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
Danielle Dupont,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Villas, NJ sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Villas, NJ over the last 12 months is $419,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Coming soon. Showings begin Jun 6th. Welcome to 413 Tahoe Drive located in the desirable coastal community of Cape May Beach. This cozy ranch home with coastal charm is perfectly located a block from the beaches of the Delaware Bay with beautiful sunsets. It is also a short walk to the Cox Hall Creek Wildlife preserve with walking/biking trails and turtle ponds. It is just a short drive to the
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
Coming soon. Showings begin Jun 6th. Welcome to 413 Tahoe Drive located in the desirable coastal community of Cape May Beach. This cozy ranch home with coastal charm is perfectly located a block from the beaches of the Delaware Bay with beautiful sunsets. It is also a short walk to the Cox Hall Creek Wildlife preserve with walking/biking trails and turtle ponds. It is just a short drive to the
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 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.
Opportunity knocks in the heart of the Villas — four blocks from the Delaware Bay. 106 Edna Avenue is a 974 sq ft single-family home on a full 50x100 lot, zoned R-3, sitting in FEMA Flood Zone X. No mandatory flood insurance. That's a rare find this close to the water in Cape May County. The property is a rehab with subflooring in place and structure standing — it needs someone with a vision and
Emir SantosColdwell Banker Sol Needles Real Estate
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
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
Back on the Market. Buyer denied financing. Inspection report available for review and appraisal complete and at value with no repairs. 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
Bring your vision and personal touch to this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in Del Haven, where comfort and flexibility come together. Featuring a large primary suite, generous living spaces, and a private suite with its own full bath. This home offers the perfect setup for guests or multi-generational living. Outside, enjoy a large fenced in backyard, two driveway spaces, and the peace of quiet
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
Located 1.5 blocks to the bay is the Beautiful top of the line 2 Bedroom 1.5 bathroom home w/ a Heated Pool that is waiting for you! This home is absolute ready for you to move right into or rent short term and start making some cash flow! The home was designed around the kitchen and you won't be disappointed, it features: Black Stainless-Steel Appliances & Exhaust Hood that vents out, a unique
Charming two bedroom, one bath cottage offering a living room and eat in kitchen. The laundry room is located in the attached rear alcove. This home has propane gas forced air heat and central air conditioning. The dwelling was renovated and a new roof replaced in 2013. The 90 x 100 yard allows for expansion. This is an economical and comfortable home
Theresa L. Senico, ABR,GRI,SRESdeSatnick Real Estate LLC - Lower Township
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