Monmouth County shore town ranks among New Jersey’s best places to live

Key Points

• Asbury Park ranked No. 2 best place to live in New Jersey, according to a new list from Travel + Leisure.
• The Jersey Shore town was also named the Best Small Beach Town in America.
• Average home sale prices are around $662,000, with a 58.7 percent jump in owner-occupied households, signaling long term residency growth.

Why This Matters

Asbury Park’s ranking highlights how certain Jersey Shore markets are transitioning from seasonal destinations into year round residential hubs. For investors and landlords, the surge in owner-occupancy points to increased confidence in the town’s long-term livability, amenities, and economic stability. Recognition from a national travel and lifestyle outlet also boosts visibility, which tends to support pricing and demand.

What’s Driving the Appeal

Editors cited Asbury Park’s unique mix of culture, walkability, and coastal lifestyle. The town is known for its iconic boardwalk, deep music roots, and vibrant arts scene, balanced by residential neighborhoods within walking distance of downtown restaurants and small businesses. Located roughly 60 miles south of New York City, it offers beach-town living with regional connectivity. Real estate experts pointed to the growth in permanent residents as a key differentiator from other shore towns that remain heavily seasonal. The data suggests buyers are no longer just visiting Asbury Park but committing to it as a primary home base.

Bottom Line

Asbury Park’s rise in statewide rankings underscores a broader trend along the Jersey Shore: lifestyle driven markets with strong cultural identities are attracting full time residents, not just tourists. For Monmouth County landlords and investors, that shift supports sustained housing demand and long term value growth.