Toms River is the Ocean County seat, with major shopping, restaurants, hospitals, parks and a downtown riverfront. Zillow puts the typical home value about $465K. Its Ortley Beach section offers oceanfront at lower prices than Monmouth County.
Last updated: October 2026
At a glance
Toms River (mainland and Ortley Beach) is an Ocean County shore town known for value, amenities, year-round and space.
Price tier: $
Home prices
Homes in Toms River: typical value about $465K (Zillow), as of late summer 2026.
- Typical value about $465K (Zillow)
- 3-month median about $530K (Redfin)
Prices are typical values or recent median sales from public portals as of late summer 2026. Small towns have few sales, so numbers swing a lot. Use these as ranges, not appraisals. Ask Monica for current MLS data.
Homes you will find
Homes in Toms River: Ask Monica for current details.
Lifestyle
Life in Toms River: The county seat, with major shopping, restaurants, movie theaters, hospitals, parks and a downtown riverfront.
Ortley Beach offers oceanfront at lower prices than Monmouth.
Beach and water
Beach and water in Toms River: Ortley Beach offers oceanfront at lower prices than Monmouth.
The mainland has a riverfront downtown.
Commute
Getting to NYC from Toms River: Car or bus.
Toms River is the longest trip for NYC rail commuters, with no station in town.
Looking for a train commute to NYC (NJ Transit, with Amtrak connections)? Amtrak does not stop in any shore town. Connect at Newark Penn, Metropark or NY Penn. Read the commute guide.
Year-round or seasonal
Year-round or seasonal in Toms River: Year-round on the mainland.
Rentals
Renting out a home in Toms River: Ask Monica for current details.
Short-term rental rules vary by town and change often. Monica can share each town's current ordinance.
Flood note
Ortley Beach is on the barrier island.
Check FEMA flood maps and flood insurance costs. New Jersey has required a seller flood disclosure since 2023.
School data
For school information, see the official NJ School Performance Reports from the NJ Department of Education.
Toms River FAQ
Does Toms River have a train to NYC?
Car or bus. Toms River is the longest trip for NYC rail commuters, with no station in town. Amtrak does not stop here. Rail is NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line, with Amtrak connections at Newark Penn, Metropark or NY Penn.
What do homes cost in Toms River?
Typical value about $465K (Zillow). 3-month median about $530K (Redfin). These are ranges from public portals, not appraisals. Ask Monica for current MLS data.
Is Toms River busy year-round?
Year-round on the mainland.
Can I rent out a home in Toms River?
Ask Monica for current details. Short-term rental rules vary by town and change often. Monica can share each town's current ordinance.
Is Toms River in a flood zone?
Ortley Beach is on the barrier island. Check FEMA flood maps and flood insurance costs. New Jersey has required a seller flood disclosure since 2023.
Nearby towns
Close to Toms River: Brick (mainland and barrier island), Lavallette, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park.
Talk to Monica about Toms River
Call or text (908) 433-9305, or take the quiz to see how Toms River fits the way you want to live.
