Nathan Colmer
Cell: 609-290-4293
Office: 609-492-1511
Email Me
LBI Property Locations
Property Locations in the LBI NJ Real Estate Market
Understanding property location is the key to success in the Long Beach Island real estate market. On LBI, a home’s value is driven primarily by where it sits—whether oceanfront, oceanblock, oceanside, bayside, bayblock, bayfront, or lagoon front. Each location offers unique benefits, from breathtaking ocean views to serene bay access. Additionally, the specific town or area—such as Beach Haven, Ship Bottom, Surf City, or Barnegat Light—further influences property value. Learning how location impacts price is the first step toward making a smart investment on Long Beach Island.
Locations on LBI
There are several distinct locations in the LBI real estate market, and a buyer must understand the difference between them. The most commonly recognized locations are: Oceanfront, Oceanblock, Oceanside, Bayside, Bayblock, Bayfront, and Lagoonfront. You can read more about each location below.
Learn about LBI real estate property locations, Long Beach Island, New Jersey, real estate, and the LBI area. A property location, almost more than anything else, drives a home's value in the Long Beach Island real estate market. There can be significant differences in locations that appear similar. For example, a home on the oceanside and a home on the ocean block may have a 20%-40% difference in value! There are several locations on LBI: oceanfront, oceanblock, oceanside, bayside, bayblock, bayfront, and lagoon front. The town or area of Long Beach Island further influences the home's value in each specific location. Understanding how location impacts value is a critical first step in making a smart investment on Long Beach Island.
Oceanfront Homes
LBI Property Locations: Oceanfront Homes on LBI
When it comes to LBI property locations, oceanfront homes on Long Beach Island are among the most coveted and valuable in the market. Their prime location and unobstructed views of the beach and sunrise make them a top choice for buyers seeking luxury and exclusivity. These properties often come with higher insurance costs—most are in the “V” flood zone—and require additional maintenance due to salt spray exposure. Lot size is another critical factor; wider oceanfront lots offer more rooms with ocean views and greater privacy, significantly increasing property value. For those looking to invest in Long Beach Island real estate, understanding these location-driven factors is essential.
Oceanblock Homes
LBI Property Locations: Oceanblock Homes in the LBI Real Estate Market
Oceanblock homes on Long Beach Island offer the perfect balance of beach proximity and value. These properties offer easy beach access and often feature partial ocean views, all at a significantly lower cost than oceanfront homes. To qualify as a true Oceanblock home, there should be no streets between the property and the beach access. Certain areas of LBI, such as Brant Beach, have limited Oceanblock options, though their oceanside homes remain close to the shoreline. Key factors influencing Oceanblock home value include distance to the beach and lot size—closer locations with better views can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to a property’s price in the LBI real estate market.
Oceanside Homes
LBI Property Types: Oceanside Homes in the LBI Real Estate Market
Oceanside homes on Long Beach Island are located east of Long Beach Boulevard, offering convenient beach access with only a minor street to cross—typically Beach Avenue or Atlantic Avenue, both low-speed, two-lane roads. While most areas of LBI feature oceanfront properties, some towns like Surf City, Ship Bottom, North Beach, Loveladies, and parts of South Beach Haven have only oceanfront and oceanblock homes east of the boulevard. Certain sections of LBI include multiple oceanside tiers, meaning some homes may require crossing two streets before reaching the oceanblock. This variation significantly impacts pricing—homes closer to the beach often command higher values and may offer partial ocean views, making location a key factor in the valuation of oceanside homes.
Bayside Homes
LBI Property Types: Bayside Homes in the LBI Real Estate Market
Bayside homes on Long Beach Island are located west of Long Beach Boulevard and typically offer a more affordable price point compared to oceanside, oceanblock, and oceanfront properties. While the walk to the beach is longer, bayside neighborhoods are often quieter and less congested, providing a peaceful coastal lifestyle. Some areas feature both bayside and bayblock homes, with bayblock properties offering superior bay views. Bayside locations generally sit at a lower elevation, making them more prone to flooding, which can increase insurance costs. However, buyers often find that bayside homes deliver more space and newer construction for the same budget, making them an attractive option in the LBI real estate market.
Bayblock Homes
LBI Property Location: Bayblock Properties in the LBI Real Estate Market
Bayblock homes on Long Beach Island share many similarities with oceanblock properties, but they are located west of Long Beach Boulevard near the bay. A true bayblock home has no streets between the property and bay access, offering stunning bay and sunset views. These homes are highly desirable for their proximity to the water, but some bayblock areas can be more prone to flooding, depending on whether the land is natural or filled marsh. Not every section of LBI features bayblock properties, but they are commonly found in Surf City, Ship Bottom, and North Beach Haven, making them a sought-after choice for buyers looking for waterfront living without the premium price of bayfront homes.
