Welcome to Central NJ Raveis

OCEAN COUNTY

County Offices
101 Hooper Aveune
Toms River 732-244-2121
https://co.ocean.nj.us/

Chamber of Commerce
1027 Hooper Avenue
Toms River 732-349-0220
https://tomsriverchamber.com/

The panoramic shoreline of New Jersey we know today as Ocean County began developing in the mid-1800s as a rural area dotted with farms, fishing centers, and boat-building facilities. By the turn of the century, Ocean County had already made its transition to a vacation destination of internationally famous resorts, miles of boardwalks, amusement parks, attractions, and nightclubs.

Nestled in the heart of the state’s famous Jersey Shore region, Ocean County claims a full 44 miles of the Atlantic Coastline’s sandy beaches, inviting surf, and lovely bays. Rich and varied natural beauty graces every corner, from verdant parks and pine forests to fresh­water lakes and saltwater marshes. Serene and scenic, Ocean County has long been a popular retirement choice. Only in recent decades have the demographics shifted to include a growing number of young families who appreciate the blend of open space and urban amenities.

Enjoying a prime, centralized location, Ocean County is situated with a 60-mile radius of New York City, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Atlantic City. Although the area is steeped in history and old-world charm, it also offers progressive communities that are home to leading-edge enterprises like the state’s first nuclear plant and top-rated health care institutions. While tourism and hospitality still underscore the local economy, the Garden State Parkway launched the trend toward growth and diversification. Vast expanses of undeveloped and inexpensive land attracted many businesses and residents who were looking for an alternative to hectic urban life.

Services
A strong network of freeways, parkways, and major highways has literally “paved the way” for Ocean County to grow and prosper. Not only is New Jersey Transit commuter bus service available, but free dial-a-ride service is available for local travel. Quality of life issues are well-considered throughout the many mid-size communities and small towns. In addition to a network of healthcare professionals, medical centers, clinics, and hospitals, the regional facility of Southern Ocean County Hospital has been rated as one of New Jersey’s finest for state-of-the-art, compassionate health care. Other highly respected hospitals include Community Medical Center, Kimball Medical Center, and Ocean Medical Center.

Enhanced by a superb library system, Ocean County offers an excellent education to area youth in both public and private schools. Advanced technology and progressive techniques enhance the strong core curriculum on all every levels, producing young adults who are prepared to assume leadership positions in a challenging future. High-school graduates can attend voca­tional-technical schools or choose from a number of two and four-year institutions of higher education right in Ocean County. Nationally and internationally acclaimed colleges and universities are also available within an easy commute.

Lifestyle
With its rejuvenating saltwater breezes and miles of sugar-white sandy shores, Ocean County is unparalleled as one of the East Coast’s finest natural playgrounds. Charming small towns like Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Park, and Beach Haven are home to premier recreational sites. The opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and water sports are virtually endless, from sailing and boating to crabbing, fishing, swimming, and surfing. Those who prefer land adventures can enjoy tennis, racquetball, golfing, spa delights, hiking, biking, amusement and water parks, nature preserves, and camping in the pines.

While Ocean County is still home to a significant retirement population and plays host to thousands of seasonal visitors, the same family-oriented values and recreational delights that draw vacationers are attracting an influx of singles adults and families in all stages. Natural beauty and superb recreational amenities are only part of the attraction. Efficient, visionary leadership is managing to balance historical preservation, conservation, and educational priorities with growth and expansion in all sectors. Open spaces have been carefully preserved, and many historic sections have already been revitalized and refurbished.

Newcomers may be surprised to discover the rich cultural treasures that are available in Ocean County. The Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel offers a full calendar of performances, and the Ocean Grove Auditorium features both classical and popular music. The historic Strand Theater entertains in grand style today, just as it did when Ocean County was a turn-of-the-century summer home to the world’s rich and famous. Across the water are The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences and Surflight Theatre with its Broadway musicals.

