When you think of the Jersey Shore, affluent beach towns may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, New Jersey’s coastline has always been a magnet for wealth, attracting those who desire a beachside lifestyle. These affluent Jersey Shore towns have large waterfront homes, beautiful beaches, and a lifestyle that rivals some of the nation’s wealthiest areas. In this article, we’ll explore the richest beach towns in New Jersey and the most expensive places to buy a beach house in NJ.
10 Richest Beach Towns in NJ
1. Rumson, NJ
Rumson is the richest beach town in New Jersey with an impressive mean household income of $386,279.
Located in Monmouth County, Rumson is an affluent NJ beach town with sprawling waterfront mansions and a high-speed ferry that beats the daily commute of many New Yorkers.
Not surprisingly, property prices in Rumson are also high with the median sales price of homes at $1,835,114. The homes in Rumson are primarily owner-occupied 92% with only 8% rentals.
This wealthy New Jersey beach town has a population of 7,343 where a high percentage, 30.2%, of residents are children under 18 years old.
The residents of Rumson are well educated with 73% having obtained a Bachelor’s Degree or higher. The poverty level of Rumson is almost zero at 2%.
| Rumson, NJ | |
|---|---|
| Mean Household Income | $386,279 |
| Median Sales Price of Homes | $1,835,114 |
Learn more about Rumson, NJ: Rumson profile page with infographic
2. Mantoloking, NJ
Mantoloking is the second richest beach town in New Jersey with a mean household income of $289,536.
Known for its pristine beaches and luxury waterfront properties, Mantoloking is the wealthiest Jersey shore town with a staggering median home price of $2,885,792. It’s one of the most expensive places to buy a beach house in NJ.
A small borough located on the Barnegat Peninsula, just south of Point Pleasant Beach, Montoloking is a small upscale community with a population of only 331 people, one of the smallest communities in NJ.
Mantoloking residents are well-educated with 81.8% of residents having a bachelor’s degree or higher. The town is also home to the Mantoloking Yacht Club, a prestigious sailing club with tennis, sailing, and social events.
| Mantoloking, NJ | |
|---|---|
| Mean Household Income | $289,536 |
| Median Sales Price of Homes | $2,885,792 |
3. Sea Girt, NJ
Sea Girt is one of the richest beach towns in NJ. Known for its luxury real estate market, Sea Girt has a median sales price of $2,116,883 and a mean household income of $268,416.
Sea Girt is a small upscale beach town with a population of only 1,866 people, known for its beautiful beaches, upscale residences, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle that attracts both year-round residents and summer visitors.
The town also has a significant senior population, comprising 30.2% of its residents. An impressive 95.4% of homes in Sea Girt are owner-occupied.
| Sea Girt, NJ | |
|---|---|
| Mean Household Income | $268,416 |
| Median Sales Price of Homes | $2,116,883 |
4. Spring Lake, NJ
Spring Lake is one of the wealthiest Jersey Shore towns with a mean income of $222,318 and a median home price of $1,782,500.
Located in Monmouth County, Spring Lake is a beautiful beach town with well-preserved Victorian and colonial-style homes and a quaint downtown with shops and restaurants.
The affluent Jersey Shore town has a population of 2,789 with a significant senior population, comprising 35.7% of its residents while only 14.9% of residents are children under 18.
A majority of homes in Spring Lake, 86.6%, are owner-occupied.
| Spring Lake, NJ | |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,782,500 |
| Mean Income | $222,318 |
5. Bay Head, NJ
Bay Head is one of the richest beach towns in Ocean County with a mean income of $200,020 and a median home price of $1,897,435.
Bay Head is a charming coastal town along the Jersey Shore with beautiful beachfront properties, sandy beaches, historic Victorian-style architecture and a quaint downtown area.
The wealthy Jersey Shore beach town has a population of 930, with a significant senior population, 35.2% of its residents.
