10 Irresistible Reasons to Move to Monmouth County, New Jersey – 2025 Insider’s Guide
Discover everything you need to know about Monmouth County, NJ—housing, schools, beaches, transit, jobs, and why it’s one of the best places to live in New Jersey.
📍 Where Is Monmouth County, New Jersey?
Monmouth County, NJ is where beach life, suburban living, and big-city access all come together perfectly. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, it offers coastal towns, inland suburbs, vibrant downtowns, and a lifestyle that’s both laid-back and upscale.
Located in Central-Eastern New Jersey, it’s ideal for commuters, families, retirees, and beach lovers alike.
Fast Facts:
- County Seat: Freehold Borough
- Population: ~645,000
- Top Towns: Red Bank, Asbury Park, Holmdel, Freehold, Long Branch, Manalapan
- Claim to Fame: Bruce Springsteen, beautiful beaches, great schools, and commuter trains to NYC 🚆
You’re never more than 30 minutes from the beach — or the nearest Whole Foods.
🌤️ Geography & Climate – Beachy, Breezy, and Beautiful
Monmouth County offers the perfect mix of oceanfront, riverside, farmland, and forest. Want to surf in the morning and hike in the afternoon? You can.
🌎 Natural Features:
- Over 25 miles of coastline
- Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers
- Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area
- Coastal plains + rolling interior hills
☀️ Average Seasonal Climate:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | What You’ll Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Breezy & fresh 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–90 | Beach-perfect ☀️ |
| Fall | 55–70 | Golden & crisp 🍂 |
| Winter | 30–45 | Mild with snow bursts ❄️ |
Ocean air + quiet suburbs = relaxed living at its best.
🏘️ Best Places to Live in Monmouth County
Monmouth County is huge and diverse. Whether you want boardwalk vibes, elite suburbs, rural farms, or arts-driven towns, it’s got it.
🏡 Towns Worth Moving To:
| Town | Lifestyle | Avg Home Price | Commute to NYC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Bank | Artsy, walkable, urban-lite | $620,000 | ~65 min |
| Holmdel | Luxury & spacious | $930,000 | ~60 min |
| Manalapan | Family-focused suburbia | $580,000 | ~75 min |
| Asbury Park | Trendy, oceanfront | $590,000 | ~70 min |
| Freehold Twp | Balanced, central | $530,000 | ~70 min |
| Long Branch | Beach resort + condos | $630,000 | ~65 min |
Want small-town charm with weekend beach access? You’re spoiled for choice.
💼 Economy & Job Market – Close to It All
Monmouth County has a diverse, stable economy, boosted by healthcare, education, retail, finance, and tourism. It’s also a haven for remote workers who want better quality of life outside the city.
Top Industries:
- Healthcare & Wellness (RWJ Barnabas, Hackensack Meridian)
- Education (Brookdale Community College, Monmouth University)
- Government & Public Services
- Retail & Local Business
- Tech & Finance (Many NYC commuters)
- Real Estate & Development (especially near the coast)
💰 Quick Stats:
- Median Household Income: ~$103,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~3.9%
- Many NYC and Jersey City professionals choose to live here
🏠 Real Estate – Coastal Comfort or Inland Value
Housing in Monmouth offers everything from $350k condos to $5M waterfront estates. It’s all about lifestyle.
Real Estate Comparison:
| Area | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (2BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holmdel | $930,000 | $3,000 | ~2.2% |
| Red Bank | $620,000 | $2,500 | ~2.1% |
| Manalapan | $580,000 | $2,200 | ~2.2% |
| Asbury Park | $590,000 | $2,600 | ~2.3% |
| Freehold Twp | $530,000 | $2,150 | ~2.2% |
Waterfront = premium. But drive 15 minutes inland, and your dollar goes a lot further.
🚆 Transportation – Easy Access to NYC & Philly
Monmouth County is commuter-friendly, with multiple NJ Transit lines, major highways, and ferry options.
