 Lovingly maintained by the original owners, this pristine 4-bedroom Colonial in the desirable Silverton section of Toms River offers both modern updates and timeless charm. The sellers thoughtfully chose this oversized lot when the home was built, envisioning plenty of outdoor space for their family to enjoy. The fully fenced backyard features a large deck, lush
Live the beach life you've been day-dreaming about in the coveted Ocean Beach section of Lavallette.This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-full bath single-family home offers the perfect blend of coastal charm and modern comfort--just one block from the beach. Yes, one block. Close enough to hear the waves... far enough to keep the sand mostly outside.Spanning two levels, this home is
Beautifully renovated 4-Bedroom home w/ Bonus Room in desirable Toms River, features open-concept layout & stylish modern updates throughout. The brand-new Kitchen offers Quartz Countertops, Ceramic Tile Flooring, Stainless Steel Appliances, and Custom Cabinetry. Refinished Hardwood Floors flow through the Living Room, Dining Room, & upstairs Bedrooms. Two fully Renovated Bathrooms showcase
Under Contract conitinue to show Completely renovated Lakeview model in desirable Holiday City Carefree! This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bath home has been thoughtfully updated and is truly move-in ready. Recent improvements include a brand new roof, new windows, new central A/C, and fresh paint inside and out. The custom kitchen has been beautifully redesigned with modern finishes and flows
Michael Spinetta
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
Experience effortless one-level living in this beautifully upgraded and well maintained Toms River home. Offering three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this residence blends comfort, style, and thoughtful improvements throughout. Vaulted ceilings in the living room create an airy, open atmosphere, while new luxury vinyl plank flooring adds a modern touch. Most major mechanical systems have been
Why rent when you can own close to the Beach? This 2-bedroom, 2.5 bath home in Windsor Park is a great opportunity for first-time buyers or downsizers looking for comfort, functionality, and value. The practical layout offers easy everyday living, with a kitchen that opens to the dining area—perfect for casual meals or entertaining friends. A bright, spacious living room is filled with natural
Beautifully Maintained & Updated - Corner Lot Gem! Welcome to this move-in ready home located on a desirable corner lot in the vibrant Holiday City at Berkeley adult community. This detached home has been thoughtfully updated and meticulously cared for, offering comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. Major upgrades include new windows and vinyl siding (2016), and a Timberline roof installed
Build your dream home on this beautiful 50 x 100 vacant lot located in the desirable Pine Lake Park section of Manchester! Utilities are conveniently located at the street, making this property ready for your vision. The current R-10 zoning requirement is 100 x 100; however, 50 x 100 lots have previously received variance approvals. Please see attached approved building variance minutes
Hold on! You just stumbled upon your dream home at the Jersey Shore. You won't want to miss this stunningly renovated mobile home in Roberts Mobile Home Park, a vibrant 55+ community. Just imagine whipping up meals in the gorgeous, updated kitchen and unwinding in the modern bath. With fresh paint, new flooring, and plenty of space for entertaining, you can truly kick back and relish life.
Arlene Meyers
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Manalapan
Luxury multigenerational residence offering rare flexibility, privacy, and exceptional finishes. The main home features 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths with generous living and entertaining spaces, quality craftsmanship, and a warm, welcoming layout. A standout feature is the exceptional ±1,200 sq ft private living suite, designed as a true second residence with 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, full
Located in the desirable Holiday City South, a vibrant 55+ community, this home offers an exceptional floor plan and a wonderful opportunity to make it your own. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, the property features vaulted ceilings in the living room, dining room, and spacious primary bedroom, creating an open and airy atmosphere throughout.A sun porch with air conditioning provides
Lisa Hill
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
Beautifully renovated 3-bed, 2.5-bath waterfront ranch on exclusive Green Island in Silverton, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning bayfront views and direct water access. Enjoy a private resort-style backyard with a new dock, boat lift, bulkhead, saltwater heated pool, custom patio, new decking, and privacy fence—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside offers a fully updated