Bayfront Homes
LBI Property Types: Bayfront Homes in the LBI Real Estate Market
Bayfront homes on Long Beach Island offer unobstructed views of Barnegat Bay and breathtaking sunsets, making them some of the most desirable properties in the LBI real estate market. One of the most critical factors influencing bayfront home value is Riparian Rights, which determine whether a dock can be built and its allowable size. There are two types of Riparian Rights: grants, in which the owner owns the land under the water, and leases, in which the land is leased from the state. Buyers should also consider setbacks, CAFRA approvals, and bulkhead condition, as these elements significantly impact property value and future improvements. Understanding these details is essential for anyone investing in a bayfront home on Long Beach Island.
Lagoonfront Homes
LBI Property Location: Lagoonfront Homes in the LBI Real Estate Market
Lagoonfront homes on Long Beach Island are found in select areas such as High Bar Harbor, The Dunes, Loveladies, parts of Harvey Cedars, and Beach Haven. These properties sit along man-made waterways called lagoons or canals, offering direct boating access to Barnegat Bay while providing more protection from storms compared to bayfront homes. Although lagoonfront homes typically lack unobstructed bay views and trade at lower prices than bayfront properties, they remain highly desirable for boaters and waterfront enthusiasts. Location within the lagoon significantly impacts value—homes closer to the mouth of the lagoon often command higher prices due to better views and improved water movement. Buyers should also review CAFRA regulations, setback requirements, and bulkhead condition, as these factors influence property value and future improvements.
LBI Real Estate Property Locations
LBI Property Locations and the LBI Real Estate Market
In the Long Beach Island real estate market, location is the single most important factor influencing home value. While property condition, lot size, and ocean or bay views matter, the location relative to the ocean, bay, and the specific town sets the baseline price. From oceanfront luxury to bayside affordability, understanding LBI property locations is essential for making a smart investment.
Oceanfront homes are the most desirable and command the highest prices thanks to their unobstructed views and direct beach access. Oceanblock homes offer a more affordable alternative while still providing excellent ocean views. Oceanside homes are popular for their convenience—shorter walks to the beach without crossing Long Beach Boulevard—and often feature rooftop decks with ocean and bay views. In some areas, like Brant Beach, oceanside homes can be closer to the beach than oceanblock homes in other towns, making location comparisons critical.
Bayside homes typically cost about 20% less than oceanfront properties and offer more space for the same budget, though they are more flood-prone and have slower resale times. Bayfront homes deliver stunning bay views and sunsets, but require careful consideration of Riparian Rights for dock construction. Proximity to inlets also impacts value for boating enthusiasts—northern areas like Loveladies and Barnegat Light offer quicker ocean access than central towns like Ship Bottom or Surf City.
For buyers seeking waterfront living at a lower price, lagoonfront homes in areas such as The Dunes, High Bar Harbor, Loveladies, and South Beach Haven provide boating access and, in some cases, bay views. These properties trade at a lower price than bayfront homes but remain highly desirable for boaters.
Every property type has pros and cons, so understanding LBI property locations and their impact on value, enjoyment, and future appreciation is key to buying the right vacation home on Long Beach Island.
Where to Invest in the LBI Real Estate Market
LBI Property Locations: Where to Buy and Invest in the LBI Real Estate Market
When it comes to investing in the Long Beach Island real estate market, location is the most influential factor. While property size, condition, and views matter, the proximity to the beach often determines rental demand and resale value. Generally, Oceanfront, Oceanblock, and Oceanside homes deliver the highest returns, thanks to their premium locations and strong appeal to summer renters and spec home buyers. These areas offer shorter walks to the beach, which is a top priority for vacationers.
However, bayside properties are gaining traction among investors. As prices for beachside homes rise, bayside locations provide a more affordable entry point while still offering attractive features like quiet neighborhoods and scenic bay views. This affordability opens opportunities for a wider pool of buyers and investors, making bayside homes an increasingly smart choice for long-term appreciation and rental income.
If you’re considering where to buy or invest in the LBI real estate market, weigh location against other factors, including flood zones, lot size, and redevelopment potential. Understanding how each property location impacts value and demand is essential for making a profitable investment on Long Beach Island.
EXPLORE MORE LONG BEACH ISLAND REAL ESTATE
Nathan Colmer
C: 609-290-4293 O: 609-492-1511 Email Me
I’m Nathan Colmer, a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy a home in the LBI real estate market. With years of experience living and working on Long Beach Island, I’ve developed an in-depth understanding of LBI property locations—from oceanfront and oceanblock to bayside, bayfront, and lagoonfront. Each area has unique characteristics that impact value, lifestyle, and investment potential, and I know how to navigate these details to help you make the right choice.
Whether you’re concerned about flood zones, elevation requirements, or maximizing rental income, I provide clear, honest guidance based on real-world experience and proven results. My goal is simple: to help you find the perfect property that fits your lifestyle and delivers long-term value in the LBI real estate market.
