Favorite Monmouth County Shore Towns: Belmar, Bradley Beach, Monmouth Beach, Ocean Grove and Sea Bright

Short answer: five Monmouth County shore towns buyers ask us about most are Belmar, Bradley Beach, Monmouth Beach, Ocean Grove and Sea Bright. They are listed alphabetically below, not ranked, with the official links you need to compare beach rules, train access and flood information before you buy.

Every shore town is different, so we start with what you want from it: a walk to the beach, a train to New York, a marina, a quiet street or a busy summer. Here is what stands out in each town, based on the boroughs' own pages.

Belmar

Belmar has a station on the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line, and most trains require a transfer at Long Branch. The Borough of Belmar website links to the town's beach and to its municipal marina, which matters if boating is part of your plan.

Bradley Beach

Bradley Beach also has an NJ Transit station. Its Beach Department explains the rules: beach badges are required for patrons age 13 and older from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, on weekends only until June 14 and daily from June 15, and badges can be bought online or at the beachfront booths.

Monmouth Beach

Monmouth Beach runs a Bathing Pavilion where beach badges are required during the beach season. The borough's beach rules also list public access points that do not require a badge, including Cottage Road, Central Road and Seacrest Road, along with rules on pets, tents and dunes.

Ocean Grove

The official Ocean Grove website has pages for visiting the beach, beach badges, beach conditions and beach activities, plus concerts and events at the Great Auditorium. Read the beach pages carefully, because rules and access can change.

Sea Bright

The Borough of Sea Bright website offers a beach cam, beach information, flooding information, a parking app and details on its downtown bulkhead and flood mitigation project. If you are considering a home there, read the flood pages first.

Also on many buyers' lists

Asbury Park and Spring Lake both have NJ Transit stations on the North Jersey Coast Line as well. Tell us if you want them compared.

Before you buy near the beach: three checks

• Look up the flood zone. Enter the address in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, then ask your lender and an insurance agent what is required and what it costs.
• Learn the beach rules for residents. Badges, parking and dog rules are set by each borough.
• Test the town in the off-season. Visit on a weekday in winter, not just a sunny Saturday in July.

FAQ

Which Monmouth County shore town is best? There is no single best. The right town depends on your budget, commute, and the kind of home and routine you want. We compare a short list with real numbers.

Do I need a beach badge if I own a home near the beach? It depends on the borough's rules. Check each town's official beach page and ask the borough what residents receive.

Are shore town homes in flood zones? Some are and some are not. Look up each address on the FEMA map and get an insurance quote before you make an offer.

Can I commute to New York from the shore? Several shore towns have NJ Transit stations on the North Jersey Coast Line, and most trains require a transfer at Long Branch. Check the current schedule for your route and time.

Resources and links

• NJ Transit, Jersey Shore trains
• Borough of Belmar
• Bradley Beach Beach Department
• Monmouth Beach beach rules
• Ocean Grove official site
• Borough of Sea Bright
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center

Related guides from our team

• Moving From Bergen County to Monmouth County? 5 Things to Know Before You Go
• Home for the Holidays: Free Community Movie Day in Atlantic Highlands on December 5

This is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Beach rules and schedules change, so confirm current details with each borough.

Dreaming about the shore? Let's talk real estate. Search homes or see what your home may be worth. Call or text 949.230.5508 or email melina@melinabradley.com.

Equal Housing Opportunity.