The area of West Long Branch, New Jersey, was referred to as Mechanicsville from the 18th century up until the mid-1800s. It was then renamed Branchburg before becoming what we now know as West Long Branch in 1889.
Located near the Shrewsbury River, West Long Branch is a borough in the county of Monmouth. According to the 2010 Census, the population of West Long Branch is 8,097. There is indication that the borough of 2.894 square miles is growing. Despite its smaller size, West Long Branch has several beautiful rental properties. Also, you will find that there is plenty to do in West Long Branch and its neighboring cities. For instance, if you are a beach bum, or looking to become one, West Long Branch is just a few miles from the Jersey Shores.
Moving to West Long Branch
If you are considering relocating to West Long Branch, get out your computers, go to Google, and research this eastern New Jersey borough and see what it has to offer. The next step is to find places to rent. By using online real estate guides, you will get a clear indication as to what apartments or townhouses are available for rent. You can quickly narrow down your search based on the apartment size you need and how much you are willing spend on monthly rent.
Because West Long Branch is a small city, many of the apartments and townhouses are in close proximity to the stores and restaurants. Thus, you don't really have to focus on a specific side of town. If you are moving from a nearby city, you could visit some of the rental units just to see in person if it's really the place you want to hang your hat. Of course, this may be difficult if you are moving from a distant location. Still, it would be wise to plan a visit to the apartment complex or townhouse community that you are considering.
Once you made your choice, there is more involved than just signing a lease agreement and taking the keys. In many cases, the landlord or property manager will ask for an application in order to run your credit. Don't let this scare you as this is protocol for many apartment complexes. Credit scores determine if you are eligible to rent, and how much your security deposit will be. Security deposits are returned on departure only if the unit is still in good condition. If you have accidentally knocked a hole in the wall and broke the towel rack, it would be wise to patch and paint the wall and replace the towel rack. The landlord or property manager will likely verify that you can afford the unit by requesting a letter from your employer or some other type of income proof. Additional documents you may need to provide include a photo I.D. and rental history if you have previously rented a property.
Neighborhoods in West Long Branch
West Long Branch primarily consists of housing developments, thus it may be difficult to find an apartment for rent. If you are still seeking places for rent in West Long Branch, you may need to search for townhouses and condominiums.
Avalon West Long Branch: This is a new luxurious apartment complex in the heart of West Long Branch. With one-, two- and three-bedroom units available, Avalon West Long Branch suits families of all sizes. It includes a multitude of amenities such as a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, business center, and additional storage. In addition, these apartment rentals are equipped with cable and satellite, washing machine, dryer, and microwave.
Whispering Meadows: This community has townhouses for rent. Each townhouse has three bedrooms, two and half bathrooms, a one-car garage and a basement. Some of the townhouses have a fireplace. The community also provides a swimming pool for its residents.
Winding Brook: This townhouse community offers two- and three-bedroom units, some equipped with a fireplace. Pets are allowed at Winding Brook.
Living in West Long Branch
West Long Branch is considered a small borough, so there are times when you may travel to nearby Long Branch for entertainment. For example, the Pier Village is known as New Jersey's most luxurious oceanfront shopping and dining facility. Additionally, the West Long Branch Shopping Center is also located in Long Branch. As mentioned before, the famous Jersey shores are just a short drive from West Long Branch. If you want to enjoy a movie, you can visit the AMC Loews Theatre located in the Monmouth Mall in nearby Eatontown. If you are looking for a nice meal, you don't have to travel outside of the West Long Branch city limits. If you want to channel your inner-Italian, you can visit the La Scarpetta Italian Restaurant and Pizza. If you are looking for more of a bar atmosphere, then My Way Bar and Grill is an ideal place to hang out. Perhaps you have your children tagging along. You can always satisfy them with a trip to Jack Frost's Ice Cream. Perhaps you are a coffee connoisseur or you just need a caffeine fix. You can take short drive to Barbaric Bean Coffee Roasters of West Long Branch. It is true that West Long Branch is a smaller town, but there are activities and entertainment within the city or nearby cities.