Is Ocean County NJ a good place to live?

Ocean County is an excellent place to live for people who value proximity to the Jersey Shore, outdoor recreation, and a more affordable cost of living relative to northern NJ counties. The county has grown significantly — nearly 30% since 2000 — and now has over 666,000 residents. Inland towns like Toms River and Jackson offer solid suburban amenities and good schools. Shore towns offer beach access and strong community character. The main tradeoffs are limited public transit and summer traffic on the Garden State Parkway.

What is the best town in Ocean County NJ?

Bay Head consistently receives the highest livability grades in Ocean County — an A grade from Niche, with top scores for safety, schools, and family-friendliness. However, Bay Head is very small (about 1,100 residents) and very expensive. For families wanting good schools, more space, and better affordability, Toms River and Jackson Township are stronger practical choices. For the classic Jersey Shore experience, Point Pleasant Beach and Lavallette are perennial favorites.

Is Toms River NJ affordable?

Toms River is one of the more affordable towns in Ocean County, with homes averaging in the mid-$400,000s as of mid-2025 — significantly less expensive than shore communities like Point Pleasant Beach or Bay Head. The wide range means you can find properties from the low $200,000s up to $2 million depending on the neighborhood and water access. As the county seat and largest municipality, Toms River also offers the most complete set of amenities and services.

How far is Ocean County from New York City?

Toms River is approximately 60-65 miles from Midtown Manhattan by car — about 75 to 90 minutes in typical conditions via the Garden State Parkway. During summer weekends, southbound GSP traffic can make the return trip from NYC significantly longer. There is no direct NJ Transit rail service to Ocean County; most residents commute by car or use NJ Transit buses.

What is the difference between living on the shore vs inland in Ocean County?

Shore towns in Ocean County — Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head, Lavallette, Seaside Heights, Long Beach Island — offer direct beach access, stronger community character, and generally higher home prices. Many shore properties are used seasonally, which affects year-round community density. Inland towns like Toms River, Brick, and Jackson Township offer larger lot sizes, more consistent year-round communities, better school options, and significantly lower prices. The choice depends on whether daily beach access or suburban stability is your priority.

Home » Blog » Best Places to Live in Ocean County NJ: Toms River, Brick & Shore Communities

Best Places to Live in Ocean County NJ: Toms River, Brick & Shore Communities

Ocean County stretches along the central New Jersey coastline from the Manasquan Inlet south to Barnegat Bay and Long Beach Island. It is the state’s fifth-largest county by population – nearly 666,000 residents as of 2024, representing 30 percent growth since 2000 – and one of its most distinctive, defined by the contrast between its shore communities and its inland suburban towns.

That contrast shapes every decision about where to live here. A waterfront cottage in Bay Head and a colonial in Toms River’s Twin Oaks neighborhood are both Ocean County addresses, but they represent entirely different housing markets, commutes, price points, and lifestyles. Understanding the distinction is the starting point for any move to Ocean County.

Toms River

Toms River is Ocean County’s largest municipality and its county seat, with nearly 100,000 residents spread across a mix of neighborhoods ranging from waterfront homes along Barnegat Bay to quiet inland subdivisions. It is the most complete community in the county in terms of amenities, services, schools, and access – and it is one of the more affordable for its size.

Homes in Toms River average in the mid-$400,000s, with a wide range from the low $200,000s to over $2 million for waterfront properties. The diversity of the housing stock means Toms River draws a broad population – retirees, young families, Shore-adjacent commuters, and people who simply want a full-service suburban town at a reasonable price point.

Best for: Families, retirees, and buyers who want the most complete suburban experience in Ocean County without paying shore-town prices.

Transit: No direct NJ Transit rail. Most residents commute by car via Garden State Parkway and Route 9. NJ Transit bus routes serve the area.

Moving note: Toms River is predominantly single-family housing with good truck access. Driveways are standard and most residential streets are wide. Waterfront neighborhoods near Barnegat Bay may have narrower access roads. No COI typically required.

