Ocean City, NJ Neighborhoods · Northern Tip
The Gardens, Ocean City NJ: Homes & Neighborhood Guide
The Gardens in Ocean City, NJ sits at the island's northern tip, with water on three sides, wide beaches and quiet, residential streets well away from boardwalk crowds. It's the neighborhood for families who want a yard, a bigger lot and a shore house that feels like a home year-round.
Where the Gardens is
The Gardens covers the northern end of Ocean City, from the bridge to Longport south to North Street, where the North End begins. Ocean, inlet and bay surround it on three sides, and its streets curve rather than follow the island's grid. Ocean-side and bay-side homes each have a different feel, so where you sit within the Gardens matters.
Gardens homes and prices
Single-family homes make up most of the Gardens, typically on larger lots than you'll find mid-island. That space means room for a pool, a real yard and parking for a full family weekend. The housing mix runs from mid-century homes to large new builds, and oceanfront and bayfront homes sit at the top of the market.
| Home type | Typical size | Recent price range |
|---|---|---|
| Oceanfront / beach-block single-family | 4,000 - 6,000 sq ft | $6,500,000 - $8,000,000 |
| Interior single-family | 2,000 -4,000 sq ft | $2,400,000 - $3,400,000 |
| Bayfront / waterfront | 3,000 - 4,000 sq ft | $3,400,000 - $4,000,000 |
Closed sales, South Jersey Shore Regional MLS, 2026.
Flood zones and elevation in the Gardens
With water on three sides, flood exposure in the Gardens depends heavily on location. Oceanfront lots are often in a VE zone, and much of the rest is AE, including bay-side homes that can see tidal flooding. Elevation and flood history vary from street to street, so we check the zone, the elevation certificate and an insurance estimate before you see any home here.
How flood zones work in Ocean City, NJ
Getting around
- Beach: The Gardens beaches are among the widest on the island and less crowded than mid-island beaches.
- Boardwalk: The north end of the boardwalk is about 3 - 5 minutes by bike.
- Asbury Avenue downtown: About 5 - 7 minutes by bike or car.
- Off the island: The bridge to Longport leads to Margate and Atlantic City; the 9th Street causeway is a few minutes south.
Rental demand and year-round living
More owners in the Gardens use their homes year-round or keep them for family only, which helps keep streets quiet. Homes that do rent attract families who want space and calm. Larger homes typically rent for $5,000 and $10,000 a week in peak season. Ocean City requires a city rental license for any rental.
Gardens homes for sale
Homes in the Gardens often stay in families for decades and change hands quietly when they do sell. Our private list is the best way to hear about them before they're listed.
Gardens FAQ
Where is the Gardens in Ocean City, NJ?
The Gardens is the northern tip of Ocean City, from the bridge to Longport south to North Street. It is surrounded by water on three sides.
Does the Gardens have a boardwalk?
No. The boardwalk starts just south of the Gardens in the North End, a short bike ride away. That distance is a big part of why the Gardens is so quiet.
What do homes cost in the Gardens?
Single-family homes in the Gardens recently sold for about [[FILL: $ – $]]. Oceanfront and bayfront homes sit at the top of that range.
Are lots bigger in the Gardens?
Generally, yes. Many Gardens homes sit on larger lots than homes mid-island, which leaves room for pools, yards and parking.
Are Gardens homes in a flood zone?
Yes. Oceanfront lots are often in a VE zone and most other homes are AE, including bay-side homes. Check each home's elevation certificate and flood history before you buy.
Looking in the Gardens?
Send us a Gardens address, or just your must-haves, and we'll return a Fit Brief covering elevation, flood zone, insurance and rental history before you tour.
Request a Gardens Fit Brief