Ocean City, New Jersey, has prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages within its limits since its founding in 1879. No DUIs here.
An hour away from Seaside Heights of Jersey Shore notoriety, Ocean City is one of the definitive beach communities of the Jersey Shore area
Ocean City, New Jersey, has prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages within its limits since its founding in 1879. No DUIs here.
An hour away from Seaside Heights of Jersey Shore notoriety, Ocean City is one of the definitive beach communities of the Jersey Shore area. Plus its reputation is still solidly intact, which is more than we can say for some shore towns. Native Americans were the first to flock here during the summer, coming specifically in the warmer months to take advantage of the great fishing. Today there are those who are fancy enough to use "summer" as a verb and they come for the balmy beach months; and there are those who know summer is a noun and using it otherwise is pompous, and thankfully they are the ones who reside here year round. Whichever group you fit into, rest assured that this coastal enclave offers more than GTL, with the culturally rich Music Pier, one of the world's most popular boardwalks, and buses which make frequent trips to nearby Atlantic City. Even Fido has a place in Ocean City, with a dog park dedicated to the 4-legged beach bums.
Renting or buying, one should know that the beach communities of New Jersey are committed to enticing year-round residents, and benefits such as low property taxes are offered to those living in Ocean City. Rental property can range from long-term year leases to short vacation length stays due to the tourism element. This can be another plus for long-term Ocean City denizens who can get great deals in the off season or can use a short rental to get a feel for neighborhoods and the people in them. Ocean City is actually broken up into several neighborhoods, not just boardwalk and not the boardwalk as some tourists may think.
The Gardens: Fancy name, fancy homes, as some of the greatest number of historical properties in the city are located in this neighborhood which also features a choice between bay and beachfront living.
North End: Spanning from North Street to Sixth Street and sandwiched in by The Gardens and the Boardwalk, North End is ideal for those who want it all. Real estate offerings are a mixed array of duplexes for rent, super-sized rental homes split into several units, and the older beach homes romanticized in novels.
Riviera: Waterfront property facing the bay or the lagoon attracts big boat owners who need a spot for their ships to sleep near their rental homes.
Gold Coast: Boasting of ties to Grace Kelly, this flashy spot in Ocean City allows residents to keep bragging, as they have some of the largest beachfront locales in the city. Expect to see prices that match this swanky space.
Bay Landing: Cul-de-sac living and single residence properties tend to make this slice of Ocean City most attractive to the lucky, long-term residents.
Whether you opt for a Victorian home or studio apartment in Ocean City, what really matters is what happens outside your front door. The mandatory sun, surf, and sand can be found in Ocean City along with the two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk and all its offerings. Amusement rides, mini golf, and cotton candy are balanced by the enriching Ocean City Pops and Greater Ocean City Theater Company. The dining options range from sit down restaurants to quick cafes, which keep locals well fed and happy with the restaurant repertoire. Buses from Ocean City to Atlantic City allow residents to escape the fresh air and get their fix of neon lights and sequins. Public transportation as the sole way of getting around does not exist but the island is very walkable and bike friendly.
