Profiling the Communities of the New Jersey Shore

Whether you are considering a permanent movebeach, shops and restaurants, Loch Arbour
to the Jersey shore, renting for the summer, orempitomizes a quaint seaside village
just planning a short getaway, there is a perfectLong Branch
community for you and your family. Each of theOne of the largest cities on the Jersey Shore,
following locations has a unique blend of historyLong Branch was very glamorous in its early days
and modern flavor that attracts tourists and newas it attracted many wealthy New Yorkers, as
residents alike.well as more notorious adventurers like Diamond
AllenhurstJim Brady and Lily Langtree. Presidents Grant,
The Allen family farm was purchased in 1895 andHayes, Harrison, McKinley, Wilson and Garfield all
the .028 square mile land area of "Allenhurst" wassummered in Long Branch. During the 1920s, Long
formed. Allenhurst has become one of theBranch declined in its popularity due to gambling
wealthier towns on the New Jersey Shore. Thelaws restricting this popular past time. Currently
large Victorian and Tudor-Style homes, as well asLong Branch is experiencing a revival which can be
the small-town feel of the neighborhood todayseen along the waterfront with many new
make Allenhurst a desirable place to live and tobuildings being constructed, many restaurants and
visit. The picturesque town has small shops, anan active nightlife.
award-winning bakery and fine restaurants while aManasquan
nearby lake offers fishing and canoeing. A popularSettled as a part of Shrewsbury in the late
place in Allenhurst is The Beach Club. Situated at1600's, Manasquan's name derives from the Lenni
the end of Corlies Road, the beautiful club hasLenape Indians "Man - A - Squaw - Han" (stream
pools and a restaurant open during the summer.of the Island of Squaws). For many centuries
Asbury Parkpeople have summered and lived year round in
Beginning as a vibrant New Jersey shore resortthis small town which features shopping, a mile
community in 1870, Asbury Park has set trendslong beach and deep sea fishing. Of note is the
and produced cultural icons throughout the 20thSquan Village historical Society's museum the
century. Legendary Asbury Park has played aBailey-Reed House.
significant role in people's memories of summerMonmouth Beach
fun and the very best of what a tightly knitDating back to 1668, Monmouth Beach was first
creative community can be. Because Asbury Parkpurchased by Eliakim Wardell. In 1842, Wardell's
is historically charismatic and culturally appealing,great grandson Henry sold one of the lots to the
the current renaissance is a logical continuation ofU.S. Life Saving Service and in 1865 sold the rest
a century of challenges, revival and growth. Into Arthur V. Conover. Mr. Conover and other
Asbury Park's downtown and new boardwalk, theinvestors founded the Monmouth Beach
pulse of activity is visible with many newAssociation in 1871. Oceanfront homes were built
restaurants, galleries and shops. Old buildings beingand the community began to thrive. Many of the
reclaimed, renovated and restored are attractingoriginal 19th century Victorian homes still exist
homebuyers and investors from across thealongside new contemporary properties making
nation. Come to visit our beloved "City by theMonmouth Beach an idyllic seaside resort.
Sea".Neptune Township
Atlantic HighlandsIncorporated in October of 1881, Neptune was
The Atlantic Highlands overlooks where thenamed after the Roman God of the Sea. During
Atlantic Ocean meets Raritan Bay at Sandy Hook.the last decade, Neptune has significantly grown
The Atlantic Highland's hills mark the highest pointresidentially, commercially and in technological
on the eastern seaboard of the United Statesadvances. A prestigious addition has been the
between Maine and Florida. Historically the AtlanticJersey Shore Medical Center which is an affiliate
Highlands was a meeting point: in 1609 the Lenapeof the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Indians first met the explorer Henry Hudson;Township highlights include the Jumping Brook Golf
Colonists convened the first Assembly of NewCourse, great restaurants, Shark River Park (in
Jersey in 1667 and in the late 1700s a popularShark River Hills) which features a walking trail,
Victorian resort thrived in what is today an activebarbeque areas and picnic tables, and the historic
bayside village and marina with many finetown of Ocean Grove. The celebrities Jack
restaurants.Nicholson and Danny DeVito spent their childhood
Avon-by-the-Seayears as friends in Neptune.
