10 Honest Reasons to Move to Toms River, New Jersey – 2025 Coastal Living Guide
Thinking about relocating to Toms River, NJ? Discover the best neighborhoods, real estate, beaches, schools, and lifestyle perks in this full coastal town guide.
📍 Where Is Toms River, New Jersey?
Toms River is a beautiful township in Ocean County, sitting along Barnegat Bay and minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect blend of seaside vibes, suburban calm, and family-friendly life — all while being 90 minutes from NYC and Philly.
Quick Facts:
- County: Ocean
- Population: ~95,000
- Known For: Boardwalks, beaches, schools, parks, and “Jaws” filming location 🦈
- Nearby: Seaside Heights, Brick, Lakewood, Island Beach State Park
Want to wake up near water, raise a family, or retire in peace? Toms River hits the mark.
🌤️ Climate & Landscape – Sun, Sand & Serenity
Toms River delivers that Jersey Shore feel without the summer chaos, offering year-round shoreline beauty and green suburban living.
☀️ Climate Overview:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Bloomy, breezy, ideal 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–88 | Beachy, fun, vibrant ☀️ |
| Fall | 50–70 | Crisp with golden sunsets 🍁 |
| Winter | 25–40 | Mild coastal snow ❄️ |
🗺️ Landscape Highlights:
- Barnegat Bayfront access
- Proximity to Seaside Heights & Ortley Beach
- Cattus Island Park + Riverwood Trails
- Island Beach State Park is a short drive away
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods in Toms River
From bayfront luxury to quiet cul-de-sacs, Toms River offers a wide range of living options for families, retirees, and investors.
🏡 Neighborhood Overview:
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Avg Home Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dover | Suburban + upscale | $690,000 | Newer homes, large lots |
| Silverton | Waterfront & boating | $720,000 | Bayfront access, docks, marinas |
| East Dover | Affordable & convenient | $480,000 | Close to Rt. 37 and shopping |
| Beachwood | Residential & affordable | $440,000 | Great for first-time buyers |
| Downtown Toms River | Historic + walkable | $500,000 | Near county offices, library, events |
Silverton = views. North Dover = value. Downtown = charm. Beachwood = budget.
💼 Jobs & Local Economy – Coastal & Commercial
Toms River is a hub for education, healthcare, tourism, and small business, with many residents also working in Trenton, Lakewood, or remotely.
💼 Key Employers:
- RWJ Barnabas Health – Community Medical Center
- Toms River Regional Schools
- Ocean County Government
- Tourism-based businesses near Seaside & Ortley Beach
- Growing remote + freelance work scene
💰 Income & Economy:
- Median Household Income: ~$83,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~4.1%
- Strong support for locally owned businesses
A perfect town to work locally or remotely while enjoying shoreline serenity.
🏠 Real Estate – Coastal Value with Space to Grow
Toms River offers affordable New Jersey living near the shore, making it ideal for second homes, retirement, or year-round living.
🏠 Real Estate Snapshot:
| Area | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (3BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silverton | $720,000 | $2,900 | ~2.1% |
| North Dover | $690,000 | $2,800 | ~2.0% |
| East Dover | $480,000 | $2,300 | ~2.1% |
| Beachwood | $440,000 | $2,200 | ~2.0% |
| Downtown | $500,000 | $2,400 | ~2.1% |
Perks:
- Bayfront homes & docks in Silverton
- Large ranches and colonials inland
- Active 55+ communities like Holiday City + Greenbriar
- Fixer-uppers still available near the bay
🚗 Transportation – Roads, Buses & Shoreline Access
Toms River is drivable and commuter-ready, with options for getting to NYC, Philly, and regional job hubs.
🚗 Getting Around:
- Garden State Parkway Exits 81–82
- Route 9 & Route 37 = shopping & cross-town access
- NJ Transit Bus 137 to NYC Port Authority (~90 min)
- Ocean Ride local buses for seniors and public access
- ~60 min to Newark Airport
Easy drive to anywhere — plus summer ferry service from nearby towns to NYC.
