Best Neighborhoods to Buy a House on Long Beach Island, NJ
- Nathan Colmer
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
Buying A Home in the LBI NJ Real Estate Market
Long Beach Island real estate continues to draw buyers from across the region thanks to its strong property values, pristine beaches, and diverse neighborhoods. Whether you're searching for a luxury oceanfront home, a rental-friendly beach house, or a peaceful year-round residence, understanding the best neighborhoods to buy a house on Long Beach Island is essential. It is crucial to keep in mind that the "best" neighborhood really depends on what you are looking for. Some areas are quieter, and that will appeal to some people more than a busy area with lots of attractions within walking distance. All parts of LBI have their pros and their cons, and understanding each unique part of LBI will ultimately help answer the question as to what is the best area for you! This article is not meant to steer a buyer toward or away from a particular area; rather, the goal is to provide you with real information so you can make the best personal choice. As a full-time real estate agent specializing in LBI homes for sale, here’s my detailed breakdown of the top Long Beach Island neighborhoods for home buyers in 2025. You can view my full guide to all towns and communities of the LBI real estate market here.
By: Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
Northern End Communities
Loveladies, NJ and North Beach
Loveladies and North Beach are widely considered the most exclusive neighborhoods on Long Beach Island, known for:
Luxury oceanfront and bayfront estates
Oversized lots and private beach access
A high concentration of premium LBI real estate
For buyers seeking privacy, upscale design, and long-term market strength, Loveladies homes for sale consistently lead the island in value and demand.
Barnegat Light
Located at LBI’s northern tip, Barnegat Light combines charm with structural resilience. Known for:
Post-Sandy elevated construction
Quiet, maritime-town atmosphere
Strong demand among buyers prioritizing storm preparedness
If you’re looking for well-built homes on Long Beach Island with a peaceful setting, Barnegat Light remains a top pick.
Harvey Cedars
Harvey Cedars is a highly desirable mid-island community known for its elevated homes, quiet residential feel, and strong appeal among second-home buyers. With a mix of bayfront estates, oceanfront new construction, and charming coastal cottages, Harvey Cedars offers an excellent blend of lifestyle and long-term value. Buyers appreciate the lower density, scenic dunes, and easy access to boating and kayaking on the bay.Harvey Cedars homes for sale attract those seeking a peaceful setting with premium property features.
Highlights of Harvey Cedars:
Quiet, low-density residential environment
Mix of luxury oceanfront and bayfront homes
Strong appreciation trends and high demand for new construction
Popular for boating, kayaking, and watersports
Central and South End Island Neighborhoods
Long Beach Township
Covering a large portion of the island, Long Beach Township real estate includes highly desirable neighborhoods such as High Bar Harbor, North Beach, and Brant Beach. Buyers value:
Calm, residential environments
Gorgeous bayfront and oceanfront homes
Proven long-term appreciation
In 2025, Long Beach Township recorded a median home price of $1,852,957, reflecting 78.20% growth in five years—making it one of the strongest markets in all LBI real estate.
Ship Bottom
Often considered the “Gateway to LBI,” Ship Bottom offers excellent convenience, strong rental potential, and a wide range of property types. Because it’s located at the entrance to the island, Ship Bottom is extremely accessible for both year-round residents and vacation homeowners. The area features walkable neighborhoods, plenty of dining and shopping options, and easy beach access—making Ship Bottom real estate a favorite among investors and families.
Highlights of Ship Bottom:
Convenient location right off the Causeway Bridge
Strong rental demand due to accessibility and amenities
Wide variety of property styles, from condos to single-family homes
Great for buyers seeking affordability compared to northern towns
Walkable lifestyle with restaurants, shops, and activities nearby
Surf City
Surf City is one of the most balanced and versatile neighborhoods on Long Beach Island, blending residential comfort with a vibrant business district. The area offers a strong mix of primary residences, second homes, and investment properties, along with excellent beach access and a popular bay beach. With its central location and thriving commercial zone, Surf City homes for sale attract families, retirees, and investors alike.
