Ship Bottom
Explore the neighborhood of Ship Bottom and learn about real estate trends, history, and what makes the town unique
Neighborhood summary
Ship Bottom is often referred to as the “Gateway to Long Beach Island” because of the Causeway that links the borough to the mainland. It offers convenient access on and off the island, along with a healthy mix of residential and commercial properties. Ship Bottom is naturally one of the wider sections of the island, but many of the lots here are smaller than in other areas. It’s not uncommon to find lots that are just 20 or 30 feet wide. Because of these factors, Ship Bottom tends to be one of the more crowded parts of the island. It is bordered by Surf City to the north and Brant Beach to the south.
Ship Bottom is generally the least expensive of the six municipalities on Long Beach Island. Many people appreciate the affordability it offers, along with the local restaurants and shops throughout town. There is also a strong rental market here, driven by the proximity to popular dining and shopping options. Some favorite spots include Ship Bottom Shellfish, Russo’s, Port Hole, Farias, and Shore Good Donuts, to name a few. One of the biggest requests from renters is to be within walking or biking distance to their favorite shops and restaurants.
Fun Fact: Ship Bottom is one of the oldest place names on the island. The name dates back to an unusual shipwreck that occurred in March 1817. Check out our history section to learn more!
Vibe: Lively, underrated, and convenient. Often overlooked by those rushing through on their way south, Ship Bottom offers a down-to-earth, nostalgic feel with just enough dining, shopping, and recreation to keep things interesting.
Best for: Those looking for an affordable entry point into homeownership on Long Beach Island, who also enjoy the convenience of having restaurants and shops just around the corner.
Average home price: $1,393,458 — although prices range from under $420,000 for some condos to over $4,500,000 for new oceanfront and bayfront construction. The area includes everything from single-family homes to commercial offices, retail spaces, condos, and townhomes.
Views: Waterfront and elevated homes often come with a unique bonus: views of the Causeway Bridge. What might sound like an unconventional highlight becomes a surprisingly beautiful and dynamic backdrop. At night, the bridge is softly illuminated, casting reflections on the bay and creating a peaceful, almost cinematic scene. Watching the steady flow of cars heading on and off the island adds a quiet sense of rhythm — a reminder that you’re at the gateway to something special. For many, it’s a favorite feature of living in Ship Bottom.
Ship Bottom real estate market
There is a robust rental market in Ship Bottom, with more affordable rents compared to the rest of Long Beach Island.
Lot sizes here can vary widely, from the standard 50' x 100' to as narrow as 20' x 100'. Some of the island’s most unique and historic homes are located on these 20' x 100' lots. Send me a message or give me a call if you’d like to know which streets they’re on!
Generally speaking, buyers have been paying 96.7% of the listing price when purchasing a single-family home in Ship Bottom.
On average, it took 73.5 days to sell a home in Ship Bottom, compared to 75 days for the rest of the island.
Commercial rents in Ship Bottom typically range from $20 to $38 per square foot.
The market here is unique, and local knowledge goes a long way. If you're considering a home in Ship Bottom, feel free to reach out—I'm happy to walk you through the area and help you explore your options. Start your search below or get in touch anytime!
Find your shore thing
Ship Bottom homes for sale
History
The name “Ship Bottom” comes from an unusual shipwreck that occurred in March, 1817. The captain of a ship heading south navigated through a thick fog when he heard cries coming from the shoreline. The captain alerted another nearby vessel and together they they rowed along the outer bar for several hours searching for the endangered ship. Finally, they came across a dark object which turned out to be the hull of a ship overturned on a sandbar. Captain Willets cut a hole in the ship’s bottom near the keel and, after much struggling, freed the young woman trapped inside. She spoke no english but was extremely thankful and drew a cross in the sand to show her appreciation and gratitude. The place of the rescue became known as “Ship Bottom.”
Contact us
Long Beach Island is a unique place to live, work, and play, and finding the perfect home here takes a knowledgeable guide who understands the local market. Whether you're looking for a vacation home, an investment property, or a year-round residence, I have the local insight and expertise to help you navigate LBI's niche real estate market. I'm here to answer your questions, share my in-depth knowledge of the area, and help you make the best decisions. Reach out today, and let’s start finding your ideal property on LBI!