Upper Township is both a shore town and a major camping destination
Named for its location at the northernmost boundary of Cape May County, Upper Township combines the beachfront recreation of Cape May to the south with the semi-rural quiet of inland Atlantic County to the north. Around 12,500 people call this township home, many of them working in the local healthcare and retail industries. However, summer months see Upper Township become a bustling center of camping, boating and beachgoing, as the township’s Strathmere section shares an island with Sea Isle City. "There’s a lot of places for people who like to walk or get into nature, and these parks go all the way to the ocean," says Dick Saari, the former President of the Board of Directors of Friends of Lake Lily and a longtime Cape May County resident. Several small communities are scattered between Upper Township’s campgrounds and beachfronts, each with distinct amenities and characters. In Upper Township, outdoor recreation coexists with tranquil, rural living.
Upper Township's close proximity to the waterfront gives its residents many opportunities to get outside and enjoy the ocean air.
Upper Township, home to nearly 12,500 people, got its name from its location at the northernmost boundary of Cape May County.
1/2
Adventuring into Upper's parks and beachfronts
Much of Upper Township is occupied by wetlands, forests and other outdoor spaces open for exploration. This township is bounded to the north by the Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area, a 15,000-acre nature preserve. Hikers can navigate sand roads and immerse themselves in a habitat home to turtles, crabs, bald eagles and many other wild animals. A boat ramp at Mosquito Landing in Upper Township’s Tuckahoe section allows for kayaking down the Tuckahoe River and as far out as the Great Egg Harbor Bay. "Camping is pretty big; there are a lot of campgrounds, and you know that they’re there because, outside of the campgrounds, a lot of people are selling firewood," Saari says. Upper Township’s forests host no small number of “RV resorts” and campgrounds, including the water park, mini-golf courses and cabins at the Ocean City Campground. “People use their vehicles for camping and drive to the beaches, so camping is very, very important in the area,” Saari says.
Along the Atlantic coast, Upper Township’s Strathmere section includes miles of public beachfronts staffed by lifeguards. This neighborhood’s Whale Creek Marina allows for boating in the Ludlam Bay area and in the waters snaking around Sea Isle City.
Upper Township’s Strathmere section includes miles of public beachfronts long the Atlantic coast.
Spend a day kayaking down the Tuckahoe River in Upper Township.
1/2
Upper is home to a small, but storied dining scene
Conveniences from supermarkets to restaurants are scattered throughout Upper Township. Highway 9, locally known as Shore Road, served as the local retail hub, as Seaville’s Acme shares the highway with Marmora’s ShopRite and small businesses dealing in upholstery, hardware and flooring. In addition to a handful of local diners, Upper Township is home to a particularly historic eatery, the Tuckahoe Inn. Though this family-owned bar on the Great Egg Harbor Bay was founded in 1963, it occupies the site of a tavern in existence since 1736 and combines Colonial Revival aesthetics with surf and turf fare. Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern, founded in 1976, uniquely features an on-site liquor store in addition to a restaurant and bar hosting weekend live music performances.
The historic Tuckahoe Inn is a family owned bar founded in 1963.
Tuckahoe Inn in Upper Township has an expansive back patio featuring a variety of family friendly games.
1/2
Different hamlets of Upper Township include diverse homes and prices
Like neighboring Cape May County communities, Upper Township is a collection of small, isolated neighborhoods in which streetscapes and prices vary. Mid-2010s-2020s builds in Petersburg, located at the heart of the township, vary in price from $720,000 to $2.4 million. Houses in Tuckahoe, bordering the semi-rural Corbin City, sell for between $230,000 and $725,000. Properties just off the Garden State Parkway built from the 1850s to 1920s have sold for between $250,000 and $670,000, while the most expensive homes – built since 2000 – can go for between $400,000 and $1.15 million. Upper Township’s streets tend to run through heavily forested areas and are flanked by ranch-style residences. Most streets lack sidewalks, although their flat terrain and low traffic make them conducive for neighborhood strolls and dog-walking.
Many properties near Garden State Parkway were built from the 1850s to the 1920s.
Upper Township's proximity to Cape May and Sea Isle City make this an ideal location for home buyers.
1/2
Recreation and healthcare are just around the corner
Upper Township’s location along the Garden State Parkway puts it just 10 minutes away from the beaches of Sea Isle City, 20 minutes from the amusement parks of Ocean City and Wildwood and 25 minutes from the relaxed resort town of Cape May. Upper Township is home to the Cape Regional Physicians Associates family practice, while Marmora’s campus of Cape Regional Urgent Care is a 10-minute drive up Highway 9.
Weather events in Upper Township
First Street assesses Upper Township communities like Seaville to have minor flooding risks, although the wildfire risk is moderate and the wind risk severe, especially during hurricane season.
A-rated education at Ocean City High School
Students can start their education at the Upper Township School District from grades K-8; this district receives a B rating from Niche. High schoolers attend the nearby Ocean City High School, which receives an A-minus rating and recognition from Niche as being the top high school in Cape May County. Ocean City High offers a student-teacher ratio well below the national average, ensuring that students have the chance to shine in the classroom. Extracurriculars like robotics, field hockey and soccer give learners time to exert both creative and athletic prowess.
Ocean City High School is rated #1 in best public high school in Cape May County.