Each season in Ocean County is unique and delightful. Art galleries, boutiques, flea markets, and fine antiques abound in quaint shopping districts from Viking to Victorian. Paddle-wheel river boats churn the waters, offering tours of historic waterfront towns. Even in the heart of winter, boardwalk arcades provide weekend diversions. State and county parks include miles of pristine marshes and pinelands, while bays and waterways set the scene for colorful festivals and celebrations. Fine museums bring The Shore’s history to life, and many of the vacation attractions are as educational as they are captivating.

Housing choices in Ocean County can be majestic or simple, from mansions with breathtaking bay views to modest single-family homes along quiet, tree-lined streets. Well-kept older homes mix with new construction in sprawling subdivisions in many communities, offering a full range of architectural styles and prices. With its open spaces, growth potential, and long tradition of hospitality, the vacation paradise of Ocean County is just awakening to its full potential as an idyllic place to call home.

Brick Township
Municipal Offices
732-262-1000
https://www.bricktownship.net/

Chamber of Commerce
732-477-4949
https://www.brickchamber.com/

Blending a small-town atmosphere with a progressive, suburban lifestyle, Brick Township is a picturesque area defined by Barnegat Bay, Kettle Creek, and the Manasquan and Metedeconk rivers. Housing options include retirement villages, family neighborhoods, and luxury homes with spectacular waterfront views. Excellent professional services combine with diversified shopping and scores of restaurants and eateries. Recreational amenities include lush parks, sandy beaches, and nature paths. Water sports from canoeing, boating, and sailing to crabbing and fishing are popular pastimes in this unhurried, slow-paced, and picturesque atmosphere.

Dover (Toms River)
Municipal Offices
732-341-1000
https://www.tomsrivertownship.com/

Chamber of Commerce
732-349-0220
https://tomsriverchamber.com/

The area known as Dover Township is dominated by Toms River, serving as the county seat and regional retail hub as well as a center for first-rate fishing, boating, sailing, and crabbing. Few localities long the Jersey shoreline can rival Toms River for sheer natural beauty and old-world charm. This thriving waterfront community of marinas, small businesses, and charming neighborhoods has managed to preserve its atmosphere of tranquility in spite of heavy tourist trade. Both modern and Victorian architectural styles are graced by the beauty of large old shade trees, verdant parks, and rivers dotted with sailing vessels and motorboats.

Eagleswood
Municipal Offices
609-296-3040
https://www.eagleswoodtwpnj.us/

Chamber of Commerce
609-494-7211
https://visitlbiregion.com/

Named for the area’s nesting eagles, Eagleswood Township today remains a diverse habitat for wildlife. In fact, a portion of the wetlands bordering Barnegat Bay lies in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. An active historical society works diligently to preserve the town’s charming downtown district and beautiful old buildings. Nestled in the Pinelands, Eagleswood has long welcomed the anglers and hunters who take advantage of its natural resources. With its scenic beauty, open space, and serene atmosphere, Eagleswood continues to grow steadily in population. Many newcomers are drawn to the area for its exceptional fishing, hunting, and water sports.

Jackson
Municipal Offices
732-928-1200
https://www.jacksontwpnj.net/

Chamber of Commerce
609-494-7211
https://visitlbiregion.com/

The sprawling Jackson Township is the county’s largest, a panoramic rural region featuring rich clusters of woodlands, fascinating wildlife, sparkling streams, and room to grow. Although the area is sparsely settled, its combination of natural beauty and untapped resources are attracting growth in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The influx of new residents has already resulted in forty subdivisions, where condominiums and townhouses combine with single-family homes in a variety of architectural styles and price ranges. The township is home to the Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park, and Pine Barrens offers an idyllic recreational area for outdoor adventure.

Lakewood Township
Municipal Offices
732-364-2500
https://www.lakewoodnj.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
609-494-7211
https://visitlbiregion.com/

Just 20 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, historic Lakewood Township was once a popular destination as a getaway for wealthy New Yorkers. Today, this balanced, full-service community harmonizes a growing commercial and business sector with lovely residential neighborhoods. The charmingly renovated center encourages residents to stroll along quaint sidewalks graced by Victorian street lamps. Shops, stores, and services meet everyday needs, with large malls available close to home. Ocean County Park is a popular site for picnicking, hiking, swimming, and fishing. Nearby ocean beaches offer a myriad of water sports.

