Things to do on Long Beach Island

Explore Local Attractions and Activities on Long Beach Island New Jersey

Discover the best attractions, activities, and experiences across Long Beach Island (LBI), New Jersey—whether you're seeking family fun, coastal adventure, or local culture. This guide highlights top-rated things to do in Surf City, Beach Haven, Barnegat Light, Long Beach Township, and beyond, helping you understand the best things to do on Long Beach Island and plan the perfect LBI visit.

LBI Real Estate Ownership Costs

When budgeting for a home in the Long Beach Island real estate market, it’s essential to consider both the short- and long-term costs of ownership. LBI is a unique coastal market, and with that comes specific expenses that may not be immediately apparent. Beyond the initial purchase price, homeowners should account for ongoing costs such as flood insurance, wind insurance, property taxes, and utility bills. Additionally, long-term maintenance is a crucial factor in preserving your investment, given the island’s exposure to coastal weather conditions.

It’s important to distinguish these ongoing ownership costs from the buyer’s closing costs, which are one-time expenses associated with purchasing a home. To fully understand the financial commitment of owning a home on LBI, planning for both upfront and recurring expenses is key.

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Flood Insurance

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Rental Expenses

If you plan to rent out your home on Long Beach Island, it’s important to account for additional expenses that come with managing a rental property. These costs can vary depending on whether you work with a real estate agency, use an online platform, or manage bookings yourself. Commission fees for local agencies typically range from 10%-15%, while flat fees for platforms can range from $500 to $1,000. Cleaning fees average $300-$800 per week, and routine maintenance costs should be budgeted. Utility expenses may increase by $1,000 to $2,000 per season. Understanding these costs helps maximize rental income while maintaining a well-kept property.

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Repairs & Maintenance

When owning a home on Long Beach Island, it's important to budget for annual maintenance. Typical expenses include yard treatment ($250-$350), storm damage repairs ($500-$1,000), winterizing the house if unoccupied ($300-$400), property cleanups and power washing ($500-$2,500), and general repairs ($500-$1,000). If you plan to rent the home, additional costs like small appliance replacements, interior painting, and AC servicing should be expected.

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Homeowners Insurance

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Property Taxes

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Utility Bills

Long Beach Island is serviced by New Jersey Natural Gas and Atlantic City Electric. Utility costs vary based on home size, efficiency, and usage. Monthly heating bills for most Cape Cod-style homes range from $125-$500, while electricity costs range from $150-$600. Newer homes tend to have lower utility costs due to improved efficiency. Water and sewer are metered and billed quarterly, while trash service is often included in property taxes unless you live in a condominium with private trash service. Utility costs may also be lower for winterized homes with minimal usage.

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Cable and Internet

Who Serves the LBI Real Estate Market

Cable Internet (most common on LBI):
Xfinity (Comcast) offers cable internet throughout Long Beach Island, with plans that reach up to multi‑gigabit speeds and local retail support in nearby Manahawkin.

Fixed Wireless (home 5G/LTE):
Verizon and T‑Mobile offer home internet over 5G/LTE in many New Jersey locations. Availability and speeds depend on address and signal quality but 5G has been a growing force in the LBI real estate market.

Satellite:
Satellite providers cover the entire area and can be useful for hard‑to‑serve pockets, though latency and data caps may apply and many users report issues on Long Beach Island with weather related events and even the regular winds that are commonplace on LBI.

Ownership Costs to Budget (Annual/Monthly)

Service Plans & Equipment
Cable internet monthly fees (plan‑dependent), plus modem/router rental or purchase; Xfinity and Optimum list equipment charges and bundles on their plan pages with most plans running between $100 and $300/month.

Rental‑Ready Wi‑Fi

If the property is a summer rental, faster tiers and mesh Wi‑Fi can improve guest reviews and reduce support calls—factor this into ownership costs in the Long Beach Island real estate market.

Cable and Internet in the LBI Real Estate Market
For most homeowners, cable internet (Xfinity/Optimum) delivers the best mix of speed and availability on LBI, with 5G/LTE home internet as a flexible alternative and satellite as a last resort in tricky pockets. Verifying service at the exact address—and budgeting for plans, equipment, and seasonal performance—will keep your connectivity aligned with your lifestyle, rental strategy, and ownership costs in the Long Beach Island real estate market.

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HOA Fees

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Pool Maintenance

Key Ownership Costs on Long Beach Island

Property Taxes
Taxes on LBI vary by town and property value. Oceanfront and bayfront homes typically have higher assessments due to premium locations.

