While life in most New Jersey Shore communities is centered around a modest block or two of business district and a hubbub of activity during warmer times, life in the year-round City of Long Branch is too energetic, too diverse, and too full of ideas to be confined to a single “hub” and a single season.

As the largest city in Monmouth County (5 square miles), Long Branch is many places in one…a rich tapestry of cultural currents and cool breezes – from beloved “mom and pop” storefronts and old-world ethnic cafes to sophisticated nightlife and upscale shopping. If you are looking for great dining, chic boutiques, outdoor recreation, art, music, theatre, unique bars or simply state-of-the-art relaxation, you’ve come to the right place…the new Long Branch with its timeless oceanfront vistas, riverfront views and marinas, and seaside promenades.

Long Branch is also the home of Seven Presidents Park. In the summer, this 38-acre beach park is a great place to swim, sun and surf; in the off-season, a nice place for quiet walks. Everything needed to enjoy a day at the beach is readily available during the summer months: snack bar, sheltered eating areas, volleyball area, outdoor showers and changing areas, guarded swimming, designated areas for surfing. The park also offers a reservable picnic tent for groups of up to 50.

Shopping, dining, and entertainment can be experienced at Long Branch’s Pier Village, an award-winning mixed use community built in 2005. Pier Village consists of 536 rental residences sitting atop more than 100,000 square feet of retail space. A public grassy area called Festival Plaza is the site of regular events, including concerts, arts & crafts fairs, outdoor movies and holiday events. The first story of the buildings is filled with shops and restaurants, while the upper floors are filled with ocean-view apartments. There are three restaurants situated on the boardwalk facing the ocean: Avenue, Sirena and McLoones. Ofthese, only McLoone’s Pier House is free-standing – built from the ground up by the restaurateur, it was open a year in advance of the rest of the commercial properties within the Village.

There are also other areas that have been identified for redevelopment. The Broadway Arts Center is one project that had stalled due to financial/economic factors, but the new economic climate is bringing about new interest. The plan to develop the area includes adding 70 new shops and restaurants, 500 residences, and performing arts theaters.

The city also has plans to rebuild the pier that was burned by a fire in 1987. The reconstruction will include the addition of a ferry terminal, running ferries from Long Branch to NYC. If this project eventually comes to fruition, it would be the largest infrastructure project in the history of Long Branch.

Long Branch is very conducive to commuters, offering a number of different transportation options including its own train station and multiple bus stops. It’s about a 10 minute drive to the Sea Streak Ferry, a quick drive up Route 36 to the Parkway and Route 18.

Most of the oceanfront residences in Long Branch are condominium complexes and townhomes. Each complex is unique and offers varying amenities – pools, concierge service, gyms, tennis courts, recreation rooms, etc. Some allow pets, while others have strict rules against them. They each have individual rules regarding rentals. Regardless of your needs, Long Branch has something to offer!