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
Alexander Huffard,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Villas, NJ sell after 44 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 $427,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
More space, more property, and just blocks from the Delaware Bay! This single Cape Cod-style home in the desirable, sought after Cape May Villas offers 1,632 sq. ft. of living space with 3 bedrooms, a versatile loft, 1.5 baths, and an oversized detached 2-car garage with its own loft, all situated on a rarely offered double lot.Note- Master is actually 2 bedrooms opened into one, and laundry
WIlliam EavesKeller Williams Real Estate - Newtown
Tucked away on a dead-end street, this well-maintained cottage offers the easy coastal lifestyle you've been searching for — with world-class sunsets just a short stroll away. Inside, you'll find two comfortable bedrooms and two full baths on the main level, offering single-floor living convenience. The heart of the home is a bright kitchen featuring a spacious island and dining area that flows
Chad deSatnickdeSatnick Real Estate LLC - Cape May
Grab your flip flops and sunscreen and enjoy the beach life, just steps away! This adorable, completely renovated beach cottage is ready to provide everything you've been dreaming about: turnkey home, open floor plan, 3rd house from the beautiful Delaware Bay beach, flex space off the kitchen (seller used as a dining area, but could be office space or anything else you desire), private yard with
Elizabeth Blair-SlemmerdeSatnick Real Estate LLC - Cape May
Welcome to easy COASTAL living in this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home with a versatile den, ideally LOCATED just 3 blocks to the BAY! A welcoming front porch sets the tone as you enter a BRIGHT, cheerful interior filled with natural light. The SPACIOUS living room offers plenty of room to relax and entertain, while the cozy DEN provides valuable additional living space and could
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
Step into refined coastal elegance at 148 W New Jersey Ave, a stunning new-construction home blending modern sophistication with the relaxed charm of the Jersey Shore. Ideally located on the west side of Villas, just one block from the Delaware Bay, where you can enjoy some of the area's most beautiful sunsets. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers a desirable first-floor
Investment-ready and fully optimized for cash flow, this turnkey 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom coastal retreat is a proven income-producing powerhouse. Currently a top-performing Airbnb with near year-round occupancy, the property is strategically designed to maximize revenue by comfortably sleeping up to 12 guests. The home is located in a high-demand "sweet spot," just four blocks from the famous
Welcome to 35 East Atlantic Avenue, a welcoming residence that boasts expansive living spaces, functional features, and inviting outdoor areas. Highlighted features of this home include the oversized lot, generous sized full bath and large kitchen/dining area. This property presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a piece of paradise by the shore. Entering the home, you are welcomed by a 3
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
Completely renovated and ready to enjoy! This beautifully transformed home offers 2 bedrooms plus a versatile bonus room, 1.5 baths and a bright, open floor plan with laminate flooring throughout. The brand-new kitchen features quartz countertops, white cabinetry, a stylish tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Major improvements include a new roof, new siding and new HVAC system with
This charming cottage offers an open living room with lots of windows and a cozy gas fireplace. There is an eat-in kitchen, full bathroom and two bedrooms. The private rear bedroom has access to the laundry room. The smaller second bedroom is perfect for guests or as a hobby room/computer room. The rear yard is large enough for a large shed, fire pit, small swimming pool and/ or patio. The home
Theresa L. Senico, ABR,GRI,SRESdeSatnick Real Estate LLC - Lower Township
This charming 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom fully furnished bayside cottage is ready for its new owners! Located just a few short blocks from the Delaware Bay and its famous sunsets! Step into the bright enclosed front porch that leads to the living room. Just off the living room you'll find two bedrooms. The updated bathroom is located just off the nicely maintained kitchen. Step from the kitchen into
Carly RallodeSatnick Real Estate LLC - Lower Township
Seller is now offering a $10,000 concession toward closing costs or personalized updates, making this an even better opportunity to make this home your own. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers exceptional value just moments from the Delaware Bay. The flexible floor plan features a large primary suite, generous living spaces, and a private guest suite with its own full bath. Outside, enjoy
Honey! STOP the car! Don’t miss this adorable, fully renovated two-story home in the Villas, just a few blocks from the Delaware Bay beaches. This move-in ready property offers the perfect Cape May getaway, year-round residence, or income-producing investment. Situated on an oversized, well-maintained lot with a fenced-in yard, this home offers privacy, low taxes, and no HOA fees. The property
Come check out the potential that awaits for a buyer here at this adorable rancher with a detached cottage. The main house is a two bedroom and two full bath rancher with much rehabilitation and upgrading over the last 12 years. The roof, HVAC, windows, bath, kitchen are just to name a few. The lot is then last on the street before the woods. It has tons of privacy and is a 142 feet deep. There
Theresa L. Senico, ABR,GRI,SRESdeSatnick Real Estate LLC - Lower Township
Your Peaceful Bayside Home Away From HomeWelcome to your comfortable, fully furnished coastal home in Bayside Village, a quiet and charming community just steps from the Delaware Bay and minutes from the beautiful Jersey Cape beaches.This recently renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath rancher comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests and is set up for extended stays. The home offers everything you
FOR RENT AVAILABLE OCTOBER 1st to APRIL 30th. PETS MAY BE CONSIDERED... NO SMOKING- Located 1.5 blocks from the Bay is this Fully Renovated Top of the Line 2 bedroom 1.5 bath single home on a large fenced in lot 50x118. This home comes fully furnished with all furniture, dishes, linens and all outdoor items such as BBQ, tables, chairs and some beach items. There is also a fenced in heated
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