Getting Around:
- NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line (to Newark, NYC Penn Station)
- Garden State Parkway, Route 18, and Route 9
- Seastreak Ferry (from Highlands/Atlantic Highlands to Manhattan)
- Proximity to Newark Airport (~45 min)
- Bike trails and bus systems in major towns
🎓 Education & Schools – Top-Tier Learning
Monmouth County is packed with high-performing public schools, excellent private options, and access to colleges — making it a smart choice for families.
📚 Best School Districts:
- Holmdel Township Schools – consistently ranked top in NJ
- Manalapan-Englishtown Schools
- Middletown Township Public Schools
- Rumson-Fair Haven Regional
- Freehold Regional High School District
🎓 Higher Education:
- Monmouth University (West Long Branch)
- Brookdale Community College
- Rutgers University nearby (New Brunswick)
🏥 Healthcare – Quality You Can Count On
Monmouth County delivers when it comes to healthcare and hospital access, no matter your age or needs.
Top Medical Facilities:
- Riverview Medical Center (Red Bank)
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Neptune)
- CentraState Medical Center (Freehold)
- Senior and specialty care centers across the county
🌿 Outdoor Life – Parks, Beaches, Trails & Farms
From sunrise yoga on the sand to sunset hikes in the hills, you’re always close to nature here.
🏞️ Don’t Miss These Spots:
- Sandy Hook National Park – swimming, biking, birdwatching
- Manasquan Reservoir – kayaking, hiking, fishing
- Allaire State Park – historic village + trails
- Deep Cut Gardens (Middletown) – peaceful garden paradise
- Monmouth Battlefield State Park – history meets hiking
🍴 Food, Culture & Small-Town Vibes
If you love farm-to-table food, local festivals, and charming downtowns, Monmouth is for you.
🛍️ Where to Shop:
- Downtown Red Bank (antiques, boutiques, bookstores)
- Freehold Raceway Mall
- Farmers markets in every town (spring to fall)
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Nicholas Barrel & Roost (Red Bank) – upscale Americana
- Taka (Asbury Park) – sushi and cocktails
- The Butcher’s Block (Long Branch) – serious steaks
- Toast (Red Bank/Asbury) – brunch heaven
- Jersey Freeze (Freehold) – iconic ice cream
This is the kind of place where you find your “usual” and your local barista knows your name.
🕊️ Diversity, Community & Culture
Monmouth is known for its open-minded, inclusive spirit, with thriving multicultural communities and year-round events.
- Growing South Asian, Latino, Jewish, and LGBTQ+ communities
- Places of worship of all denominations
- Cultural events: Red Bank Street Fair, Asbury Pride, Freehold Memorial Day Parade
- Inclusive schools and programs for children with disabilities
🛡️ Safety & Peace of Mind
Most towns in Monmouth County are very safe, well-patrolled, and community-oriented.
| Town | Safety Rating (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Holmdel | 1/10 | Extremely low crime |
| Freehold Twp | 2/10 | Family-focused |
| Red Bank | 3/10 | Bustling but very safe |
| Long Branch | 4/10 | Safe, tourist-season crowds |
📊 Monmouth County Snapshot
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Population | ~645,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$580,000 |
| Median Household Income | ~$103,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | ~2.2% |
| Homeownership Rate | 71% |
| Commute to NYC (avg) | ~60–75 minutes |
✅ Should You Move to Monmouth County?
If you’re dreaming of:
- Ocean breezes
- Big backyards
- Great schools
- Easy NYC access
- Coastal culture and upscale amenities
Then Monmouth County, New Jersey might be your perfect next move.
Pros:
- Gorgeous beaches & waterfront towns
- Excellent schools & healthcare
- Commuter-friendly train/ferry access
- Vibrant downtowns + suburban calm
- Strong home appreciation
Cons:
- Property taxes (hey, it’s NJ)
- Summer beach traffic near the shore
- Housing demand = competitive market
🔗 External Resource
Explore more about services, schools, and events at the Official Monmouth County Website
🧠 Final Thoughts
Monmouth County, New Jersey offers one of the best lifestyles in the state. Whether you want waves or woods, brunch or hiking, city energy or beach-town calm — you’ll find it here.
This isn’t just a great place to visit. It’s a great place to live.