Upper Township Middle School has 442 students in grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
1/2
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Samantha Houtchens
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Karolyn Tochterman,
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
This magnificent 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath custom ranch is ideally situated in one of Seaville’s most prestigious neighborhoods and offers more than 3,800 square feet of beautifully designed living space. From the moment you enter the grand foyer, the home unfolds into an expansive open-concept living area featuring soaring ceilings, rich hardwood and stone flooring, and a gas fireplace that anchors
Burton WilkinsGOLDCOAST SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Experience refined coastal living in this exceptional Seaville residence, perfectly set on just under an acre in one of Upper Township’s most desirable locations with a top rated Upper Township school district. Offering over approximately 3,200 sqft of beautifully designed living space—plus a 1,200 sqft basement and a 2.5-car heated garage with oversized insulated doors and a full storage
Carli QuinndeSatnick Real Estate LLC - North Wildwood
This beautiful new construction home located in the heart of Upper Twp and just minutes to Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Recreation Fields, Boardwalk, shopping, Parkway entrance and more!
Welcome home to this highly desirable Marmora cul-de-sac neighborhood. Minutes from shopping, beaches and parkway. Stepping inside from the welcoming covered front porch you will love the classic colonial layout of this 1960 square foot home. To the right is the large living room featuring plenty of light and a beautiful wood burning fireplace. To the left is an oversized dining room. Step
CHRISTINE ECKER MASKER
LONG and FOSTER REAL ESTATE INC-Ocean City, 9th St
Welcome to 19 Seaside Avenue, a rare opportunity in a great neighborhood in Marmora, just 5 minutes to Ocean City’s beaches and boardwalk. This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers more space than your typical Upper Township rancher, with a thoughtful addition that expands the layout and creates a more functional, comfortable flow for everyday living. The single-level design features multiple living
Rare buildable residential lot in desirable Upper Township. Over one acre with subdivision already completed, offering an excellent opportunity to build a custom home. Located in Upper Township with access to the Ocean City High School district. Oversized parcel provides privacy, flexibility, and space that is increasingly hard to find. The adjacent lot is also available, creating a unique
Due to a recent roof leak that caused interior damage, the seller has reduced the price to $99,000 and is offering the property as-is creating a great opportunity for buyers to purchase below market value and build equity. Your Affordable Shore Getaway Awaits at Oak Ridge Resort! Looking for an affordable vacation home near the Jersey Shore? Don’t miss this opportunity! At Oak Ridge Resort Condo
Due to a recent roof leak that caused interior damage, the seller has reduced the price to $99,000 and is offering the property as-is creating a great opportunity for buyers to purchase below market value and build equity. Your Affordable Shore Getaway Awaits at Oak Ridge Resort! Looking for an affordable vacation home near the Jersey Shore? Don’t miss this opportunity! At Oak Ridge Resort Condo
Strathmere • One home from the beach • Expansive ocean views from most rooms • Fully elevated • Wraparound main-level deck • Under-house storage • Parking for 3 cars • Near Deauville Inn Set on a prime beach block, 22 Williams Avenue in Strathmere delivers the views, layout, and outdoor living that define the best of shore ownership. This fully elevated home captures expansive Atlantic sightlines
Rare buildable residential lot in desirable Upper Township. Over one acre with subdivision already completed, offering an excellent opportunity to build a custom home. Located in Upper Township with access to the Ocean City High School district. Oversized parcel provides privacy, flexibility, and space that is increasingly hard to find. The adjacent lot is also available, creating a unique
Build Your Coastal Retreat! Discover an exceptional opportunity to create your dream home at the shore with this desirable lot in the prestigious Upper Township. Right off Route 50 this lot offers convenience and a prime location. Key Features: Zoning: CM4 MIXED USED PROPERTY Pre-installed: Well and septic system for a three-bedroom, two-bath home. No Pinelands Inspection Required. Imagine the
Build Your Coastal Retreat! Discover an exceptional opportunity to create your dream home at the shore with this desirable lot in the prestigious Upper Township. Right off Route 50 this lot offers convenience and a prime location. Key Features: Zoning: CM4 MIXED USED PROPERTY Pre-installed: Well and septic system for a three-bedroom, two-bath home. No Pinelands Inspection Required. Imagine the
ESCAPE TO BAYBERRY COVE – Your Affordable Shore Retreat! Just minutes from Ocean City’s beaches and iconic boardwalk, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath seasonal home is the perfect place to relax and recharge. The spacious kitchen with plenty of cabinetry opens to an extra-wide living/dining area that flows to both the front entry and a rear deck—ideal for morning coffee or glowing sunsets. Bayberry Cove
Fantastic unit located in the highly desirable over 55 community Osprey Cove. this wonderful community has lots of amenities, trash removal, snow removal, yard maintenance, recreation center, pool, gym, library and much more! This unit has tons of upgrades thru out. Granite kitchen counters, upgraded cabinets, under cabinet lighting, tile backsplash, tile shower in the primary bedroom, new
LYNDA GREAVESKELLER WILLIAMS REALTY JERSEY SHORE oc
Marmora, Upper Township. 2 bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen, home office. No pets, $1,850mo plus utilities, credit and background check required, quiet residential street.
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.
