10 Unmissable Reasons to Love Cape May County, New Jersey – 2024 Guide
Thinking of moving to Cape May County, New Jersey? Explore this full guide to housing, lifestyle, jobs, schools, beaches, and what makes it a coastal gem in NJ.
📍 Welcome to Cape May County, New Jersey
You know that feeling when you’re standing on the beach, the breeze is salty, and life feels simpler? That’s Cape May County, New Jersey—a coastal paradise at the southern tip of the state, where history, nature, and relaxation collide in the best way possible.
Whether you’re dreaming of sandy toes, charming Victorian homes, or a retirement haven with style, this county is calling your name.
Fast Facts:
- Location: Southernmost county in NJ
- Population: ~95,000 (but over 700,000 in summer!)
- County Seat: Cape May Court House
- Known for: Beaches, boardwalks, bird watching, and that small-town coastal charm
It’s not just a vacation destination. It’s a way of life.
🌤️ Geography & Climate – Ocean Breezes & Stunning Views
Cape May County is essentially a peninsula—bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay—and has some of the most scenic views in the entire Mid-Atlantic.
🏞️ Natural Features:
- 30+ miles of beaches
- Salt marshes and estuaries
- Nature preserves and wetlands
- Barrier islands: Wildwood, Avalon, Stone Harbor
☀️ Seasonal Weather:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Blooming & breezy 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–90 | Beach-perfect ☀️ |
| Fall | 55–70 | Peaceful & crisp 🍂 |
| Winter | 30–45 | Quiet & cozy ❄️ |
Living by the shore means mild winters and sea-salted summers.
🏘️ Where to Live in Cape May County
It’s not all beach resorts and boardwalks—there are quiet inland towns, family-friendly suburbs, and historic coastal neighborhoods perfect for year-round living or seasonal stays.
🏡 Top Towns to Consider:
| Town | Lifestyle | Avg Home Price | Rental Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape May | Historic, walkable | $630,000 | Vacation-heavy |
| Ocean City | Tourist hotspot | $700,000 | Strong rentals |
| Wildwood | Retro & lively | $420,000 | Budget-friendly |
| Stone Harbor | Luxury, quiet | $1.4 million | High-end only |
| Middle Township | Suburban, convenient | $320,000 | Family-oriented |
Cape May County offers everything from million-dollar mansions to quaint cottages tucked behind the dunes.
💼 Jobs & Economy – It’s More Than Just Tourism
Yes, tourism is king here—but it’s not the only game in town. Cape May County’s economy is seasonal but diverse, with a growing number of remote workers settling in due to the peaceful setting.
Top Industries:
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Fishing & Marine Trades
- Education & Public Services
- Healthcare
- Remote tech & freelance sectors
💰 Income Snapshot:
- Median Household Income: ~$71,000
- Unemployment Rate (off-season): ~6.1%
- Surge in summer jobs (April–October)
Want to launch a B&B or open a local café? This county thrives on local entrepreneurship.
🏠 Real Estate Market – Buy the Beach, Rent the Rest
With waterfront properties and inland communities, Cape May County’s real estate is highly segmented—and investment opportunities are everywhere.
🏠 Home Value Comparison:
| Area | Avg Home Price | Property Tax Rate | Rent Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape May | $630,000 | 1.63% | High (vacation) |
| Wildwood | $420,000 | 1.79% | Moderate |
| Ocean City | $700,000+ | 1.55% | Excellent |
| Middle Twp | $320,000 | 2.02% | Stable |
Real Estate Trends:
- High ROI for Airbnb and seasonal rentals
- Retirement home buyers and remote workers moving in
- Coastal building restrictions maintain value
Buy now, and you’ll thank yourself every summer for the next 30 years.
🚗 Getting Around – Small County, Big Convenience
Even in peak season, Cape May County is surprisingly manageable thanks to smart roadways and ferry access.
Major Roads:
- Garden State Parkway
- Route 47, Route 9
- Cape May–Lewes Ferry (to Delaware!)