Highlights of Surf City:
Walkable business district with shops, bakeries, and restaurants
Strong demand for both summer rentals and year-round living
Central LBI location ideal for accessibility
Variety of home types, from renovated cottages to modern builds
Highly desirable bay beach, perfect for families and beginners
North Beach Haven
North Beach Haven offers a quiet, residential feel while still delivering excellent access to beaches, the bay, and local amenities. It’s ideal for buyers wanting:
Balanced beach and bay access
A calm year-round neighborhood
Reliable rental potential
This area remains popular among those seeking Long Beach Island vacation homes without the traffic and activity of central Beach Haven.
Brant Beach
Brant Beach stands out for versatility and lifestyle appeal. Buyers will find:
Oceanfront new construction
Bay-view homes and traditional beach houses
Great access to water sports and community events
If you’re searching for family-friendly LBI neighborhoods, Brant Beach offers excellent year-round and seasonal living options.
Beach Haven
Beach Haven real estate provides some of the best value on the southern end of Long Beach Island. Known for:
Walkability
Restaurants, shops, and entertainment
Strong vacation rental income potential
This area is a top choice for investors looking to enter the LBI rental market.
Beach Haven Park
Buyers are drawn to Beach Haven Park thanks to:
Family-friendly environment
Strong long-term rental demand
Easy access to beaches and parks
It’s an excellent option for steady, long-term performance.
South Beach Haven
South Beach Haven blends coastal relaxation with scenic beauty. It’s ideal for buyers seeking:
Vacation rental opportunities
Peaceful, residential streets
A balance of privacy and convenience
Investors often find value and appreciation potential here.
Beach Haven Gardens
Known for charming cottages and renovation opportunities, Beach Haven Gardens offers:
More affordable entry points into the LBI market
Strong upside for remodels
A true “classic beach house” feel
This neighborhood is very popular among buyers seeking starter homes on LBI or renovation projects.
LBI Real Estate Market Conditions (2025)
As of October 2025:
Median LBI home price: ~$1.8 million
Down 6.5% year-over-year
Homes selling for ~2% below list price
Average 58 days on market
Luxury properties over $3 million often sit 100+ days
These trends highlight the importance of choosing the right Long Beach Island neighborhood and pricing strategically.
Key Considerations When Buying a Home on LBI
✔ Flood zones & elevation
Flood insurance requirements vary significantly by neighborhood.
✔ Seasonal vs. year-round rental potential
Some areas (e.g., Beach Haven) perform best for weekly summer rentals, while others are better for long-term occupancy.
✔ Appreciation opportunities
Transitioning areas with ongoing development can offer strong long-term value.
✔ Storm resilience
Higher elevation and newer construction standards greatly influence long-term security.
Best Neighborhoods to Buy a House on Long Beach Island, NJ
From luxury homes in Loveladies to family-friendly neighborhoods like Brant Beach to affordable cottages in Beach Haven Gardens, Long Beach Island offers a community for every type of buyer. There are many other areas and parts of LBI to consider; this guide is meant to give you an overview of some of the most popular parts of the LBI real estate market. You can view my full guide to all towns and communities of the LBI real estate market here to help you understand the best neighborhoods to buy a house on Long Beach Island.
If you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in the LBI real estate market, contact me, Nathan Colmer, for expert guidance backed by years of local experience, deep market insight, and a proven track record in helping clients navigate LBI's unique market. My experience extends over 20 years of selling homes on Long Beach Island, with a special focus on second homes and investment properties. In addition to representing buyers and sellers, I personally invest in the LBI real estate market and can share my firsthand knowledge of this investment strategy. Whether you're searching for a vacation home, planning a wise investment, or ready to list your property, I can offer you personalized strategies and unmatched knowledge to help you succeed.
By: Nathan Colmer | LBI Real Estate Agent | The Van Dyk Group
Cell: 609-290-4293 | Office: 800-222-0131 | ncolmer@vandykgroup.com
