A charming bayfront town in proximity to major cities
Nestled between the “Gateway to the Bayshore” of Keyport and Keansburg, Union Beach offers residents proximity to both the bustle of North Jersey and New York City, and also the well-known beaches of Jersey Shore. “It’s a quaint, small town that was completely redeveloped after Hurricane Sandy,” says Lawrence Vecchio, a broker/owner at VRI Homes, who specializes in Union Beach and the surrounding areas. “It’s almost like a new town. From a redevelopment perspective, they did the best job of anybody on the shore.” Since its foundation in the early 20th century as a blue-collar town, the borough has transformed into a growing beachside suburb with in-demand housing, including Cape Cod-style residences, colonial-style homes and new waterfront condominiums.
Popular beach and pier with views of NYC
Much of the town’s beach consists of a nature preserve, Conaskonk Point, although a small stretch of beach off Front Street allows locals to bask in the sun along the Raritan Bayshore. Union Beach has become a popular alternative to the packed beaches of Sea Bright and Sandy Hook. New York City can be observed from the shoreline and from Union Beach Pier, a popular fishing spot due to its access to the bay. Fireman’s Park, a site that honors local first responders, is a tranquil park with playgrounds and water views. The Henry Hudson Trail, a scenic 24-mile stretch of footpaths, leads hikers and bikers down the Bayshore and along a former railroad line.
A hot housing market with new waterfront homes
This growing suburb includes a variety of housing styles, from Cape Cod-style residences and beach cottages to colonial and ranch-style homes. “The market is very strong in Union Beach. There’s very little inventory. Prices have doubled in the last 10 years. Much of what’s on the market is pretty much new,” says Vecchio. “If you saw the town years ago, it’s night and day.” Two-bedroom properties can go as low as $250,000, but up to $785,000 for newly constructed, four-to-five-bedroom properties closer to the water and Conaskonk Point. Newer three-bedroom properties typically go for $599,000, and as a result of decades of development, the average home price is now $543,385. New townhouses and waterfront condominiums, which range between $400,000 to $580,000, further contribute to the town’s aesthetics. Many homes have been raised as a result of Hurricane Sandy, making shoreside living slightly safer, however the area is still currently at a high flood risk.
Mom-and-pop, local dining with classic Jersey eats
Residents enjoy a classic Irish pub experience at Dowling’s, where nachos and spare rib burgers are served alongside Irish spirits. Stubby’s Deli specializes in sandwiches such as the classic New Jersey “Pork roll, egg, and cheese,” served within a mom-and-pop shop environment. For equally quintessential Jersey eats, Princess Maria’s Pizza serves both pizzas and cheesesteaks. During the summer months, JakeaBob's Bay is a popular waterfront bar, and locals have been raving about the new Italian American restaurant The GOAT led by top chef David Burke.
One primary and secondary school, with access to nearby high schools
Students attend Memorial School, a combined elementary and middle school, which has a gifted program and a B-minus rating on Niche. Further west in neighboring Keypoint, there’s Keyport High School, a C-plus-rated high school with a 92% graduation rate.
Easy Access to NYC and the Jersey Shore
Residents can easily access Route 36 and the Garden State Parkway. New York City is under 40 miles away, or about an hour’s drive, and the beaches of Sea Bright are 14 miles away, or just under 30 minutes.
Important to Know
Many homes have been raised as a result of Hurricane Sandy, but some residents complain of flooding. According to RiskFactor.com, the area is at extreme risk for flooding over the next 30 years. However, a new multimillion-dollar flooding project began in May 2023: “There’s a big Army Corp of Engineers flood protection program that’s been under construction for about a year, and it’s got two years to go. They’re building a berm that surrounds the entire town for protection,” says Vecchio.
