On the east end of Delaware Bay, Villas is part of Lower Township and greater Cape May County. Often referred to as the “birthplace of South Jersey,” whalers and farmers first settled here around the mid-1600s. In the mid-1900s, developers saw an opportunity to transform the area into coastal suburbs. “If you're on the left side of Bayshore Road, you can be within a couple blocks of the bay. So now you have somewhere to walk while your coffee is still hot,” says Ryan Griffin, a Realtor with DeSatnick Real Estate, who grew up in Cape May and has been selling homes here for over a decade. Tourism is this area’s biggest industry, bringing in around $7.7 billion each year. “The primary employers for the area have always been the restaurants, the hospitals and the school systems,” says Griffin. The Port of Cape May is one of the largest commercial fishing landings in the nation. Cape May County also holds the only U.S. Coast Guard recruit training center in the country.
Most homes in the Villas are a short walk from the beach at the Delaware Bay.
The beach maybe small, but it is nice and relaxing in the Villas.
Homebuyers can find Cape Cods from the early- to mid-1900s, ranch-style and colonial homes from the late-1900s and contemporary-style houses built on recently demolished lots. “It’s developing rather quickly,” says Griffin. “I’m working on a property there at the moment, and every time I leave, I take a different street. There’s not one block that doesn’t have at least one construction job going on.” Single-family homes tend to stay on the market for over a month and sell for a median price of $415,000. Houses here typically sell for less than the state’s median price, but more than the national median.
This newly built cape cod home in the Villas has a nice fenced in yard and is within walking distance to the beach a few blocks away.
This ranch house was built in the 1920's and has a driveway for parking.
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Beach access, trails at Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Area
Sandy coastline runs down the entire west end of Villas, giving locals plenty of space to access Delaware Bay for swimming and fishing. Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area, a former golf course turned nature preserve, has 4 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing spots and is a popular area for bird watching. The Lower Township Municipal Pool along Winslow Avenue is open seasonally. And Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum has a host of historic aircraft and interactive exhibits. “If you’re targeting Villas, you’re equal distance to quite a few things,” says Griffin. “It puts you in close proximity to the Wildwoods so you can enjoy the boardwalk, and you have easy access to Stone Harbor’s beaches too.”
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets at the beach on the Delaware Bay in the Villas.
You can walk the paved paths at Cox Hall Creek Wildlife Management Area and take in nature all around you.
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Shopping and dining along Bayshore Road
Most shopping and dining is concentrated along Bayshore Road, which cuts down the middle of Villas. Nearby are small grocers like Gaiss Market and Blitz's Hole in the Wall Market, as well as popular local dining spots like Castaway Cafe and Fleck's Ice Cream. ACME Markets, 3 miles south, is the closest grocery store chain.
Residents from the Villas run to Acme to do their grocery shopping, which is around 15 minutes away.
A popular dining spot in the Villas is Castaway Cafe, stop in for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
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Annual events in Lower Township
Lower Township hosts an Independence Day Festival with amusement rides, live entertainment, food vendors and fireworks. The Robert Coombs Memorial Bay Run and the David C. Douglass, Sr. Memorial Race, which has been running for over 20 years, donate their proceeds to the Special Olympics of South Jersey. To end the summer, Family Fun Night is held in September with local vendors, food trucks and bounce houses. The town also has a haunted house in October and a Ferry Merry Christmas event with arts and crafts, music and Santa on stilts.
Two school districts serve the area
Students are served by the Lower Township Elementary School District, which gets a C from Niche, for kindergarten through sixth grade, and Lower Cape May Regional School District, which receives a B-minus, for seventh through 12th grade. In total, 2,700 students attend three elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school.
David C. Douglass Veterans Memorial School received a B- rating from Niche.
Lower Cape May Regional School has over 1,200 students that attend classes.
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Lower Township crime statistics, local flood risks
According to New Jersey State Police’s Uniform Crime Report, from 2021 to 2022 total crime increased by around 19%. But overall, violent and property crime rates here are below the state and national averages.
Flooding is a concern for houses closest to the coast. For homes in the town’s Special Flood Hazard Areas, flood insurance may be mandatory. Lower Township maintains a property flood map on their website with risks and requirements for each address in the area.
Access to Garden State Parkway, busses, ferries
Although the community itself has a gridded layout that makes it somewhat walkable, residents will need a car to get in and out of the area. Commuters can take Garden State Parkway, located less than 5 miles east, to travel north to the Jersey Shore, Newark and New York City. The parkway also connects to the Atlantic City Expressway, which runs to Philadelphia. The NJ Transit 552-bus line connects Cape May County to Atlantic City. The Cape May Ferry Terminal just south of Villas runs across the bay to Lewes. The closest train station is 35 miles north in Atlantic City, which offers service to Philly. Cooper University Hospital is less than 10 miles north. The closest major airport is Atlantic City International, located 35 miles north.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Birnbaum
Video By
Drew Webster
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
James Cheney,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Villas, NJ sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Villas, NJ over the last 12 months is $409,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your perfect shore escape! This cozy cottage just blocks from the bay offers the laid-back coastal lifestyle everyone loves about Villas. Known for some of the best sunsets on the Jersey Cape, this home is the ideal spot to unwind after a day at the beach. ?? Inside, you’ll find a charming, comfortable layout that makes great use of space, creating a warm and inviting shore retreat.
