The State of LGBTQ+ Homeownership

BY LISA FANT

According to New Jersey Realtors® April year-to-date total market data, the housing market in New Jersey’s shore region is maintaining steady inventory levels. Despite elevated sale prices and mortgage rates hovering around seven percent, the market continues to see a consistent flow of new listings across the shore region. These are the top towns in New Jersey’s shore region boasting the most new listings, offering insights into the diverse neighborhoods that define this coastal area.

The data includes single-family homes, townhouses/condos, and adult community homes.

1. Toms River

623 New Listings Year-to-Date

Named after the river marking its southern border, Toms River offers a unique blend of quiet coastal living and urban convenience. With a population surpassing 98,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census, Toms River is a bustling suburban hub. The city features a diverse range of housing options, with 103 new listings in adult communities and 59 in townhouses and condos. Boasting various waterfront communities and parks, Toms River provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and activities at Shelter Cove Park, which features tennis courts, soccer fields, and nature trails.

2. Manchester Township

529 New Listings Year-to-Date

Manchester Township, nestled in New Jersey’s Pinelands, offers a vibrant community with a population of around 46,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census. The town is known for its historic sites, parks, and lakes, and hosts several community events throughout the year, including annual Manchester Day and the summer concert series at Harry Wright Lake. While the town has a range of housing options from singlefamily homes to adult communities, adult communities account for 430 of Manchester Township’s new listings.

3. Berkeley Township

484 New Listings Year-to-Date

Berkeley Township, nestled along the Barnegat Bay and extending into the Pine Barrens, is a tight-knit community with waterfront properties, suburban neighborhoods, and preserved natural areas. It includes unincorporated communities such as Bayville, Holiday City-Berkeley, Holiday Heights, Silver Ridge, Pinewald, and Manitou Park. According to the U.S. Census, 41% of Berkeley Township residents are over the age of 65, with 335 of the township’s 484 listings located in adult communities. Home to Island Beach State Park, residents and visitors enjoy ample opportunities for boating, fishing, birdwatching, and surfing, as well as views of the Barnegat Lighthouse. Berkeley Township fosters a strong sense of community through regular events and summer concerts, year-round senior programs, and sports groups.

4. Brick Township

481 New Listings Year-to-Date

Bordering the Metedeconk River, Brick Township offers a waterfront lifestyle amidst a vibrant suburban community. With a population exceeding 75,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census, it stands as one of Ocean County’s largest municipalities. Unlike Berkeley and Manchester, Brick Township’s new listings are predominantly comprised of single-family homes, totaling 329. The township boasts a variety of residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, beaches, and parks, catering to both residents and visitors with a diverse range of activities. Boating, fishing, and water sports thrive in Brick, thanks to the township’s extensive shoreline and marinas.

5. Ocean City

338 New Listings Year-to-Date

Located on a barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean City is a top destination for beach enthusiasts and tourists. With a year-round population of just above 11,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census, this number surges during the summer months as tourists flock to enjoy Ocean City beaches, shops, amusement parks, and boardwalks. The area boasts a blend of residential areas, condominiums, and vacation rentals, catering to both permanent residents and seasonal guests. The majority of new listings in Ocean City were townhouses and condos, totaling 232 homes, alongside 101 single-family homes. Beyond its beautiful coastline, Ocean City offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, providing plenty of options for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

TOMS RIVER