THE ULTIMATE LBI BUYER’S GUIDE

Surf City NJ Real Estate on Long Beach Island NJ

Surf City on LBI NJ is located roughly in the middle of Long Beach Island between North Beach to the north and Ship Bottom to the south. The area used to be known as the "Great Swap" during the 19th Century for the large areas of natural vegetation surrounding a freshwater lake. During the 19th Century, a strong hurricane flooded the freshwater lake with seawater, so the original name lost meaning. Surf City was a popular area in the last 19th and early 20th Century, as was much of the rest of LBI, for hunters and vacationers, leading to development throughout the area. The 1950s and 1960s saw the building of traditional Cape Cod-style homes, which followed the look and feel of the rest of Long Beach Island. Many of these Cape Cod homes are still used and loved today, showing how a classic beach house is still relevant in the LBI real estate market. Today, Surf City offers visitors nice residential areas coupled with a bustling commercial area along Long Beach Blvd. The many stores, restaurants, and mini-golf courses in Surf City make the area appealing to those seeking more activity during their vacation. Surf City was the first town on Long Beach Island NJ to receive federally aided beach replenishment and, therefore has some of the widest beaches on LBI. It is important to note that dogs are not allowed on the beach ANY time of year, which starkly contrasts with other towns that allow dogs on the beaches of LBI in the off-season.

Surf City Real Estate on Long Beach Island NJ

Surf City has two very different areas in terms of real estate valuation. The northern end of Surf City, which borders North Beach, is generally less commercial and has larger lots and wider streets. The southern end of Surf City is more commercially developed and busier in the summer season. The northern end of Surf City tends to carry a higher property value than the southern end. The southern end of Surf City is closer to the main causeway on and off Long Beach Island, which can be a draw for buyers. It is important to keep in mind the following:

• Surf City is Wide: Surf City is one of the widest parts of Long Beach Island , so it is important to consider the distance to the beach (or the bay) during the summer months on LBI.

• Location Matters: Since Surf City is so wide, there can be significant changes in prices for comparable homes in different locations. Homes closer to the beach will typically cost more, as will homes near the bay with a view.

• Surf City Rentals: Surf City is a popular summer rental location, with many homes being rented weekly or seasonally.

Surf City NJ has a lot to offer summer and year-round residents. Commercial and residential real estate blend well in Surf City to create a wonderful environment that is somewhat unique to Long Beach Island. Property values tend to be affordable, with many small Cape Cods offering a good starting point in the LBI real estate market that could be rebuilt later if so desired. Surf City showed great strength during Hurricane Sandy partly due to the replenished beaches and partly due to the natural width of the area. Generally speaking, homes on Barnegat Ave and west were flooded, a small percentage of the area. As mentioned above, houses near the beach and the bay tend to trade higher thanks to their proximity to water than homes in the so-called middle blocks. That said, these homes still have tremendous value and can allow buyers to get more houses for their money while benefiting from the great location and amenities that Surf City has to offer.

Surf City NJ Real Estate Market

The Surf City NJ real estate market offers some great options for those considering buying a home in the Long Beach Island real estate market. Surf City NJ real estate has a variety of price points and locations that appeal to many different types of buyers. If you are considering buying in the LBI real estate market, please contact me, and I will be happy to discuss the area and the local real estate market with you. You can search Long Beach Island real estate or contact Nathan Colmer anytime.