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Ocean City, NJ

Frequently asked questions

Ocean City, NJ

Ocean City is a city in Cape May County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is the principal city of the Ocean City metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses all of Cape May County, and is part of the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD combined statistical area, also known as the Delaware Valley or Philadelphia metropolitan area. It is part of the South Jersey region of the state.

As of the 2020 United States census, the city's population was 11,229, a decrease of 472 (−4.0%) from the 2010 census count of 11,701, which in turn reflected a decline of 3,677 (−23.9%) from the 15,378 counted in the 2000 census. In summer months, with an influx of tourists and second homeowners, there are estimated to be 115,000 to 130,000 within the city's borders.

Ocean City originated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on May 3, 1884, from portions of Upper Township, based on results from a referendum on April 30, 1884, and was reincorporated as a borough on March 31, 1890. Ocean City was incorporated as a city, its current government form, on March 25, 1897. The city is named for its location on the Atlantic Ocean.

Known as a family-oriented seaside resort, Ocean City has not allowed the sale of alcoholic beverages within its limits since its founding in 1879, offering miles of guarded beaches, a boardwalk that stretches for 2.5 miles (4.0 km), and a downtown shopping and dining district.

Travel Channel rated Ocean City as the Best Family Beach of 2005. It was ranked the third-best beach in New Jersey in the 2008 Top 10 Beaches Contest sponsored by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. In the 2009 Top 10 Beaches Contest sponsored by NJ.com, Ocean City ranked first.

According to the Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 11.56 square miles (29.93 km2), including 6.72 square miles (17.39 km2) of land and 4.84 square miles (12.53 km2) of water (41.87%).

The city boasts several fitness centers, yoga studios, and wellness spas such as the Blue Garden Wellness offering various classes and services to support a healthy lifestyle. There are also other health and wellness programs and services offered. Nirvana Wellness Spa offers a range of massage therapies including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and aromatherapy massage. Serenity Day Spa specializes in various massage techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, and prenatal massage. Harmony Day Spa focuses on holistic wellness with services like Swedish massage, hot stone massage, aromatherapy massage, and couples massage. Heavenly Hands Massage & Spa offers therapeutic massage services including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and reflexology. New Image Revolution combines medical aesthetics with relaxation services, offering massage therapies like Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and lymphatic drainage massage. 

Top sites in Ocean City, NJ: Playlands Castaway Cove, Gillians Wonderland Pier, Ocean City Boardwalk. 

Population: Approximately 11,000. Elevation: Sea level. Area: 10.797 square miles (27.97 km²). ZIP Code: 08226. Area code(s): 609. 

FAQs

What is the history of Ocean City, NJ?

Before Ocean City was established, local Native Americans set up camps on the island for fishing in the summer months. In 1633, Dutch navigator David Pietersz. de Vries referred to "flat sand beaches with low hills between Cape May and Egg Harbor", possibly the earliest reference to the island that became Ocean City. In 1695, Thomas Budd surveyed the land on behalf of the West Jersey Society. Around 1700, John Peck used the island as a base of operation for storing freshly hunted whales, and subsequently, the land became known as Peck's Beach. The first record of a house on Peck's Beach was in 1752. During the 18th century, cattle grazers brought cows to the island, where plentiful trees, weeds, brush, and seagrass provided suitable conditions. Parker Miller was the first permanent resident of Peck's Beach in 1859.

Is Ocean City, NJ worth it?

Ocean City is a beloved beachside city that has something for everyone. With the best beaches, dining options, and boardwalks in the area, it's home to some of the most exciting tourist attractions you'll find in New Jersey. There are plenty of fun things to do in Ocean City!

What is the cost of living in Ocean City, NJ?

The cost of living in Ocean City, NJ is relatively high compared to the national average. The median home value in Ocean City is $611,400, which is almost double the national median of $219,700. Additionally, utilities are expensive with an index score of 122.2 compared to the U.S. average of 100 while groceries also have a higher index score of 104.3 compared to the U.S. average of 100. However, this high cost of living is offset by the amenities and quality of life that Ocean City provides its residents with its multiple beaches and boardwalk activities as well as its diverse restaurants and shops.

Sources

City of Ocean City

Wikipedia

Bestplaces

oceancityvacation

Blue Garden Wellness

Nirvana Wellness Spa

Serenity Day Spa

Harmony Day Spa

Heavenly Hands Massage & Spa

New Image Revolution

Playlands Castaway Cove

Gillians Wonderland Pier

Ocean City Boardwalk

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