Little Egg Harbor (Tuckerton)
Municipal Offices
609-296-7241
www.leht.com

Chamber of Commerce
609-494-7211
https://visitlbiregion.com/

The sprawling township of Little Egg Harbor encompasses West Tuckerton, Parkertown, and Osborn Island as well as an impressive cluster of sweeping residential developments like Atlantis, Mystic Island, Holly Lake Harbor, and Spring Valley Lakes. This “Little Treasure by the Bay” provides a hometown atmosphere enhanced by outstanding recreational amenities. Excellent schools, efficient services, attractive and diverse housing options, and colorful local festivals and celebrations add to the quality of life. Popular pastimes include sports leagues, supervised recreational programs, fishing, boating, swimming, and water sports.

Point Pleasant, Bay Head
Point Pleasant Offices
732-892-3434
https://ptboro.com/
Bay Head Offices
732-892-0574
https://www.bayheadnj.org/bhnj/

Chamber of Commerce
732-295-8850
https://www.pointpleasantchamber.com/

Proud of its status as a premier family community on the Jersey Shores, the borough of Point Pleasant is home to unique shops, wonderful restaurants, a local library, and excellent schools. Leisure hours can be spent fishing, biking, boating, swimming, enjoying beach recreation, and exploring the night life. Consistently recognized for its quality of life, the borough has set boundaries that will limit future growth and preserve today’s enchanting seaside atmosphere. Neighboring Bay Head Borough offers a “country village by the sea.” Seasonal homes, many of them luxurious estates, make up approximately 40 percent of the housing in this vacation retreat. The picturesque borough excels in water-sport recreation and features the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.

Point Pleasant Beach
Municipal Offices
732-892-1118
https://pointpleasantbeach.org/

Chamber of Commerce
732-295-8850
https://www.pointpleasantchamber.com/

Point Pleasant Beach Borough offers a year-round “playground” for a growing number of new residents. The tourist trade has long dominated the scene, underscored by the European atmosphere of the spectacular White Sands Resort. At the same time, Pleasant Beach is home to diverse businesses and offers excellent services that include outstanding public schools for its year-round residents. Housing options are attractive, ranging from well-kept older homes shaded by lovely trees to luxurious estates commanding breathtaking views. New subdivisions are springing up to meet the housing demands of rapid growth. The area hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including the world-famous Offshore Power Boat Race.

Stafford Township
Municipal Offices
609-597-1000
https://www.staffordnj.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
609-494-7211
https://visitlbiregion.com/

Home to Southern Ocean County Hospital, Stafford encompasses numerous areas such as Cedar Run and Warren Grove as well as a variety of residential developments. Revitalization on Bay Avenue and Route 9 spurred a renaissance within the “main street” district, attracting new shops and services and making Stafford an Ocean County leader in residential and business development. Commercial growth has been especially prolific along Route 72, the gateway to Long Beach Island. Local planners have carefully preserved the natural beauty of open spaces and lush parks for recreational enjoyment. The pleasing housing mix includes some magnificent older homes.


Long Beach Island
Chamber of Commerce
609-494-7211
https://visitlbiregion.com/

Tiny towns and vacation havens graced by white, sandy beaches make up the picturesque expanse of Long Beach Island, an 18-mile long barrier island off the coast of New Jersey. Most communities claim only a few hundred residents, yet each one features unique points of interest. Like many Jersey Shore communities, Long Beach Island has grown in popularity as a year-round residential haven for those who appreciate premier recreational amenities, waterfront beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Long Beach Township
Municipal Offices
609-361-1000
https://www.longbeachtownship.com/

Bordered on the north by Barnegat Light, this sprawling township includes the serene, residential communities of Loveladies and High Bar Harbor sections in the northern quadrant. It also encompasses North Beach Haven, Peahala Park, The Dunes, Beach Haven Gardens, Brant Beach, Beach Haven Terrace, Spray Beach, Beach Haven Crest, Brighton Beach, and North Beach. To the south is Holgate, adjacent to the Forsythe Wildlife Refuge. Boardwalks, fishing piers, and amusement parks are enhanced by the programs and facilities at the regional community center at Brant Beach. The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences encourages creativity through fine art exhibits and summer courses.

