THE ULTIMATE LBI BUYER’S GUIDE
Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home on Long Beach Island
About Long Beach Island, New Jersey
Long Beach Island, or "LBI" as it's affectionately known, is a stunning barrier island off the southern coast of New Jersey. Renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, and close proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, LBI is a sought-after destination for vacationers and homeowners alike.
Each summer, the island’s year-round population of approximately 20,000 swells to over 200,000 as visitors flock to enjoy the sun, surf, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. LBI offers a unique blend of small-town charm and resort-style living, making it an exceptional place to visit, invest, or call home.
Finding Your Place on LBI
Before making a real estate decision on LBI, it's essential to explore the different areas to determine the best fit for your lifestyle or investment goals. Whether you're looking for a primary residence, vacation home, or rental property, LBI offers diverse options that cater to every preference.
The LBI Real Estate Market
LBI’s real estate market offers a mix of single-family homes, condos, multi-family properties, and commercial real estate. Property values vary based on location, with premium prices in exclusive neighborhoods like Loveladies and North Beach, while areas such as Ship Bottom and Holgate tend to be more affordable.
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Home Prices: Typically range from $1,200,000 to $1,500,000 for single-family homes, with condos and multi-family homes available at varying price points.
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Market Stability: The LBI real estate market has historically been strong, with homes selling for 96%-98% of their listing price and spending an average of 60 days on the market.
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Investment Potential: Summer rentals play a significant role in the market, helping homeowners offset costs and making LBI an attractive investment opportunity.
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Impact of Events: Hurricane Sandy reshaped parts of the island, emphasizing the importance of storm damage assessments and flood insurance. More recently, COVID-19 drove increased buyer activity, leading to higher demand and lower inventory levels.
A Long Beach Island History Lesson
Long Beach Island has a rich history that dates back to the late 1600s when it was first explored by Dutch settlers. Drawn to the area by its intense wave activity and the rough inlet at what is now Barnegat Light, the explorers gave the inlet its name, "Barnegat," which translates to "inlet of the breakers."
By the 19th century, LBI had become a popular retreat for the elite of Philadelphia and New York. Its popularity surged with the arrival of a direct rail line, making the island more accessible. Evidence of this era remains today, with remnants of old train station cutouts visible in neighborhoods like Brighton Beach, Brant Beach, and Ship Bottom. This history explains why many homes and businesses in these areas are set back from Long Beach Boulevard.
Today, Long Beach Island continues to thrive as a premier resort destination. Each summer, the island's population swells from its year-round 15,000–25,000 residents to over 200,000 visitors eager to enjoy its beautiful beaches and vibrant community. This seasonal transformation makes LBI a truly unique and dynamic place to live and visit.