Moving From Bergen County to Monmouth County? 5 Things to Know Before You Go

Short answer: before you move from Bergen County to Monmouth County, check five things: your real commute, the actual tax bill on the house, flood zones near the water, beach-town rules, and how a town feels in more than one season. Then tour three towns that are very different from each other.

Monmouth County is a big place. Some towns sit on the bay, some on the river, some on the ocean, and some are inland. Here is how we help Bergen County families sort it out.

1. Test the commute with real schedules

Do not guess. The NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line serves Middletown and Red Bank with direct trains from New York Penn Station on most services, while shore stations such as Bradley Beach and Belmar generally need a transfer at Long Branch. If you want to commute by water, SeaStreak lists a daily New Jersey to New York City route from Atlantic Highlands and Highlands. Ride your route at the hour you would actually travel before you make an offer.

2. Compare real tax bills, not town reputations

Property taxes differ town by town, and Bergen County numbers do not carry over. The NJ Division of Taxation publishes the 2024 General Tax Rates and the 2024 Average Residential Tax Report for every municipality. Use them to compare towns, then ask for the actual tax bill on the specific house you are considering.

3. Near the water? Check the flood zone first

Before you fall in love with a house near the bay, river or ocean, look up the address in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, then ask an insurance agent for a flood insurance quote and ask your lender what it requires. Some boroughs also post flood information, such as Sea Bright. A quote early in the process protects your budget.

4. Learn how shore towns handle the beach

Beach rules are set town by town. For example, Bradley Beach requires beach badges for patrons age 13 and older from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, on weekends only until June 14 and daily from June 15, per its Beach Department. Monmouth Beach requires badges at its Bathing Pavilion during the beach season and lists public access points that do not need one, per its beach rules. Ask each borough what applies to residents.

5. Visit in more than one season

A shore town in July is not the same place in February. Visit on a weekday morning, a summer weekend and a quiet winter afternoon before you decide. Try a trial commute, a grocery run and the drive to your favorite activities.

Towns to research first (alphabetical, not ranked)

These are towns we show Bergen County buyers often. Fair Housing means we describe places, not people, and we treat every town the same.

• Atlantic Highlands: a SeaStreak ferry port and home to Smodcastle Cinemas and the volunteer Atlantic Highlands First Aid squad.
• Fair Haven, Holmdel, Marlboro and Rumson: ask us for a custom tour list based on your budget, commute and the kind of home you want.
• Manalapan: home to Monmouth Battlefield State Park, a state park with miles of trails.
• Middletown: served by the NJ Transit Middletown station on the North Jersey Coast Line.
• Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright: ocean towns with borough-run beach rules and flood information to review before you buy.

FAQ

Is Monmouth County cheaper than Bergen County? It depends on the town and the type of home. We run real comparable sales for your budget and compare actual tax bills, not averages.

How long is the commute from Monmouth County to New York? It depends on the town and the train or ferry. Check the current NJ Transit and SeaStreak schedules for your exact route and time.

Which Monmouth County town should I start with? Tour three that are different from each other, for example one near the bay, one inland and one near the ocean, and compare how each fits your daily routine.

Do I need flood insurance? It depends on the property's flood zone and your lender. Look up the address on the FEMA map and ask your lender and insurance agent early.

Resources and links

• NJ Transit, Jersey Shore trains
• SeaStreak ferry routes and schedules
• NJ Division of Taxation, 2024 General Tax Rates
• NJ Division of Taxation, 2024 Average Residential Tax Report
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• Bradley Beach Beach Department
• Monmouth Beach beach rules
• Monmouth Battlefield State Park

Related guides from our team

• Favorite Monmouth County Shore Towns: Belmar, Bradley Beach, Monmouth Beach, Ocean Grove and Sea Bright
• Home for the Holidays: Free Community Movie Day in Atlantic Highlands on December 5

This is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Tax rates and schedules change, so confirm current figures with the source.

Planning a move to Monmouth County? Let's talk real estate. Search homes or see what your Bergen County home may be worth. Call or text 949.230.5508 or email melina@melinabradley.com.

Equal Housing Opportunity.