Incorporated as "Avon-by-the-Sea" on March 23,Ocean Grove
1900, this lovely seaside town is a great place toIncorporated in 1869, Ocean Grove is a National
swim & relax in the summer sun. Plenty ofHistorical District. Founded by Bishop Francis
fine restaurants, shops, Victorian homes and aAsbury, Ocean Grove (a sister to Cape May) has
beautiful boardwalk and beach make Avon one ofthe largest number of Victorian homes in the
New Jersey's most relaxing spots. Don't miss thenation and today maintains Methodist traditions.
famous Macaroon Shop on Main Street.The Great Auditorium was built in 1875 and still is
Belmarhost to Sunday worship services and many
Originally named "Ocean Beach", Belmar wasconcerts during the summer. Tents were the first
founded in 1872. In 1889, the town was re-namedstructures in Ocean Grove and today 114 tents
Belmar, which is French for "Beautiful Sea". Todaystill provide summer residence for families many
Belmar is one of the most active towns on theof which descend from original Ocean Grove
Jersey Shore as it attracts many families andsettlers. The beautiful beach, boardwalk, quaint
singles during the summer. Belmar's large marina,village, many shops and restaurants make Ocean
great fishing and boating as well as fabulousGrove a truly memorable place to live and to visit.
restaurants make Belmar a desirable place to be.Ocean Township
A mid-summer Professional Volleyball TournamentFrom Waretown to Brookville, Ocean Township is
on July 8th through the 10th adds to the appeala diverse mix of natural beauty, history,
of this summer destination spot.recreational opportunities and large variety of
Bradley Beachretail venues including the Seaview Square mall.
Founded in 1893, Bradley Beach is an oceansideWith approximately 7,400 residents and covering
playground with many choices of recreational21 square miles Ocean Township is one of the
activities including: a boardwalk and lovely beach,largest municipalities in Monmouth County.
miniature golf, summer concerts and dances. ThisOceanport
small town has an unusually large number ofLocated between Red Bank and West
diverse restaurants and clubs. In 1679, legend hasLongbranch, Oceanport has a population of
it that Captain Kidd anchored his vessel off ofapproximately 6,000. Oceanport is a peaceful
what is now Sylvan Lake and buried his treasureresidential community most famous for the
between two trees on today's Brinley Avenue.Monmouth Park Racetrack. Racing at Monmouth
Today, the year-round population is 5,000 andPark began in 1870 and was an immediate
soars to 30,000 during the summer months.success. In 1893 it was forced to close down due
Brielleto legislation preventing gambling in New Jersey.
Present day Brielle was founded in 1664 and inAmory Haskell from Red Bank was able to garner
the late 1800s Brielle started to become asupport in 1939 to legalize "wagering" in New
summer resort when cottages and hotels wereJersey once again and re-construction of the
built along the Manasquan River. In 1881 a grouptrack began. Due to World War II, the track was
of investors formed the Brielle Land Association.not completed until 1946 and is still one of the
Interestingly, the name Brielle derives from amost popular racetracks in the country.
town in Holland as the area reminded thePoint Pleasant
founders of the coastal towns of Europe's NorthLike many Jersey Shore towns, Point Pleasant
Sea and English Channel. Having no oceanfront,enjoys a rich history. Quaker settlers arrived in
Brielle is well known for many recreationalthe 1700s and in the early 1800s farmers began
opportunities including fishing, a nationally renownedto rent rooms to visitors. In the 1870s Sea
golf course and its' marinas which host manyCaptain John Arnold purchased land and built a
commercial and charter fishing boats.road to the ocean - still know today as Arnold
DealAvenue. In 1886, the borough of Point Pleasant
First settled in 1664 the town comprised only 1.2was established. In the late 1920s the boardwalk
square miles. In 1670, a carpenter named Thomaswas enhanced by Orlo Jenkinson who built a
Whyte purchased a large amount of this land andswimming pool and amusement pavilion. Today,
named this area "Deal" after his homeland ofJenkinson's is still a hot spot for entertainment.
Deale, Kent County, England. With almost noPoint Pleasant is a summer playland with shopping,
commercial property, Deal is renowned for itsamusements, live music and many restaurants.
beautiful mansions and splendid beaches.Red Bank
EatontownIn 1736 Red Bank was named when it was sold
Slightly under 6 square miles, with a population ofto Joseph French. It is said that in the deed the
about 14,000 people, Eatontown is one of theproperty was defined as "that which goes to the
largest towns on the Jersey Shore. It's long andred bank". Originally part of Shrewsbury, Red
intricate history began in 1670 when ThomasBank became a commercial center in the mid
Eaton, a Quaker, came from Shrewsbury to1800's and a port for commuters to New York
develop this new land . In 1873 the New JerseyCity. Today Red Bank is a hip city and vibrant
State Legislature made the name of Eatontowntown with great shops, galleries, numerous
official. Because of its central location, Eatontowngourmet restaurants and clubs.
