🌊 Northern Jersey Shore
- Location: Middlesex & Monmouth Counties, part of the New York metro area.
- Highlights:
- Famous towns include Sandy Hook, Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Point Pleasant Beach.
- Known for boardwalks, arcades, amusement parks, and wide beaches.
- Post-Hurricane Sandy redevelopment brought upscale housing and gentrification, attracting NYC professionals.
- Strong cultural scene with venues like the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Asbury Park’s music heritage.
- Character: Bustling, cosmopolitan, with a mix of historic charm and modern reinvention.
🏖️ Central Jersey Shore
- Location: Primarily Ocean County, bridging North and South.
- Highlights:
- Towns like Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, and Spring Lake.
- Seaside Heights: energetic boardwalk culture, Casino Pier rides, arcades, and nightlife.
- Spring Lake: quieter, Victorian homes, “Jewel of the Jersey Shore,” ideal for families and day-trippers.
- Strong mix of residential communities and tourist attractions, balancing year-round living with seasonal influx.
- Character: A middle ground—family-friendly yet lively, offering both nostalgia and modern entertainment.
🐚 Southern Jersey Shore
- Location: Cape May & Cumberland Counties, part of the Philadelphia metro area.
- Highlights:
- Cape May: historic Victorian architecture, boutique inns, eco-tourism, and whale watching.
- The Wildwoods: neon lights, doo-wop culture, massive free beaches, and amusement piers.
- Ocean City: “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” alcohol-free, wholesome boardwalk fun.
- Rich natural beauty: wetlands, Pine Barrens, wildlife management areas.
- Festivals: Lima Bean Festival, Southern Shore Music Festival, and more.
- Character: Historic, artistic, and nature-rich, blending family resorts with cultural depth.
