Toms River, New Jersey struck one out of the park in the 1990s when the towns Toms River East Little League Baseball team competed in the Little League World Series three times in five years, winning in 1998, and defeating Japan. Naturally, there was a massive parade held, which was attended by over 40,000 people in celebration.
Whether the towns little league team isn't becoming an international powerhouse (yes, little league is huge here), its locales are showing up as iconic communities on network television programs. With over 91,000 residents but ranked the 14th safest city in the U.S., Toms River maintains a peaceful, beach-y feeling with a friendly community spirit. Town leaders hold what is regarded as the second largest Halloween parade worldwide. HBO features locations in its drama Boardwalk Empire. MTV shows off Toms River in several seasons of The Jersey Shore. For those with a culinary bent, the New Jersey Chili and Salsa Cook-Off and the New Jersey Ice Cream Festival are held in Toms River. Eat up!
Where Did It Begin
Toms River was incorporated in 1798. The name Toms River may have come from the English seafaring captain, William Toms, but maybe it didn't; no-one knows for sure. Massive population growth reached the community after World War II and the completion of New Jerseys Garden State Parkway. The original village is still a densely populated neighborhood, but other communities within the town continue to grow outward from this historic core. Toms River houses many beaches along the Jersey Shore, including Monterey Beach, Ocean Beach and Silver Beach, among others. Toms River is the sixth largest town in New Jersey, but it retains a small town feel and spirit.
While housing costs can be high, theyre not astronomical--let out that sigh of relief. They do vary by neighborhood. The community residents are employed in a mix or professions, and housing itself mirrors the diversity of the town, with apartment complexes and apartment homes available in a variety of different landscapes. Looking for an apartment to rent? Chances are youll find one you like in Toms River.
Tips for Renters
Get your ducks in a row and decide which neighborhood is just what its quacked up to be - for you. With options as diverse as the historic downtown core of Toms River with its unique shops and bustling cafes, to the seaside communities where you can conveniently go crabbing after work, theres a place for everyone in the immediate Toms River vicinity. Consider your commuting time, and whether access to public transportation, bike paths and walking trails are important to you. Are you a sailing aficionado or a classic cars guru? Prioritize whats most important to you.
You can start your search early or wait until the last minute in some Toms River communities. Seasonal timing applies: the real estate market heats up with short term rentals in the summer time.
While costs vary by neighborhood, and are higher than in many areas of the U.S., Toms River has many affordable options, particularly compared to other seaside enclaves along the eastern seaboard.
Neighborhoods
Town Center: Rents are lower here than in many New Jersey neighborhoods, and options abound. Considered an urban community due to density, this historic district includes three bedroom homes, studio apartments, high rise luxury apartments and town homes. Theres a dynamic mix of owners and renters in the area, with many properties built prior to 1999. $$
Silver Ridge: Upscale Silver Ridge features higher rental costs and more open space. It's a suburban neighborhood with many single family residents and high rise apartment complexes, and the vacancy rates are super low. $$$$
Windsor Park: More urban than Silver Ridge, Windsor Park is a more open rental market, with vacation properties mixed in with older, established homes and newer apartment complexes.Want to bike to work? Windsor Park is for you. Many commuters here reduce their carbon footprint by trading four wheels and chassis for two and a bike path. $$
Holiday City: With a name like that, this Toms River community has got to be festive. Like Windsor Park, the rental market is more open than in other parts of Toms River, making this a good bet for housing in the single family and town home categories. Smaller units such as two bedroom apartments are also available in this lively enclave. In fact, there are a great number of smaller properties here, making it an ideal location for singles or couples, as well as families.$$
Cranmoor Manor: Like to toss around a beach ball after work? Live a block from the beach in this pleasant seaside community. Historic homes and businesses mark this walkable, waterside community. $$
Pleasant Plains: This upscale community features a mix of single family houses of all sizes, and a tight rental market. Its plain that residents enjoy residing here, as many stay long term. This is a family oriented community.$$$
Put On Your Sailors Cap
Many communities within Toms River are bordered by inlets, bays or the ocean itself. If you like water activities, you're in luck--better get that bathing suit ready. Youll enjoy boating, swimming, fishing or just lazing around the beach. Theres a seaside feeling to every part of Toms River, even those not directly abutting the beach. Whether its an anchor in a flower bed or a boat dock as a back yard, youll get your inner seafarer on living in Toms River.
If water is not your thing, why are you moving to this area? Well, we aren't here to judge. There are plenty of activities for you as well.
Ahoy, theres plenty of fun to find in Toms River for just about anyone.A Harvest Festival complete with a haystack maze, a festive Christmas tree lighting, and of course the annual chili cook off are just some of the many community events Toms River offers.The massive Halloween Parade is entering its 75th year, sponsored by the Toms River fire company. Cruisin Downtown is a monthly event running May through October, featuring vintage cars, live entertainment, street vendors and contests. Restaurants stay open late, and feature a variety of seafood, and a weekly Farmers Market in the town's central core highlights fresh coastal specialties. Have a sweet tooth? Then youll love the Toms River annual ice cream festival, held every July. Ice cream purveyors compete for top honors and attendees get to taste the fruits of their tasty labor.
Trust us, theres always something going on, Toms River is a town of families, friends, and social gatherings. Oh, and yes, water and plenty of housing abound here too.
