Ocean City 77 Exceptional
Ocean City Livability #106 ranked city in New Jersey#2,475 ranked city in the USARanks better than 91% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Ocean City

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings

    Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

New Real Estate Listings in Ocean City Area
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What's it like Living in Ocean City?

Ocean City, New Jersey is a medium-sized city with a population of 11,065 residents. According to the most recent Census, 89% of Ocean City residents are White, 3% Black and 1% Asian. Ocean City is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 57, which is well beyond the United States median age average. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Ocean City your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 29 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Ocean City could be a positive experience compared to other cities in New Jersey if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Ocean City and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Jersey and national averages.

Using data and statistics Ocean City has received a livability score of 79 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 94th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a fantastic score, as Ocean City ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Ocean City also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Ocean City ranks very well for amenities (A+), crime (B+), education (A) and employment (A+). There are some categories that Ocean City scores poorly for, including: housing (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

If you're living in Ocean City, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Ocean City an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Ocean City has a violent crime rate of 124 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Ocean City, the unemployment rate stands at 1.64%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Assuming that Ocean City meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Ocean City. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Ocean City are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Ocean City come in at $573,400, which is 81.2% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ocean City, the home price to income ratio is 6.6, which is 53.5% higher than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Ocean City

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Compare Ocean City, NJ Livability

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      Ocean City transportation information

      Statistic Ocean City New Jersey National
      Average one way commute29min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work69.4%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.7%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.1%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle3.9%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk8.0%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home9.2%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Ocean City, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).