Brick Township

Brick is Ocean County’s second-largest municipality with over 76,000 residents across 25.6 square miles. It has more than 30 miles of shoreline along Barnegat Bay, which makes it one of the most water-accessible suburban townships in the state without being a traditional “shore town.” Homes in Brick average around $525,000, with waterfront properties at a significant premium and inland options well below that.

What makes Brick stand out is its combination of outdoor recreation and suburban infrastructure. The waterfront supports boating, fishing, and watersports. There is a substantial commercial corridor with shopping and dining. The housing stock ranges from modest post-war ranches to newer luxury waterfront homes. Brick has been one of the most consistently popular destinations for families relocating from Hudson County and Union County in recent years.

Best for: Families who want water access and suburban amenities without full shore-town pricing.

Moving note: Waterfront neighborhoods in Brick – particularly along the Metedeconk River and Barnegat Bay – can have narrow access roads and older housing stock that requires careful navigation for moving trucks. Confirm truck access before move day for waterfront addresses.

Point Pleasant & Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant Borough and Point Pleasant Beach are separate municipalities with distinct characters that are often confused. Point Pleasant (the borough) is predominantly residential and receives high marks for schools, family-friendliness, and outdoor activities. Point Pleasant Beach is the shorefront community with the boardwalk, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, and the classic Jersey Shore atmosphere.

Homes in Point Pleasant Beach carry a significant premium – median prices exceed $1.3 million – reflecting the oceanfront location and the demand for Shore properties from the broader New York and New Jersey market. Point Pleasant Borough is considerably more affordable and has consistently strong school ratings.

Best for: Shore enthusiasts, beach-first buyers, and families in Point Pleasant Borough who want school quality with Shore proximity.

Moving note: Beach-area streets near the boardwalk are narrow and can be congested, especially in summer. If your move date falls between Memorial Day and Labor Day, plan for reduced truck access near the waterfront and extended travel times on local roads.

Bay Head

Bay Head consistently receives the highest livability grades in Ocean County – an A from Niche, with top marks for safety, families, and public schools. It is also one of the smallest and most expensive municipalities in the county, with roughly 1,100 year-round residents and a character that feels closer to a historic New England village than a typical Jersey Shore town.

Victorian-era homes line quiet streets. The beach is uncrowded compared to neighboring towns. There is no boardwalk, no carnival, no Seaside Heights-style nightlife – Bay Head is intentionally quiet and intentionally expensive. For buyers who can afford it, it offers some of the most appealing residential real estate on the Jersey Shore.

Best for: High-income buyers seeking a quiet, historic, low-density Shore community with strong schools.

Moving note: Bay Head’s streets are narrow and Victorian homes have the access challenges typical of late 19th-century construction. Parking for a moving truck on move day requires planning in advance – contact the borough if you need to block a street.

Jackson Township

Jackson Township is Ocean County’s most inland major municipality and one of its fastest-growing. It sits along the Route 195 and Route 537 corridors, adjacent to Six Flags Great Adventure, and draws families who want good schools and newer housing stock at prices well below the county’s shore communities.

Jackson has seen significant residential development over the past decade. The school district is consistently well-regarded. The housing stock skews newer – more colonials and contemporary builds than the older Shore-town housing you find in Toms River or Brick. For buyers relocating from Monmouth County or the Freehold area who want to stay in the region without paying Monmouth prices, Jackson Township is a logical choice.

Best for: Families who prioritize new construction, good schools, and inland Ocean County pricing.

Moving note: Standard suburban move – wide streets, newer construction with good access, no special considerations. One of the more straightforward moving environments in Ocean County.

Shore Communities: Lavallette, Seaside Heights & Long Beach Island

Lavallette is a small, quiet barrier island community ranked among the top places to retire in New Jersey. It has a strong year-round community despite its seasonal population swells, excellent safety ratings, and a bayside character that differentiates it from the busier ocean-facing shore towns.

