$1,091,082Average Value$708Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Dover Beaches South is a residential community near the busy boardwalk
Just north of the lively Jersey Shore boardwalk is Dover Beaches South, a primarily residential area that offers a slower pace just steps from the bustling boardwalk of Seaside Heights. The area is commonly known as Ortley Beach, a name emblazoned on a water tower visible from many parts of the community. Though it’s primarily residential, there are a few longstanding businesses like Barnacle Bill’s Amusements and Sunny Hunny by the Sea Family Restaurant & Pancake House. One of the Shore’s few grocery stores is nearby, and a bridge to the mainland is about a mile away, making this community convenient for residents to travel on and off the barrier island.
Public beach access near the Seaside Heights boardwalk
Ortley Beach is Toms River Township’s only public Atlantic Ocean beach, but residents must buy a seasonal, weekly or daily beach badge to access it. The beaches can get crowded during the summer. Justin Bosak, a broker and owner with Re/Max Revolution who’s sold homes in the area for 22 years, says, “Most of the people who live there will go to the beach earlier, before things get packed, and then come back later in the day.” Ortley Beach Bay Park has a playground and tennis courts with water views. Many of the homes and condos on Barnegat Bay have private boat parking or marinas. If residents don’t have their own boat, they can charter fishing trips or rent a boat from Bill’s Boat Rentals. Barnacle Bill’s Amusements has been a fixture of the community since 1963, offering miniature golf, an arcade and a restaurant. The Seaside Heights boardwalk is within walking distance. “Seaside Heights is more geared for people coming from outside the community,” Bosak says. The boardwalk has attractions like a water park and an amusement park, and it also has regular events, including movie nights, concerts and weekly fireworks in July and August. Noise and lights from Seaside Heights can spill into the community. “The north end of the boardwalk is quieter, but if you’re looking for real quiet on the beach at night, you’re not going to get that in Dover Beaches South,” Bosak says.
Classic beach houses, cottages and condos
Dover Beaches South is filled with classic coastal homes that often have multi-story balconies, colorful exteriors and first-floor garages. Some houses have pools in the back, and though some roads have street parking, yards are typically graveled to add additional parking spots. These homes often cost between $920,000 and $2.7 million. Single-story Cape Cod cottages have less space and smaller price tags, usually around $500,000 to $970,000. One-bedroom condos generally cost between $230,000 and $520,000, while two-bedroom units can cost between $420,000 and $770,000. Larger condo units range from $830,000 to $1.1 million. Most condo owners pay monthly homeowners association fees that range from $260 to $630. Townhouses range from $650,000 to $880,000, plus monthly HOA fees around $170 to $520. Bosak says that most homeowners live here seasonally or rent out their properties to vacationers. The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Locally owned restaurants and a grocery store nearby
Sunny Hunny by the Sea Family Restaurant & Pancake House has served diner-style breakfast and lunch here since the 1950s; the restaurant is known for having Sesame Street’s Elmo take photos with diners. Most of the restaurants in the area close during the winter, but there are a few year-round options, like Mia’s Pizza & Café, which serves Italian comfort food in a casual atmosphere. Golden Gate Express offers Chinese food for dine-in, takeout and delivery. For groceries and essentials, Acme and CVS Pharmacy are in the community’s south. More grocery stores, including ShopRite, are about 5 miles away on the mainland.
Getting around the area on Route 35
State Route 35 is the community’s main thoroughfare and experiences traffic during the summer. “Summer Thursday and Friday nights are when it starts getting backed up,” Bosak says, “but in winter, all the stoplights become blinking yellow lights, and you can fly through.” The road’s north and southbound lanes are split by a residential block, and each section has a dedicated bike lane and sidewalks. The Ocean Ride bus stops in the neighborhood’s south and has routes to Toms River. The nearest bridge to the mainland is about a mile away in Seaside Heights, and another bridge is roughly 6 miles away in Mantoloking. Houses of worship here include St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Chapel. The Community Medical Center is about 9 miles away. Atlantic City International Airport is 58 miles away, and Newark Liberty International Airport is a 68-mile trip.
Kids attend mainland schools in Toms River
Kids here travel to the mainland for school, but Bosak says that traffic isn’t as busy during the school year. They can start at East Dover Elementary, which receives a C-plus from Niche, and then attend the B-minus-rated Toms River Intermediate East. At the B-plus-rated Toms River High School East, students can join over 50 clubs, including the History Club, which travels to four historical sites each year.
Located in a Special Flood Hazard Area
Almost all of Dover Beaches South is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, a FEMA-designated zone with a high flood risk. Homeowners will likely have to buy flood insurance, and their houses may have specific elevation requirements. Bosak says that homes on the bay side are more prone to flooding than those closer to the ocean. The community is also at risk for hurricanes.
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.
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On average, homes in Dover Beaches South, Toms River sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Dover Beaches South, Toms River over the last 12 months is $776,000, down 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for a turnkey income producing RARE two-family walking distance to Ortley Beach? This is your chance, featuring 3 bedrooms 1.1 baths in each unit all you will have to do is say yes.
*Back on Market after Rental Season Ended*** Ortley Beach - Prime Coastal Living! Discover this beautifully maintained spacious end-unit condo, ideally situated just one block from the beach in sought-after Ortley Beach. Located on the first floor, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit borders Lavallette. Built in 2016, the condo boasts refined finishes including gleaming hardwood floors, granite
Enjoy living down the Shore in this updated 2nd floor Condo featuring a modern updated kitchen and baths, elegant dining area with stunning chandeliers, and a bright living room that opens to a private balcony. A spiral staircase leads to a versatile loft with a bedroom and full bath, perfect for guests. The main level offers two bedrooms, a full bath, laundry room, and plenty of natural light.
Beach block WINTER RENTAL available October 1 2025-May 15 2026. Second Floor unit with 2 bedrooms, 1 full baths, eat-in kitchen & Laundry, driveway parking and deck. No Pets. No Smoking.
Beach block WINTER RENTAL available October 1 2025-May 15 2026. First floor unit with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, fully renovated kitchen and laundry. 2 car driveway and outside patio for each unit. No Pets. No Smoking.
1 block from beach! Enjoy Peace and Serenity on the Barrier Island during this winter rental period. October 13 - April 30. Cute, cozy beach house with huge, fully fenced backyard. Dog friendly!! Roast s’mores over the fire pit and relax on the Adirondack chairs. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. Laundry in unit. Eat in kitchen, fully furnished including kitchen needs (dinnerware, utensils,
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