🚆 Transportation Perks:
- NJ Transit buses to Atlantic City and Philadelphia
- Regional airports (Cape May Airport)
- Uber and bike rentals common in beach towns
You’re never more than 15 minutes from sand, shops, or serenity.
🎓 Education & Schools – Small but Smart
Cape May County schools might be smaller in size, but they’re mighty in quality, especially in family-friendly areas like Ocean City and Middle Township.
Public School Districts:
- Ocean City School District
- Middle Township Public Schools
- Lower Cape May Regional School District
- Wildwood School District
Nearby Colleges:
- Atlantic Cape Community College (Cape May campus)
- Stockton University (less than an hour away)
Safe towns + solid schools = a great place to raise beach-loving kids.
🏥 Healthcare – Quality Care, Coastal Style
Healthcare access is critical for retirees, families, and visitors. Cape May County delivers with modern facilities, senior care, and urgent services.
Leading Providers:
- Cape Regional Medical Center (Cape May Court House)
- Urgent Care Centers in Wildwood, North Cape May
- Wellness and specialty care centers across the county
🎡 Fun Stuff: Beaches, Nature & Attractions
This is where Cape May County blows the competition away—scenic, relaxing, and full of family-friendly fun.
🏖️ Beach Life:
- Ocean City: family beaches, boardwalks, rides
- Cape May: Victorian charm, sunsets, and dolphins
- Wildwood: wide beaches, piers, nightlife
- Sea Isle City & Avalon: calm, elite beach experiences
🌿 Outdoor & Nature:
- Cape May Bird Observatory 🐦
- Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area
- Cape May Point State Park & lighthouse
- Salt marsh kayaking, bike trails, whale watching
🛍️ Shopping, Dining & Downtown Vibes
Cape May County has some of the most charming downtowns and coastal markets in the region.
Where to Shop:
- Washington Street Mall (Cape May)
- Downtown Ocean City
- Boardwalk gift shops and boutiques
- Farmers markets in Sea Isle and Middle Twp
Where to Eat:
- The Lobster House (Cape May) – iconic seafood
- MudHen Brewing Co. (Wildwood) – craft beer + eats
- Uncle Bill’s Pancake House – breakfast by the beach
- George’s Place – Greek favorites in a cozy vibe
🕊️ Culture, Diversity & Community
Though smaller in population, Cape May County’s communities are tight-knit and inclusive, welcoming everyone from surfers to retirees.
- Growing LGBTQ+ presence (especially in Cape May)
- Large seasonal workforce from international programs
- Faith-based and non-denominational community support
- Year-round events: jazz festivals, parades, boat shows
🛡️ Safety & Peace of Mind
Generally, crime rates are very low, especially outside of major tourist events.
| Town | Crime Level (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cape May | 2/10 | Very safe year-round |
| Ocean City | 3/10 | Slight increase in summer |
| Wildwood | 5/10 | Depends on area & season |
| Stone Harbor | 1/10 | Extremely safe |
This is the kind of place where you leave the door unlocked during a beach nap.
📊 Cape May County Snapshot
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Population (year-round) | ~95,000 |
| Summer Population | 700,000+ |
| Median Age | 48.5 years |
| Homeownership Rate | 76% |
| Median Income | $71,000 |
| Median Property Value | $420,000 |
✅ So, Is Cape May County Right for You?
If you’re looking for:
- A scenic, beach-driven lifestyle
- Safe and welcoming communities
- Investment properties with tourist demand
- Peaceful retirement or a family-friendly coastal base
Then Cape May County, New Jersey is a no-brainer.
Pros:
- Stunning beaches
- Strong tourism = strong rental income
- Quaint towns with real character
- Low crime, tight community
- Great mix of calm and culture
Cons:
- Seasonal fluctuations (off-season = quiet)
- Limited public transit
- High summer traffic in popular towns
🔗 External Resource
Want more data and town resources? Visit the Official Cape May County Government Site
🧠 Final Thoughts
Cape May County, New Jersey isn’t just a vacation memory—it’s a lifestyle upgrade, whether you’re retiring, raising kids, or building a coastal real estate portfolio.
The question isn’t “Should I move to Cape May County?” — it’s “Why haven’t I already packed?”