Flood Insurance
Most homes on LBI require flood insurance, especially those in V or A flood zones. Premiums depend on elevation, proximity to water, and FEMA regulations.

Homeowners Insurance
Coastal properties face higher insurance costs due to wind and storm exposure. Buyers should factor this into annual expenses.

HOA Fees
Condos and private communities often charge HOA fees for maintenance, landscaping, and amenities. These fees can range from a few hundred dollars annually to over $1,000 per month for luxury condos.

Maintenance & Repairs
Salt air and coastal weather increase wear and tear on homes. Budget for exterior upkeep, roof maintenance, and HVAC servicing.

Pool Maintenance on Long Beach Island
Adding a pool to your LBI property can enhance rental income and personal enjoyment, but it also adds ongoing costs. Here’s what home buyers should know:
Typical Pool Maintenance Costs

Weekly Cleaning & Chemical Balancing: $100–$150 per week during the season.
Opening & Closing Services: $300–$500 each.
Repairs & Equipment: Pumps, filters, and heaters can cost hundreds or even thousands over time.
Energy Costs: Heating a pool can significantly increase utility bills, especially for larger pools.

Why Pool Maintenance Matters
Proper maintenance ensures safety, longevity, and compliance with local regulations. Neglecting upkeep can lead to costly repairs and reduced property value.

Planning Ahead
When considering buying a home in the LBI real estate market, factor in these ownership costs—especially if you plan to add or maintain a pool. Understanding these expenses upfront helps you make a smart investment and enjoy your Long Beach Island property without surprises.

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Rental Expenses

1. Cleaning Services
Turnover cleaning between guests is essential for maintaining high ratings and repeat bookings.

Estimated Cost: $150–$300 per cleaning, depending on property size and services (laundry, deep cleaning).
Frequency: Weekly during peak season.

2. Maintenance & Repairs
Salt air and heavy summer use can lead to wear and tear. Budget for routine maintenance and unexpected repairs.

Estimated Annual Cost: $2,000–$5,000 for general upkeep (HVAC, plumbing, landscaping).
Tip: Schedule off-season inspections to avoid costly emergency repairs.

3. Advertising & Marketing
To maximize bookings, you’ll need to advertise your property.

Options: VRBO, Airbnb, or direct booking websites.
Estimated Cost:

VRBO & Airbnb fees: 3%–5% per booking (Airbnb) or up to 8% (VRBO).
Professional photography: $300–$500.
Paid ads or social media campaigns: $100–$500 per season.

4. Platform & Service Fees
Using platforms like Airbnb or VRBO adds convenience but comes with costs:

Airbnb Host Fee: ~3% of booking subtotal.
VRBO Service Fee: 5%–8% of booking subtotal.
Annual Subscription (VRBO): $499 for unlimited listings.

5. Real Estate Commissions
If you use a real estate agent for bookings or property management:

Commission: Typically 10%–15% of rental income for full-service management.
Includes: Marketing, guest communication, cleaning coordination.

6. Utilities & Insurance

Utilities: $300–$500/month during peak season (electric, water, internet).
Insurance: Higher for rentals; includes flood and liability coverage.
Estimated Annual Cost: $2,000–$4,000.

7. Local Permits & Taxes

Rental Permits: Required by most LBI towns; $50–$250 annually.
Occupancy Taxes: NJ charges 11.625% on short-term rentals unless booked directly.

Total Estimated Annual Costs
For a typical 4-bedroom summer rental on LBI:

Cleaning: $3,000–$5,000
Maintenance: $2,000–$5,000
Advertising & Fees: $1,000–$2,500
Utilities & Insurance: $4,000–$6,000
Permits & Taxes: $500–$1,500
Estimated Total: $10,500–$20,000 annually (excluding mortgage).

Buying a Home in the LBI Real Estate Market
Understanding these costs is critical when buying a home in the LBI real estate market for rental purposes. Proper budgeting ensures profitability and long-term success.

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Nathan Colmer

C: 609-290-4293 O: 609-492-1511 Email Me

Understanding ownership costs in the LBI real estate market is essential before buying a home on Long Beach Island. I help buyers navigate all the expenses beyond the purchase price, including property taxes, flood insurance, maintenance, and utility costs. Each LBI property location—whether oceanfront, bayside, or lagoonfront—comes with unique factors that impact long-term costs, such as elevation requirements and exposure to saltwater. My goal is to provide clear, detailed guidance so you can accurately budget and make informed decisions about owning a home on LBI.

Call, text, or email today to start your LBI real estate search with confidence and understand LBI ownership costs.

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