Surf City

The town has a bustling downtown, endless amenities, and has quick access on and off the birdge.

Properties for sale

Overview for Surf City, NJ

Surf City is a desirable town on the north end of Long Beach Island with casual & fine dining, boutiques, surf shops & lessons, bike rentals, a yacht club, and clean beaches all sitting on good natural elevation.

Population Density Section
Wide
Streets
Population Density Section
50x100
Average lot size
Population Density Section
~5 minutes
Distance to bridge
Population Density Section
High demand
Buyer interest

Welcome to Surf City

A community that offers something for everyone.

Surf City is a wide section of Long Beach Island, meaning there is a further distance on most streets, from the bay to the ocean. Due to the width, it can fit entry level, mid level, and high-end properties. Whether you want an oceanfront estate that commands an above average sale price, or you a more affordable bayside cape there is something for each buyer in this large town. The popular downtown section hosts well known shops, restaurants, and a bar make that add to Surf City being a popular choice for buyers. You can spend your entire weekend without leaving the town if you don’t want to! Sale prices in Surf City are similar to towns like Peahala Park and North Beach Haven which fall in line with market averages.

The majority of lot sizes are all the same in Surf City and they are a great size allowing for a home that does not feel narrow and offers an optimal space layout with room for a backyard filled with amenities like a pool, space, outdoor kitchen, and lounge area.

What to love

  • Thriving downtown section with tons of shops, restaurants, and entertainment

  • Good lot sizes 50x100

  • Affordable bayside properties compared to the island wide average

  • Public parks, pickleball & tennis courts, and a public boat ramp

  • Close to the bridge but away from the density & traffic

Local lifestyle

Those who buy a home in Surf City live a lifestyle focused around several amenities. Unlike other towns that do not have a downtown hub or local amenities, locals in Surf City enjoy things like popular shops and restaurants such as Wally’s, Scojos, How you Brewin, Five o Six boutique, Farias, public pickleball & tennis, wave runner rentals, a bait and tackle shop, and much more. The beaches are wide and a great place to spend the day surfing or fishing. Some of the island’s best surf spots are right within town.

Real estate

Real estate in Surf City is in high demand for many reasons. There is great elevation above sea level on the oceanside, tons of restaurants and entertainment, as well as close proximity to the bridge making it no hassle to get on and off the island.

The north end of Surf City generally has higher property values due to an increase in elevation as well as less density and quieter beaches because the blocks are not as wide. In addition, a majority of commercial space is located at the north end adding to the convenience.

Lot sizes in Surf City tend to be all one size for bayside, oceanside, and oceanblock properties. They offer an amazing footprint that allows for a wide and customizable floor plan. Backyards are expansive allowing for additional customization.

There is a mix of home styles in Surf City. You will see raised ranches and cape cods, which are a great entry point into the market, classic contemporary, modern, and new construction homes. Due to the lot sizes and building code, Surf City has been an ideal candidate for new construction in recent years.

Dining, entertainment, and shopping

Surf City is the north end’s go to town for dining, shopping, and entertainment. While Barnegat Light and Harvey Cedars have a downtown section for dining and shopping Most of Surf City’s dining options are casual spots and there is a mixture of sit down and takeout options. Popular options are Wally’s, which is open year-round, Blue claw seafood market, and Surf city pizza. Surf City’s main attraction at night is the Surf City Hotel. A staple on Long Beach Island since 1821, this hotel and bar is a great spot for dinner and live music.

Surf City has boutiques, a book store, an art & jewlery store, surf shops, and a tackle shop ensuring everything is at your fingertips.

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Surf City map

 

 Find your shore thing

Surf City homes for sale

Aerial view of a coastal neighborhood with houses on the water, boat docks, and the ocean in the background at sunset.
An aerial view of a large, multi-story beach house with white railings and exterior, set among trees and neighboring houses, at sunset in a coastal residential area.
Living room with large windows and sliding glass door overlooking a beach and ocean, furnished with a beige sofa, two gray armchairs, a round coffee table, and a striped rug.
Beachside building with multiple floors and balconies, sandy dunes with grass and shrubs, under a partly cloudy sky.
Large white multi-story house with brown garage doors, gray shingle roof, and a black umbrella on a second-floor balcony
Multi-story yellow house with white railings and a brick walkway leading up to stairs, surrounded by colorful bushes and trees, under a blue sky.
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History

An old black-and-white photograph of a two-story building with a mansard roof, parked cars in front, and power lines near it.

Surf City wasn’t always called Surf City. Back in the 1800s, the area just north of Ship Bottom was known for a large stretch of wetlands called the Great Swamp. On the southern edge of that swamp, a grand hotel called the Mansion of Health was built in 1821. For a while, people called the area Buzby’s Place, after one of the hotel’s owners.

When the hotel burned down in 1874, the locals wanted a fresh identity and chose the name Long Beach City in 1875. But that caused a lot of confusion with Long Branch, another New Jersey shore town. To clear things up, the community officially changed its name to Surf City in 1894 and it stuck.

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!