Welcome to this well-maintained townhouse located in the desirable Cedars section of Toms River. As you enter the home, you are greeted by a tiled entryway with a convenient coat closet that leads into the tiled eat-in kitchen. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, white shaker-style cabinets with granite countertops, and a large pantry offering plenty of storage. The remainder of the
Experience this waterfront 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom SUMMER WEEKLY rental in the Sunset Manor community. Located one house from the open bay at the end of the block, this property offers unobstructed views and nightly sunsets. Outdoor amenities include a private boat dock, and a south-facing rear deck and patio furniture.The interior features an in-unit washer and dryer for guest convenience. The
YEARLY RENTAL! Well-maintained single-family home on a desirable corner lot featuring a spacious, fully fenced backyard with fire pit and pergola—ideal for outdoor enjoyment. The bright, open interior offers 3 bedrooms plus a versatile loft, 2 full baths, and a kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances. A separate laundry room with washer and dryer adds convenience, while the basement and
You will LOVE this perfect getaway home that is SHORE to please!*Just 2 Blocks to the BEACH & a short walk to all of the local amenities Ortley Beach has to offer & Minutes to Seaside Boardwalk*An 8 person Occupancy with 3 LARGE BR's*2 Full Baths*Living Room w/ Gas Fireplace & Pull Out Queen Couch*Sit around the large DINING ROOM table, play some cards, entertain and have some laughs!*Start the
SUMMER RENTAL FOR 2026 - WATERFRONT 1 house in from the BAY WITH WATER VIEWS FROM EVERY WINDOW. BRING YOUR BOAT and enjoy the convenience of having your boat right at your back door step. Open Floor Plan on lst level with Full Bath - Center Island Kitchen - a convenient slider from the Kitchen to huge deck for outside entertaining. Large Dinging Table and multiple areas on the deck for relaxing.
SUMMER RENTAL avail JUNE $19K, JULY or AUGUST $30K/mo. Rent includes all utilites and the use of 4 beach badges. Newly built beach home with wonderful water views is on one of the largest lots in the Ocean Beach! Only 16 houses away from the beach and surf! It sits high off the ground and has an amazing view of sunsets over the picturesque bay. A spacious home with 1,300 sqft of living space, 5
Furnished WINTER RENTAL avail immediately to 5/20/26 for $3,200/mo. Newly built colonial with wonderful water views is on one of the largest lots in the Ocean Beach! It sits high off the ground and has an amazing view of sunsets over the picturesque bay. A spacious home with 1,300 sqft of living space, 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a very large, high loft is great for the kids or a home office. There
SUMMER/FALL RENTAL FOR 2026:FROM FRIDAY AUGUST 21st TO FRIDAY AUGUST 28th $12,900 (weekly)AUGUST 28th TO FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH $12,900 (weekly)MONTH OF SEPTEMBER (from 9/4 on) AVAILABLE AT $10,000 (Weekly) There is every amenity in this luxurious 6 Bedroom 4.5 Bath Jersey Shore Waterfront home........all for your enjoyment. Please refer to all the pictures - pictures speak louder than
Welcome to Gilford Park section of Toms River. TWO BLOCKS from the water and Gilford Park Yacht Club. This home boost 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths. Hardwood wood floors in the living room with a gas fireplace. Dining room has hardwood floors with French doors leading out to the backyard. The kitchen features Stainless steel appliances, tile floors, granite counter tops, and tile backsplash. Three
Welcome to 13 Chippewa Rd in the desirable Georgetown section of Toms River! This spacious 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath rental offers a bright, open layout with plenty of living and dining areas and comfortable bedrooms with generous closet space. Enjoy a large private backyard with in-ground pool perfect for relaxing or entertaining, plus convenient driveway parking. Located close to shopping, dining,
Well-maintained ranch home for rent backing up to a beautiful golf course. This updated home offers fresh paint, A/C, and a garage, providing comfort, convenience, and peaceful views.
FURNISHED WINTER RENTAL avail immediately to 5/19/26. This spacious colonial is located on one of Lavallette's most desirable Northern streets only 7 houses from the beach! This home can accommodate two families or mult-generational living as it has a kitchen and family room on each level! Complete with laundry room and a wonderful fenced in backyard which is great for BBQs. Conveniently located
SUMMER 2026 WEEKLY RENTAL absolutely stunning waterfront home available on West Point Island in Lavallette! This luxurious remodeled home boasts breathtaking water views and offers over 100 feet of waterfrontage, ensuring an unforgettable summer experience. Situated in the prestigious section of Lavallette, this property provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying all that waterfront living has to
Lisa Hill
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Toms River
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
