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The Wildwoods

The Wildwoods

$736,505 Average Value
$353 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

The Wildwoods have charms beyond their beach-season excitement

Occupying the island of Five Mile Beach along the southern Jersey Shore, the Wildwoods are known for their boardwalks, amusement parks and their claim to be “the Birthplace of Rock and Roll”; rock’s first chart-topper, “Rock Around the Clock,” was first performed here. Over 13,000 people live in the Wildwoods, which include Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and the tiny communities of West Wildwood and Diamond Beach. The tourism industry forms the backbone of the economy, especially in the form of the Wildwoods’ many hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. “Wildwood has a lot of entertainment, including a very popular water park with slides,” says Dick Saari, the former President of the Board of Directors of Friends of Lake Lily and a longtime Cape May County resident. “Most of Wildwood’s restaurants have wonderful, fresh fish and oysters; they’re right out of the water.” During the summer months, the Wildwoods’ population multiplies by nearly 1,823% to 250,000 people. Though the Wildwoods can get quiet once beach season is over, a stable community of local employees and retirees keep the Wildwoods inhabited year-round.

Residents of The Wildwoods flock to The Two Mile Landing Crab House for drinks and the freshest seafoods.
Residents of The Wildwoods flock to The Two Mile Landing Crab House for drinks and the freshest seafoods.
The Wildwoods is a quiet community with laid back winters and thriving summers filled with tourists.
The Wildwoods is a quiet community with laid back winters and thriving summers filled with tourists.
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Historic properties and newer homes sit along the same streets in the Wildwoods

Once a barrier island used for fishing and agriculture, Wildwood transformed into a resort town from the 1880s to 1920s, a process completed by the arrival of the Garden State Parkway in the 1950s. While a few Colonial Revival and bungalow homes built from the 1880s to 1940s sit along the Wildwoods’ streets, the majority of the local housing stock was built in the 1950s and beyond. Original-quality residences built before the 1940s tend to sell for between $315,000 and $880,000, while refurbished 1940s homes sell for prices similar to residences built since the 2000s, ranging in price from $740,000 to $2.3 million. In addition to detached properties, the Wildwoods are also home to scores of shared living spaces. Condos built from the 1950s to 2000 have sold for between $125,000 to $850,000, while those built since 2000 range in price from $250,000 to $1.5 million. Wildwood’s streets are grid-patterned and juxtapose beach condos with smaller, fully detached properties.

American four squares in The Wildwoods have large front porches letting locals take advantage of the sea breeze.
American four squares in The Wildwoods have large front porches letting locals take advantage of the sea breeze.
Classic Cape Cods have great beach vibe minutes away from the coast.
Classic Cape Cods have great beach vibe minutes away from the coast.
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A miles-long boardwalk and expanding waterfront host thousands of beachgoers every summer

The Wildwoods are most famous for their beaches and boardwalks, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors during the summer months. Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks, built in 1969, include more than 100 attractions from a “Ghost Ship” horror attraction to the looping Sea Serpent rollercoaster. A boardwalk lined with snack shops and restaurants connects these rides and offers access to a vast stretch of free-to-the-public beachfront. “The beaches there are beautiful. They’ve been replenished by the Army Corps of Engineers so that they’re wider,” Saari says. “Wildwood’s beaches are so wide that people have to be taken there by a cart.” This locally famous tram car system runs up and down Wildwood’s two-mile-long boardwalk, shuttling visitors along Wildwood’s expanding beachfronts. Beach season also sees Centennial Park host live music events, while Crest Pier becomes a prime fishing venue. Even when the summer crowds disperse, year-round residents still have plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. A section of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge occupies the island’s southern tip, and boardwalks lead into preserved dunes where shorebird chicks are hatched. Sunset Lake Park takes its name from its picturesque views of sunsets illuminating the nearby lake, and abundant green spaces create opportunities for sunset picnics.

Diners in The Wildwoods can grab a slice on the go or sit ocean side at Franconi's Pizza.
Diners in The Wildwoods can grab a slice on the go or sit ocean side at Franconi's Pizza.
The Boardwalk at Morey's Pier has a full waterpark and plenty of rides to enjoy in The Wildwoods.
The Boardwalk at Morey's Pier has a full waterpark and plenty of rides to enjoy in The Wildwoods.
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Vintage and retro restaurants tell the story of this midcentury resort area

This island’s beachfront entertainment scene is matched by an equally bustling small business environment. Larkin’s Restaurant, in business since the 1950s, is the oldest family-owned restaurant in the Wildwoods. Open year-round, this vintage eatery serves up hearty breakfasts as customers use old-school jukeboxes to pick their favorite classic songs. The Doo Wop Diner also pays tribute to the Wildwoods’ abundance of ’50s-built motels and eateries with its retro theme, sporting neon lights, framed photographs of midcentury cultural icons like Elvis and a traditional bar area. Beyond Wildwood’s downtown area, other restaurants offer unique dining experiences. The Two Mile Crab House & Crush Bar, located across from the wildlife refuge and along the Jarvis Sound, allows customers to dock their boats and feast on seafood and cocktails. Home cooks don’t have to travel far to stock up on supplies; the Wildwoods are home to two Acme supermarkets in addition to a handful of Mexican food stores.