Seaside Heights is the most energetic – and most polarizing – shore destination in Ocean County. The boardwalk, the bars, the summer crowds. Year-round living here means accepting a very different pace in summer versus winter. Housing is relatively affordable compared to quieter Shore communities, which draws buyers who want the Shore experience without Bay Head pricing.

Long Beach Island is a barrier island stretching 18 miles along the Atlantic, home to communities like Beach Haven, Surf City, Ship Bottom, and Barnegat Light. LBI has a strong year-round contingent but is dominated by seasonal residents and second-home buyers. Property values vary significantly by location on the island – oceanfront homes command significantly higher prices than bayside properties. LBI’s Bridge Road access means all moving trucks must cross a single drawbridge, which requires planning around bridge hours and summer traffic.

What to Know Before Moving in Ocean County

Ocean County presents some moving logistics that are specific to the region:

Summer timing is critical. The Garden State Parkway through Ocean County is one of the most congested roads in New Jersey from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A move scheduled on a Friday or Saturday in July can add hours to your crew’s travel time. If your move date is in summer, start as early as possible and consider mid-week if your schedule allows.
Shore town access. Many shore and barrier island communities have narrow streets, older housing stock, and limited truck parking. LBI requires crossing a single drawbridge. Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant Beach have seasonal parking restrictions near the waterfront. Confirm truck access and parking before booking your mover.
Seasonal moves. Ocean County has a significant population of seasonal residents and second-home owners who move belongings in spring and out in fall. If your move date aligns with these peak windows, book your mover 4-6 weeks ahead.
Waterfront homes. Bay, lagoon, and oceanfront properties in Toms River, Brick, and the shore towns sometimes have limited driveway access or require larger crews to navigate safely. Disclose your property type when requesting a quote.

Ola Moving serves all of Ocean County – Toms River, Brick, Point Pleasant, Bay Head, Jackson Township, Lavallette, Long Beach Island, and beyond. Get a free moving estimate for your Ocean County move.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ocean County NJ a good place to live?

Ocean County is an excellent place to live for people who value proximity to the Jersey Shore, outdoor recreation, and a more affordable cost of living relative to northern NJ counties. The county has grown nearly 30 percent since 2000 and now has over 666,000 residents. Inland towns like Toms River and Jackson offer solid suburban amenities and good schools. Shore towns offer beach access and strong community character. The main tradeoffs are limited public transit and summer traffic on the Garden State Parkway.
What is the best town in Ocean County NJ?

Bay Head consistently receives the highest livability grades in Ocean County – an A grade from Niche, with top scores for safety, schools, and family-friendliness. However, Bay Head is very small and very expensive. For families wanting good schools, more space, and better affordability, Toms River and Jackson Township are stronger practical choices. For the classic Jersey Shore experience, Point Pleasant Beach and Lavallette are perennial favorites.
Is Toms River NJ affordable?

Toms River is one of the more affordable towns in Ocean County, with homes averaging in the mid-$400,000s as of mid-2025 – significantly less expensive than shore communities like Point Pleasant Beach or Bay Head. The wide range means you can find properties from the low $200,000s up to $2 million depending on neighborhood and water access. As the county seat, Toms River also offers the most complete set of amenities and services in the county.
How far is Ocean County from New York City?

Toms River is approximately 60–65 miles from Midtown Manhattan – about 75 to 90 minutes in typical conditions via the Garden State Parkway. During summer weekends, southbound GSP traffic can make the return trip from NYC significantly longer. There is no direct NJ Transit rail service to Ocean County; most residents commute by car or use NJ Transit buses.
What is the difference between living on the shore vs inland in Ocean County?

Shore towns offer direct beach access, stronger community character, and generally higher home prices. Many shore properties are used seasonally, which affects year-round community density. Inland towns like Toms River, Brick, and Jackson Township offer larger lot sizes, more consistent year-round communities, better school options, and significantly lower prices. The choice depends on whether daily beach access or suburban stability is your priority.