While not as well known as some of New Jersey’s larger cities and towns, Ocean Township is a charming little community that attracts many visitors yearly. The town is directly west of Trenton and just south of New York, offering access to both metro areas while maintaining a degree of seclusion. If you’re an Ocean Township native, you probably know what makes the place unique. If you’re planning a visit, you might want to know more about your destination.
At The Jeep Store, we’re big fans of Ocean Township, so we want to share some exciting facts about our community. Despite its small size, the town has some well-kept secrets that make it a great place to live or visit. Keep reading to explore some of these facts before you visit.
One Township, Many Neighborhoods
Ocean Township is a dense suburban area that’s more of a collection of neighborhoods than a centralized town. Residents of the area often identify more with these subsections than with Ocean Township itself, giving the area a diverse identity. The township encompasses 10.8 miles and includes three main areas: Oakhurst, Wanamassa, and Wayside. It also has many other neighborhoods in part or in full, including Edgemere, Eberon Park, Green Grove, Colonial Terrace, West Allenhurst, Poplar, Deal Lake, and several others.
Many of Ocean Township’s neighborhoods feature beautiful homes and parks, and there’s a spot for individuals and families of all kinds. Some areas, like Deal Park and West Allenhurst, are well-established and upscale, with expansive houses. In contrast, areas like Wayside and Colonial Terrace offer a more affordable option for families and newcomers.
Not Too Big, Not Too Small
While big cities can offer visitors exciting experiences, many people prefer the peace, quiet, and community of smaller municipalities. Ocean Township provides the perfect balance between these two options. Its beautiful neighborhoods feature a variety of eateries, cafes, and venues that give the area culture. Ocean Township is also heavily populated for its size, giving it a lively feel while maintaining the laid-back atmosphere of a small town.
Access to the City
Located on the Jersey Shore, Ocean Township is just a stone’s throw away from America’s most famous metropolis, New York City. While New York attracts a wide variety of visitors, many prefer to live outside the city due to housing prices. Others like the laid-back atmosphere that this part of New Jersey offers. Ocean Township might be a great option if you want to live near the sights and sounds of the city without insane rent prices and a noisy atmosphere.
Ocean Township is also within easy reach of many other cities. The historic city of Trenton is directly west of Ocean Township, and Philadelphia is just over the border with Pennsylvania on the Delaware River. The municipality is located in the middle of the state, giving residents access to other locations throughout the state, including Atlantic City, Newark, and Jersey City.
It’s Not the Only One
Strangely enough, the area we’re located in isn’t the only Ocean Township in New Jersey. Our municipality is located in Monmouth County, but neighboring Ocean County also includes Ocean Township. Ocean County extends along the coast directly south of Monmouth County and provides many areas for seaside excursions, including beaches, boardwalks, and marinas.
What’s in a Name?
Although it may seem surprising, Ocean Township doesn’t include any seaside areas. Ocean Township’s name comes from the fact that it originally encompassed parts of coastal Monmouth County. If this comes as a surprise, you’ll be happy to know that the ocean is only about a mile away from the township’s western border. A short walk or drive through Allenhurst, Deal, Asbury Park, or Elberon puts you on the seashore and gives you access to its attractions, including beaches, seaside restaurants, and boardwalks.
A short trip north takes travelers right up to the shore of Sandy Hook Bay. This body of water is part of Raritan Bay, which separates New Jersey from Staten Island and Brooklyn. The Bayshore area includes beaches, biking trails, and lighthouses that provide an excellent view of the New York City skyline. In Ocean Township, the sights and sounds of the sea are never far away.
A Long History
New Jersey is one of America’s original 13 states, so Ocean Township definitely has a long history. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people, who also lived in sections of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York. The area was later settled by emigrants from the Netherlands and Great Britain, who were progressively joined by Scandinavians, Irish, Scots, Italians, and Black Americans from the South.
During the Revolutionary War, Monmouth County was home to one of the most significant battles between the British and the Continental Army at Monmouth Courthouse. During this battle, the training of Baron von Steuben paid off, and the American soldiers could go toe-to-toe with their experienced adversaries.
During the colonial period, much of New Jersey was wild and had vast woodland areas. As the 19th and 20th centuries went on, the area gained many new residents and became more heavily urbanized, partly due to the growth of New York and its bedroom suburbs. While Monmouth County dates back to 1683, Ocean Township is a much younger entity and was created by the New Jersey legislature in 1849.
Famous Residents
Despite its small area, Ocean Township has produced its fair share of prominent Americans. These individuals include entertainers, businesspeople, athletes, and political leaders. Some of the area’s most notable natives include NFL players Bob Davis, Kenny Pickett, Phil Villapiano, actress Ashley Tisdale, author and talk show host Wendy Williams, and producer Gloria Monty.
Pay Our Ocean Township Jeep Dealership a Visit
That’s just a little taste of what makes Ocean Township so special. If you’re an Ocean Township native and think we missed something in our roundup, please contact us with your favorite facts. If you’re passing through Ocean Township, we hope you enjoy your stay and love this town as much as we do. Feel free to stop by our Ocean Township dealership and peruse our selection of new Jeep vehicles and certified pre-owned vehicles.
*Featured Image – Image by Matt Donders is licensed with Unsplash License
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