Welcome to 214 Sunray Road, located in the heart of Sunray Beach along the Delaware Bayside in Del Haven. This is the best priced bay block opportunity along the Delaware Bay from Del Haven to North Cape May! Del Haven is a small, scenic coastal community, known for its peaceful and relaxed vibe, close to the Delaware Bay, beaches, local parks, and protected wide-open spaces. This tranquil
Colleen WhiteTim Kerr Sotheby's International Realty
This adorable 2-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on a huge 80 x 100 lot, offering plenty of outdoor space for entertaining, gardening, or future expansion. Inside, you'll find a cozy and well-maintained interior with a spacious living room eat in kitchen, central heat and air, and hardwood floors throughout. There is also a full attic for your storage needs. This turnkey property is perfect as a
You are looking at THE ONLY active Multi-Family property for Sale in Villas, NJ AND 1 of 4 in Cape May County under $500K. It's a unicorn! Pull the trigger on this fantastic opportunity. This is a very flexible property to grow with you or to add to your rental portfolio. Situated on a wide 70 x 121'+ lot with beautiful mature trees, this Duplex can check a lot of boxes with 2-2 bedroom, 1 bath
Welcome to your perfect shore escape! This cozy cottage just blocks from the bay offers the laid-back coastal lifestyle everyone loves about Villas. Known for some of the best sunsets on the Jersey Cape, this home is the ideal spot to unwind after a day at the beach. ?? Inside, you’ll find a charming, comfortable layout that makes great use of space, creating a warm and inviting shore retreat.
Ideally located just steps from the bay, this beautifully renovated, ultra-modern home offers coastal living at its finest. Featuring two spacious bedrooms and a stunning full bathroom, the home boasts an open-concept layout designed for both comfort and style. The sleek, modern kitchen is highlighted by a center island and elegant granite countertops, perfect for entertaining or everyday living.
Stop! Its Del Haven time. Welcome to 15 N 11th Street in Del Haven, NJ, a charming bayside retreat offering comfort, convenience, and coastal living that's how we livin and ya know. This inviting home features an updated kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances and beautiful wood flooring throughout the main living areas. The open-concept layout flows seamlessly into a spacious living
Recently Renovated 4 Bedroom Home Near Beaches, Golf & Shopping! Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 1.5-bath single-family home ideally located just minutes from the beaches, fishing, golf courses, and shopping. This move-in ready property features a long list of recent upgrades, including: New luxury vinyl plank flooring, Brand-new kitchen with quartz countertops and new cabinetry,
Opportunity Awaits on 6 + Private Acres located on a GB Zone with an Existing Non- conforming use. Tucked away at the end of a quiet dead-end street, this property offers a rare combination of privacy, space, and natural surroundings. The 6-acre parcel is bordered by mature woods and scenic wetlands, creating a peaceful setting for those who value seclusion and a connection to nature. The
Don’t miss this versatile, wheelchair-accessible home in desirable Villas, Cape May County, offering more space and flexibility than you’d expect. The main level features an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area, along with three bedrooms and ample closet space for easy one-floor living. The upper level offers a flexible bonus area ideal for a home office or potential bedroom, with direct
Welcome to 1614 Star Avenue set on a large lot with plenty of room for expansion! This 2 bedroom/1 bath rancher located on a quiet, residential street with newer roof has endless potential to become a charming opportunity for your ideal beach getaway, cozy starter home or a smart rental investment with the easiest of TLC and personal touches. Nestled away in Lower Township, yet only minutes from
This unique Cape May Beach home is located one house from the bay beach access and its famous and stunning sunsets! Convenient proximity to the heart of Cape May and its renowned beaches, dining and historic charm! This shore home has a total of 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Ground floor In-law suite with private entrances, 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, a full kitchen, large pantry, laundry, large
Richard ParkerdeSatnick Real Estate LLC - Lower Township
Welcome to 85 Millman Blvd, located in the quaint community of the Villas, New Jersey. This charming property is designed for comfort and convenience, making it an ideal residence for anyone looking to enjoy the coastal lifestyle. As you enter the home, you are greeted by a bright and open living space that flows seamlessly from room to room. The inviting living room offers a perfect setting for
Michael Giordano Sr.Century 21 Forrester Real Estate
Adorable and full of charm, this 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in the Villas comes fully furnished and ready for your next shore escape. Just bring your suitcase and start enjoying coastal living. Inside you’ll find comfortable living space plus a bright sunroom addition overlooking the backyard, perfect for morning coffee or relaxing after a day at the beach. Upstairs, the finished attic with windows
Bring your vision to this three bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch- complete with a garage- and situated on a HUGE 125X126 lot located just one block from the gorgeous Delaware Bay! Endless potential to be found in this single-level home that offers a functional layout. You enter the home into the living room that flows easily into the kitchen. Off the kitchen you'll find the laundry room and entry to the
Carly RallodeSatnick Real Estate LLC - Lower Township
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