🎓 Schools & Education – Strong & Supportive
Toms River Regional School District is one of NJ’s largest, with good ratings, active PTOs, and championship sports.
🏫 Public Schools:
- Toms River High School North – sports powerhouse
- Toms River Intermediate East/West/South
- Hooper Avenue Elementary – top-rated
- STEM programs + music and arts in multiple schools
🏛️ Higher Ed Nearby:
- Ocean County College – in town
- Close to Georgian Court University and Brookdale Community College
🏥 Healthcare – Local and Convenient
Toms River is home to one of the top hospitals in the region, with access to specialty and outpatient clinics.
🏥 Healthcare Options:
- Community Medical Center – RWJBarnabas Health
- Urgent care centers & pediatric clinics
- Nearby specialty offices: cardiology, geriatrics, oncology
- Pharmacies + wellness centers throughout the township
🌿 Parks, Beaches & Outdoor Living
This is where Toms River really shines — you’re never far from a trail, a paddle, or a beach chair.
🌲 Outdoor Highlights:
- Cattus Island County Park – nature trails, kayaking, bayfront
- Riverwood Park – sports, hiking, playgrounds
- Winding River Skating Center – ice rink + sports complex
- Shelter Cove – hidden bayfront swimming
- Island Beach State Park – pristine beach only 15 minutes away
🍽️ Dining, Coffee & Local Life
From boardwalk pizza to surf-and-turf dinners, Toms River’s food scene is growing fast — and there’s something for everyone.
🍴 Local Favorites:
- Shut Up and Eat! – fun brunch spot with pajamas welcome 😄
- Bahama Breeze – tropical vibes & seafood
- Capone’s Gourmet Pizza & Pasta – local legend
- The Office Lounge – steakhouse meets sports bar
- B2 Bistro + Bar – upscale dining by the water
🕊️ Culture, Community & Events
Toms River has a tight-knit coastal vibe with a mix of families, retirees, and young professionals.
- Year-round events at Downtown Toms River
- Halloween Parade – one of the largest in the U.S.
- Summer concerts at Huddy Park
- Multiple churches, synagogues, and spiritual centers
- Toms River Library = active, with free events & kids’ programs
You’ll know your neighbors, see familiar faces, and feel a sense of pride.
🛡️ Safety & Livability
Toms River is consistently ranked as one of the safest towns in Ocean County, with a high homeownership rate and low violent crime stats.
| Area | Safety Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Dover | 1/10 | Suburban, quiet |
| Silverton | 2/10 | Upscale, coastal, calm |
| Beachwood | 3/10 | Residential, family-focused |
| Downtown | 3/10 | Active, walkable, safe |
📊 Toms River Snapshot
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~95,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$560,000 |
| Median Income | ~$83,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | ~2.0% |
| Commute to NYC | ~90 min (bus) |
| Coastal Access | Excellent |
| School Ratings | Above NJ average |
✅ Should You Move to Toms River?
You’ll love Toms River if you want:
- Affordable coastal living with space to grow
- A safe, family-friendly environment
- Close access to beaches, boardwalks, and bays
- Good schools, parks, and events year-round
- A balance between retirement pace and active lifestyle
Pros:
- Close to beaches
- Affordable homes
- Great parks + outdoor access
- Strong sense of community
- Ideal for retirees and families alike
Cons:
- Summer traffic can get heavy
- Car is a must for most errands
- Boardwalk crowds in peak season (but not directly in town)
🔗 External Resource
Explore more on the Toms River Township Official Website
🧠 Final Thoughts
Toms River, New Jersey is one of the few places where you can enjoy shoreline sunsets, suburban safety, and solid schools — all within reach of the city.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, family mover, or retiree seeking the ocean breeze — Toms River is a town you can call home.