Kohr Brothers has been serving soft frozen custard and homemade ice cream in The Wildwoods for over a hundred years.
Kohr Brothers has been serving soft frozen custard and homemade ice cream in The Wildwoods for over a hundred years.
The Wildwoods locals can take a hike at Two Mile Beach Nature Trail runs along the Atlantic ocean.
The Wildwoods locals can take a hike at Two Mile Beach Nature Trail runs along the Atlantic ocean.
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Schools in Wildwood

Wildwood’s students can start their education at Glenwood Avenue Elementary School, which receives a C from Niche, before going on to attend the C-rated Wildwood Middle School. Wildwood High School, which receives a B-minus, previously received a Blue Ribbon award from the Department of Education and offers a student-teacher ratio nearly half that of the national average.

Wildwood High School is conveniently located right in the middle of the island.
Wildwood High School is conveniently located right in the middle of the island.
Younger students will continue their education at Wildwood Middle School.
Younger students will continue their education at Wildwood Middle School.
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The Wildwoods has a high risk of flooding

Due to their location along the Atlantic coast, the Wildwoods are assessed by First Street to have an extreme risk of flooding and a severe storm wind factor. Communities like North Wildwood have set up websites dedicated to hurricane preparedness, helping residents plan for the occasional severe weather event.

Getting around (and out of) town

The Wildwoods sit just a 5-minute drive from the Garden State Parkway, which provides direct access to other major coastal points from Cape May in the south to Ocean City and Atlantic City to the north and, 2 hours and 30 minutes to the north, New York City itself. Philadelphia is an hour and a half’s drive up the parkway and along the Atlantic City Expressway. Healthcare is never far from home; the Wildwoods are home to a campus of Cape Regional Urgent Care as well as a local dentistry practice.

Jacob Adelhoch
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Vincent Mauriello
Photography Contributed By
Vincent Mauriello
Adam Barkley
Video By
Adam Barkley

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Cindy Kaczmarski, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Atlantic City International

74 min drive

Bus

New Jersey Ave & 11th Ave

Bus

New Jersey Ave & Garfield Ave#

Bus

New Jersey Ave & 9th Ave

Bus

New Jersey Ave & 13th Ave

Bus

Spruce Ave & Anglesea Dr

Bus

Wildwood Bus Terminal

Bus

Anglesea Dr & Oak Ave

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime The Wildwoods US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

The Wildwoods Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$465,000
Median Sale Price
$374,950
Median Single Family Sale Price
$535,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$422,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
4
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$353

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
5,936
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1980
Months of Supply
6.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,350
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,210
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
897
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
522
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
327
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11am - 1pm

    1904 Atlantic Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260

    $2,349,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 4,600 Sq Ft
    • 1904 Atlantic Ave

    Welcome to 1904 Atlantic Ave. North Wildwood, a stunning custom-built coastal retreat offering modern luxury and thoughtful design. This expansive single-family home features five spacious bedrooms plus an oversized den/6th bedroom, a massive living room with a gas fireplace, and French doors leading to a covered front porch with a ceiling fan, outdoor gas fireplace, and TV connections. The

    Agent Photo
    Francis Jannotta
    COASTAL ELITE REALTY
    (640) 252-8081
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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    12 - 2pm

    8700 Atlantic Ave Unit Top, Wildwood, NJ 08260

    $999,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 8700 Atlantic Ave
    • Unit Top
    • New 1 day ago

    ***Open House Saturday, August 2nd Noon - 2PM*** Stunning 4-Bedroom Penthouse with Amazing Ocean Views in Sunny Wildwood Crest! Welcome to your dream shore getaway! This beautifully appointed 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom top-floor corner penthouse is located in the highly desirable South end of Wildwood Crest, just 100 steps from our Award Winning white sandy beaches. Soak in the breathtaking beach

    Paul Zografakis RE/MAX SURFSIDE

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11am - 2pm

    4702 Arctic Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260

    $300,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,286 Sq Ft
    • 4702 Arctic Ave
    • New 1 day ago

    Prime Downtown Wildwood Location – Investment Opportunity! Charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-story detached home located just 3 blocks from the beach, boardwalk, and Wildwood's vibrant downtown scene. The current owner began renovations—bring your tools and imagination to complete the transformation. Ideal for year-round living, a summer retreat, or a lucrative seashore rental. Walkable to restaurants,

    Michael Bruccoliere EXIT MBR REALTY

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Cindy Kaczmarski, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
19,612
Median Age
54
Population under 18
17%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
33%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$65,293
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$88,497

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.8%
College Graduates
27.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.9%
% Population in Labor Force
47.7%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
6''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

71 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

74 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
The Wildwoods