Barnegat Light
Municipal Offices
609-494-9196
https://barnegatlight.org/

Chamber of Commerce
609-494-7211
https://visitlbiregion.com/

Nestled on the northern tip of the island, Barnegat Light Borough was named after a famous lighthouse. Less than one square mile in area, the borough preserves the charm and tranquility of yesterday’s small seashore towns. The borough is best known for the commercial fishing fleet along the l8th Street bayside docks. Also along this dock are a number of fishing vessels and sightseeing boats as well as quaint Viking Village shops. The town constructed a south jetty for a three-quarter-mile beach, fishing piers, and bird-watching area. Other highlights include the Barnegat Light Historical Society Museum and Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens.

Beach Haven Borough
Municipal Offices
609-492-0111
https://beachhaven-nj.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
609-494-7211
https://visitlbiregion.com/

The charming borough of Beach Haven lies toward the south end of the island north of Holgate. “The Queen City, six miles at sea” boasts the oldest island Yacht Club, a bustling tourist center, and diverse attractions including beaches and parks. Highlights include the Long Beach Island Historical Museum, Fantasy Island and the Thundering Surf water slide, Black Whale cruises to Atlantic City, and attractive shopping areas. From the charm of Schooner’s Wharf to substantial advantages like a self-contained school district, active environmental groups, summer concerts, colorful festivals, and Surflight Theatre, the borough offers an unrivaled quality of life in a small-town setting.

Surf City, Ship Bottom
Surf City Offices
609-494-3064
https://surfcitynj.org/
Ship Bottom Offices
609-494-2171
www.shipbottom.org

Chamber of Commerce
609-494-7211
https://visitlbiregion.com/

Rolling, grass-covered dunes distinguish the shoreline of Surf City Borough, long established as a favorite getaway for a relaxing weekend or a day of water-sport recreation. Located north of the island’s causeway entrance, the community combines beautiful beaches and bay shoreline with a family-oriented atmosphere. Local groups like the volunteer fire company and the Surf City Yacht Club keep the calendar filled with events and activities. Ship Bottom Borough is distinguished as the “Gateway to Long Beach Island.” In spite of its vacation orientation, a small-town spirit prevails, strengthened by numerous celebrations and festivities. Public boat ramps and a bay beach complement the oceanfront recreational opportunities.

Harvey Cedars
Municipal Offices
609-361-6000
https://www.harveycedars.org/

Chamber of Commerce
609-494-7211
https://visitlbiregion.com/

Named for its founding industry of salt hay harvesting, Harvey Cedars Borough is the smallest of the island’s towns. Still, the community sponsors some of the island’s most well-attended and publicized events. World-class runners flock to the town each year for the Dog Day Road Race, while the Harvey Cedars Activities Committee sponsors wildly popular events where tickets are coveted and limited in number. The Harvey Cedars Bible Conference, housed in the historic Harvey Cedars Hotel, plays host to a variety of summer activities that attract participants from all over the world.

Seaside Heights, Seaside Park
Seaside Heights Offices
732-793-9100
www.seaside-heightsnj.org
Seaside Park Offices
732-793-3700
https://www.seasideparknj.org/

Chamber of Commerce
732-295-8850
https://www.pointpleasantchamber.com/

The neighboring boroughs of Seaside Heights and Seaside Park are popular shore resort communities with modest year-round populations that swell in the warm summer months. Small in size, these tiny towns offer a delightful stroll from most homes, inns, and hotels to beautiful beaches. Many of the seasonal bungalows are ideal for renovation. Tiny Seaside Park claims almost two miles of shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean. The borough is bordered on the north by the Seaside Heights with its amusement arcades, rides, and boardwalk. To the south is the community of South Seaside Park and Island Beach State Park. Visitors and residents enjoy a calendar filled with ongoing and special events.