A majority of homes, 83.4%, are owner-occupied.
| Bay Head, NJ | |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,897,435 |
| Mean Income | $200,020 |
6. Avalon, NJ
Avalon is one of the richest beach towns in New Jersey with a median home price of $2,410,000 and a mean household income of $199,058.
Avalon is a wealthy South Jersey beach town with a small population of only 1,243 people. The affluent beach town is a popular place for retirees with a significant senior population, comprising 51.3% of its residents.
An impressive 96.9% of homes in Avalon are owner-occupied. Avalon is known for its pristine beaches, along with a boardwalk and beautiful waterfront properties.
| Avalon, NJ | |
|---|---|
| Mean Household Income | $199,058 |
| Median Sales Price of Homes | $2,410,000 |
7. Stone Harbor, NJ
Stone Harbor is one of the richest beach towns in New Jersey. Known for its luxury real estate market, Stone Harbor has a median sales price of $2,592,000 and a mean household income of $195,427.
Located in Cape May County, Stone Harbor is an affluent beach town with only 796 residents.
Stone Harbor is popular with retirees, 44.4% of the population are senior citizens. A majority of homes, 89.9%, are owner-occupied.
Aside from pristine beaches, Stone Harbor has a vibrant shopping district along 96th Street, where boutique stores and restaurants line the streets.
| Stone Harbor, NJ | |
|---|---|
| Mean Household Income | $195,427 |
| Median Sales Price of Homes | $2,592,000 |
Stone Harbor, NJ Facts
Check out the Highest Paying Jobs in New Jersey
8. Deal, NJ
Deal is a wealthy beach town in NJ with an eye-popping median home price of $3,336,250. It’s the most expensive place to buy a beach house in NJ!
The affluent beach town is home to oceanfront mansions and large estates.
Located in Monmouth County, Deal is a rich town on the Jersey Shore with a population of only 900 people.
Deal has a significant Jewish population and is home to several synagogues and religious institutions that cater to the needs of the Jewish community.
The upscale beach town has a mean income of $179,344.
| Deal, NJ | |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $3,336,250 |
| Mean Income | $179,344 |
9. Avon-By-the-Sea, NJ
Avon-By-the-Sea is one of the wealthiest towns in NJ with a mean income of $160,569.
Located in Monmouth County, Avon-By-the-Sea is a small NJ coastal community with a population of 1,933. A significant percentage of the population, 33.9%, are senior citizens.
Avon-By-the-Sea is known for its beautiful beaches and boardwalk.
Aside from the beach, the town features well-preserved Victorian architecture and a quaint, walkable downtown area with boutique shops and restaurants.
Avon-By-the-Sea has a median home price of $1,382,318.
| Avon-By-the-Sea, NJ | |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,382,318 |
| Mean Income | $160,569 |
10. Beach Haven, NJ
Beach Haven is an affluent beach town in NJ. It has a mean income of $155,858 and a median home price of $1,663,755.
Located on Long Beach Island in Ocean County, Beach Haven, as the name suggests, is known for its stunning beaches.
The town’s pristine sandy beaches stretch along the Atlantic Ocean, making it a sought-after destination for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
One of Beach Haven’s notable features is its historic district, which includes Victorian-era architecture and well-preserved buildings.
Beach Haven is an affluent beach town with a small population of 1,027. Similar to other wealthy beach towns on the Jersey Shore, Beach Haven has a high senior population, comprising 29.7% of the population.
A majority of homes, 87.6%, are owner-occupied.
| Beach Haven, NJ | |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,663,755 |
| Mean Income | $155,858 |
Richest Beach Towns in New Jersey: Methodology
In order to come up with our list of the richest beach towns in New Jersey, the rankings are based on both income and home prices. We took data from the US Census American Community Survey and residential housing market data.
Note: We realize we are using the term “town” loosely in this article since some of these towns are actually villages, boroughs, cities, and hamlets.