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
David Leipert,
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 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Villas, NJ over the last 12 months is $417,500, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Just three blocks from the bay, your perfect coastal retreat awaits in this charming single-family home nestled within the tranquil community of Del Haven. Designed for comfort and ease, this inviting residence offers the ideal setting for year-round living or a relaxing seaside getaway. Step inside to find a bright, thoughtfully designed interior that maximizes both space and natural light. The
Charming Bayfront Retreat with Rooftop Sunset Views! Welcome to your perfect coastal escape! Ideally situated just across from the bay on a quiet dead-end street, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath beach house offers the ultimate blend of privacy, charm, and waterfront living. Step inside to discover an eclectic interior filled with character featuring a relaxed beachy vibe throughout. The warm and inviting
Theresa ArndtdeSatnick Real Estate LLC - Lower Township
Welcome to 40 Arizona Avenue in the Villas—A completely gut renovated home offering the perfect blend of comfort and modern style. This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath residence features an updated kitchen complete with sleek countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinetry, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The bright and inviting rear family room is filled with natural
Nicholas CeccolideSatnick Real Estate LLC - North Wildwood
Turn-key coastal escape just a short walk from the bay—this stunning Del Haven cottage is the one you’ve been waiting for. Fully upgraded and impeccably maintained, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath beauty blends laid-back shore vibes with stylish, modern finishes throughout. The third bedroom is currently being used as an additional sitting area, but the pocket doors make it easy to use as a bedroom with
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.
Come take a look at this 3 Bedroom 2 Bath home. This house has both a new roof and new siding installed in 2025. There is a second kitchen that is brand new in the rear of the home. The floor plan offers various uses and can be easily adjusted to a perspective buyers liking. The exterior features two sheds, both in need of some repair. This is a double lot, which can be used for various
Set on an oversized 90x100 double lot backing to a private wooded area, this one-of-a-kind beach home offers rare space, privacy, and endless potential. Luxury and style meet in this coastal retreat, located just steps from the beach at the end of the block. Known as “The Pink Lady”, this fully renovated, designer-owned home delivers a vibrant coastal lifestyle unlike anything else in the area.
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offering approximately 1,300 square feet of comfortable living space. Situated on an oversized 90x100 fenced-in lot, this property provides plenty of room to relax, entertain, and enjoy outdoor living. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living room, a dedicated dining area, and an upgraded kitchen that’s perfect for everyday living and hosting guests.
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,
REDUCED! MUST SEE!! Move-in ready! Year-round, Seasonal, Vacation Getaway or Investment property! Turn-Key 3 bedrooms, 2 bath Rancher on a huge lot (75' x 150') and on a dead-end street! Lots of Extras! Freshly painted, all appliances included. Natural gas heat and Central Air. All Spacious rooms. Living room with corner wood stove. Spacious Kitchen features sliders to fenced in rear yard with
Diane. WalkerColdwell Banker James C Otton Real Estate - CMCH
Welcome to your perfect shore escape in Del Haven! This beautifully built, move-in ready home is just three short blocks from the Delaware Bay and only minutes to Cape May and the Wildwoods—offering the ideal blend of relaxation and coastal convenience. Situated on an oversized 50x165 lot with vinyl fencing, this property provides both space and privacy. Enjoy morning coffee on the charming
Welcome to this beautifully fully renovated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom rancher in the desirable shore town of The Villas—where everything is brand new and coastal living awaits! Step inside to discover a bright, open layout featuring modern finishes throughout, a stunning new kitchen with sleek cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, and a stylishly updated full bath. Both bedrooms offer comfortable
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
One of a Kind Bayfront Opportunity with CAFRA Approvals in Place! Enjoy panoramic views of the Delaware Bay, home to some of the most breathtaking scenery the area has to offer. This rare bayfront property is build-ready, with Sellers having already secured State and Local Approvals to streamline the development process, simply pull zoning and building permits and get underway. Don’t miss your
This unique turn key 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,
Richard ParkerdeSatnick Real Estate LLC - Lower Township
Seasonal rental summer home in the Villas in Lower Township. This spacious one-story ranch home, with a large backyard on a spacious lot 90x90, has relaxing views; in one of the serene costal spots around, all on a private street. The area is known for its breathtaking sunsets and laid-back vibes. The home is ready for a summer tenant. The owners have totally rehabbed and updated the property.
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