Long Beach Island: A Complete Guide
Local Knowledge. Shore Results. Updated October 2026People search "Long Beach Island real estate" far more often than they search any one LBI borough by name. LBI is actually six separate municipalities along one 18-mile barrier island, and each has its own character and price point.
This guide puts all six in one place. Compare the range on the island first, then narrow it down to one town's full guide.
On This Page
The Six LBI Municipalities, North to South
Barnegat Light
Barnegat Light is the island's northern tip. It's home to Old Barney, the lighthouse, and to Viking Village's working commercial fishing fleet. It's small, with a year-round population under 700. There's no house-to-house mail delivery, and it has some of the widest beaches on LBI. See the full Barnegat Light guide
Harvey Cedars
Harvey Cedars sits between Loveladies and North Beach. It's home to the Barnegat Light Yacht Club, established in 1928, and it has wide, replenished beaches. See the full Harvey Cedars guide
Surf City
Surf City is in the middle of the island, with galleries along Long Beach Boulevard and shops and restaurants you can walk to. See the full Surf City guide
Ship Bottom
Ship Bottom is the island's front door. It sits at the foot of the Route 72 Causeway Bridge, so it's the first town most people reach when they cross onto LBI. It also has some of the more accessible price points on the island. See the full Ship Bottom guide
Long Beach Township
Long Beach Township is the island's largest municipality by land. It covers nearly twenty named communities across four physically separate sections, from very private Loveladies to Brant Beach to Holgate, right next to open wilderness at the south end. See the full Long Beach Township guide
Beach Haven
Beach Haven is LBI's "Queen City" and the island's commercial and entertainment hub. It's home to Fantasy Island (the only amusement park on LBI), Bay Village and the island's only historic district. See the full Beach Haven guide
Choosing Your Section of LBI
Want the most privacy? Barnegat Light and Loveladies (part of Long Beach Township) are the quietest, most private parts of the island.
Want a walkable, central location? Surf City and Ship Bottom sit in the middle of the island, with dining, galleries and easy access both north and south.
Want boardwalk energy and entertainment? Beach Haven has the liveliest commercial and entertainment scene on the island.
Want classic LBI summer living? Brant Beach, in Long Beach Township, is widely seen as the island's classic summer section.
What to Know Before Buying on LBI
The whole island is a barrier-island flood zone. Elevation, flood insurance and rebuild-compliance status matter for every property here. Get specific, current information for the address you're considering. Island-wide assumptions won't help you.
LBI has one road on and one road off. Route 72 and the Causeway Bridge are the only way to drive on or off the island. Expect summer traffic as a regular part of island life.
Confirm flood zones with the town. As a certified zoning officer, I'd check current flood zone maps and any elevation requirements directly with each municipality. These designations can change from block to block within one town, and they do get updated.
Thinking About LBI?
Six towns with six different personalities, all on the same 18-mile island. Tell me the two or three you're weighing against each other, and I'll lay out the tradeoffs plainly before you pick one to tour.
Matt Quinn, United Real Estate Associates
(609) 709-2742
matt@mattquinnsellshomes.com