South Toms River 66 Good
South Toms River Livability #366 ranked city in New Jersey#11,552 ranked city in the USARanks better than 60% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in South Toms River

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Schools Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

What's it like Living in South Toms River?

Located in the state of New Jersey, South Toms River is a small-sized city with a population of 3,794 people. South Toms River has a population density of 3,278 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of South Toms River identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 8% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. South Toms River tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 32 is far below the national average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in South Toms River, only 48% of the population is married. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in South Toms River, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in South Toms River, New Jersey. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in South Toms River and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare South Toms River to New Jersey and the national average.

South Toms River has a livability score of 65 out of 100 and is ranked #383 in New Jersey and #12,406 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, South Toms River has received high marks for crime (A+), employment (A) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in South Toms River. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (F), cost of living (F) and education (F).

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 130 crimes per 100,000 residents, South Toms River has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their South Toms River apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in South Toms River is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in South Toms River come in at $353,076, which is 36.4% lower than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In South Toms River, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 45.1% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around South Toms River

See all the best places to live around South Toms River

How Do You Rate The Livability In South Toms River?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare South Toms River, NJ Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      South Toms River transportation information

      Statistic South Toms River New Jersey National
      Average one way commute26min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.4%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool15.5%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.3%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.4%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home1.7%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The South Toms River, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.