became a camp and communications centerRumson
during the war. The camp was renamed afterPurchased by English settlers in 1665, the area
Alfred Vail in honor of the New Jersey inventorwas known as "Nararnsunk" long before it was
who helped develop the Morse telegraph. Manyofficially named Rumson. Well know for the many
innovations were developed at what is nowhistoric and grand homes, the oldest is the
known as Fort Monmouth including aircraft radarTreadwell House, named after a family that
detection and walkie talkies. Old Indian trails are asummered here for almost 100 years. The town
crossroads for modern travel and the Monmouthborders the Navesink River and has access to the
Mall, built in 1959 on a former farm, is the centerOcean and New York Harbor.
of town. The war made it necessary to trainSea Girt
large numbers of telegraphers and otherFounded in 1875 and incorporated in 1917, Sea
communications personnel.Girt has a population of approximately 2,148 and
Interlakencovers 1.05 square miles. Unlike many other
Founded in 1888, Interlaken was originally aJersey Shore communities, Sea Girt's residents
364-acre farm. In 1890, the Interlaken Landare predominantly year round. Know for its
Development Company was created and planselegant homes, Sea Girt features one of the
for a residential community began. Throughout itsoldest lighthouses in the nation. The Sea Girt
history, Interlaken remains what it still is today - aLighthouse tower's peak is 60 feet above sea
quiet residential community of approximately 400level and was completed in 1896. Don't miss Rod's
families. Many of the present homes were built inSteakhouse for fun, drink & good eats!
the early to mid 1900s by artists, painters,Shrewsbury
sculptors and writers who found the idyllicSettled in 1667 by English settlers, and
community, between the lakes, to be the perfectincorporated as a borough in 1926, Shrewsbury is
setting for their creative spirits. Surrounded bya residential community covering approximately
Deal Lake, within walking distance to the beaches,2.3 square miles with a population of
local shopping and transportation, Interlakenapproximately 3,600. At one time, Shrewsbury
remains an idyllic residential community.was the largest township in New Jersey running
Lake Comofrom the Navesink River south to Little Egg
First settled in 1693, the borough of Lake Como,Harbor. Many historic sites are in Shrewsbury
just south of Belmar, was formally established inincluding: Christ Episcopal Church, Friends
1924. One of the first settlers was JeremiahMeetinghouse, Allen House, and Wardell House.
Newman who began his life as a farmer. WhenThe Grove, an exclusive shopping mall, brings
people started flocking to the seaside townpeople to Shrewsbury from all over Monmouth
Jeremiah began selling off parcels of his farm forCounty. Shrewsbury is also the home of The
$1 an acre. Today Lake Como has a thrivingGuild of Creative Art, which is an important and
beachfront which offers a boardwalk, shops,popular center for the arts in Monmouth County.
boating and many restaurants.Spring Lake
Little SilverSpring Lake, named after the natural springs that
It is said that Little Silver got its name after afeed into the town's largest lake, is thought by
village in Devonshire England. Settled in 1667, earlymany to be one of the most beautiful seashore
residents were farmers, fishermen andtowns in the state. Incorporated in the 1800's,
merchants. Separating from Shrewsbury in 1923,many large, well-kept Victorian mansions were
Little Silver today is a residential community thatbuilt and still stand today along the manicured,
features river boating, public tennis courts,tree-lined streets. Spring Lake's pristine beach and
beautiful parks and the Post Office Museum. Aboardwalk attract many visitors. Known also for
historic site is The Parker House which is overthe lovely bed and breakfast inns, Spring Lake
350 years old.boasts a charming downtown shopping area which
Loch Arbour Villagehas many beautiful shops and fine restaurants
Lined with majestic trees and beautiful VictorianWest Long Branch
homes, Loch Arbour is the only village, andIn 1908, West Longbranch was formed by a
smallest town, in Monmouth County. Spanning onlygroup of residents choosing to secede from
two blocks wide and five blocks long, ThomasShrewsbury. Consistently a residential town, West
White purchased the land in 1820 from JacobLongbranch has been home to several people of
Corlies. Loch Arbour was incorporated in 1957 andnotoriety including Murry & Leonie
was previously part of Ocean Township. BorderedGuggenheim who eventually donated their home
by Deal Lake and Allenhurst, Loch Arbour's nameto, which later became the library, for Monmouth
comes from "Loch" meaning "Lake" and "Arbour"University.
meaning "Trees". Within walking distance of the