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Toms River, NJ

Frequently asked questions

Toms River, NJ

Toms River is a township located on the Jersey Shore in Ocean County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Its mainland portion is also a census-designated place of the same name, which serves as the county seat of Ocean County. Formerly known as the Township of Dover, voters in a 2006 referendum approved a change of the official name to the Township of Toms River, adopting the name of the largest unincorporated community within the township. The township is a bedroom suburb of New York City in the New York metropolitan area and a regional commercial hub in central New Jersey.

As of the 2020 United States census, the township was the state's eighth-most-populous municipality, with a population of 95,438, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 4,199 (+4.6%) from the 2010 census count of 91,239, which had, in turn, reflected an increase of 1,533 (+1.7%) from the 89,706 counted in the 2000 census.

Toms River is featured in various TV and news media, including MTV's Made and Jersey Shore (seasons 1, 3, and 5), HBO's Boardwalk Empire, and the original The Amityville Horror movie. In 1998, Toms River East Little League won the Little League World Series. The township has what is said to be the second-largest Halloween parade in the world.

In 2006, Toms River was ranked by Morgan Quitno Press as the 15th safest city in the United States, of 369 cities nationwide. In 2007, Toms River was again ranked as the 14th-safest city in the United States of 371 cities nationwide.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township had a total area of 52.89 square miles (136.98 km2), including 40.55 square miles (105.03 km2) of land and 12.34 square miles (31.95 km2) of water (23.32%). Toms River is 70 miles (110 km) south of Manhattan and 55 miles (89 km) east of Philadelphia.

While most of Toms River is on the mainland, Dover Beaches North and South are situated on the Barnegat Peninsula, a long, narrow barrier peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Dover Beaches South adjoins the independent municipalities of Lavallette to the north and Seaside Heights to the south.

Dover Beaches North (2010 Census population of 1,239), Dover Beaches South (1,209), and Toms River CDP (88,791) are census-designated places and unincorporated communities located within Toms River Township. Other unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Andrew Point, Andrews, Bay Shore, Cattus Island, Cedar Grove, Chadwick, Coates Point, East Dover, Gilford Park, Gilmores Island, Green Island, Long Point, Normandy Beach, Ocean Beach, Ortley Beach, Pelican Island, Pine View, Pleasant Plains, Shelter Cove, Silverton, Tilton Point, West Dover, and White Oak Bottom.

Toms River includes the ZIP Codes 08753, 08754, 08755, 08756, 08757, and 08739. Ortley Beach (Dover Beaches South) shares ZIP Code 08751 with Seaside Heights. Manchester Township does not have its own Post Office, and parts of Manchester use a Toms River mailing address under ZIP Code 08757.

Toms River Township borders the Ocean County municipalities of Berkeley Township, Brick Township, Island Heights, Jackson Township, Lakewood Township, Lavallette, Manchester Township, Seaside Heights, and South Toms River. The township is one of 11 municipalities in Ocean County that are part of the Toms River watershed.

Toms River also boasts a thriving healthcare sector, with institutions like Community Medical Center offering a wide range of medical services to residents. There are also health and wellness facilities and services available. Toms River Fitness & Aquatic Center is a comprehensive fitness facility offering a wide range of amenities. They have a fully equipped gym with cardio and strength training equipment, as well as group fitness classes such as yoga, spin, and HIIT workouts. Retro Fitness is a popular gym chain known for its affordable memberships and modern facilities. The Edge Fitness Club is a full-service gym with a focus on providing a motivating and supportive atmosphere for its members. The Fountain Spa is a luxury day spa offering a variety of pampering services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and nail care. TLC Relax Station is a boutique spa specializing in massage therapy and holistic wellness services.

Top sites in Toms River, NJ are Insectropolis, Robert J. Novins Planetarium, and The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts. 

Population: 99,091 (2023). ZIP codes: 08753, 08754, 08755, 08756, 08757. Area code(s): 732, 848. Elevation: 20 ft (6 m). Area: 52.93 square miles (137.05 km²).

FAQs

What is Toms River, NJ famous for?

Tom's River is one of the most well-known towns in all of New Jersey. It was made famous for appearances in TV shows like Boardwalk Empire and Jersey Shore, and of course the 1998 Little League World Series Team. Maybe Tom’s River’s most well-known resident, certainly the most well-known currently, is Todd Frazier. Todd was the lifeblood of the 1998 Little World Series team that won the world championship and has developed into one of the best young players in the Major Leagues. 

Why do they call it Toms River, NJ?

European settlers arrived in the area between 1614 and 1685. In 1685, a British-born settler by the name of Thomas Luker settled down alongside the river bank called Goose Creek. Goose Creek will eventually become known as Toms River, named after Thomas Luker. Thomas Luker operated a small ferry service to cross the waterway which was important due to the unique geography.

What is it like to live in Toms River, NJ?

Toms River has beautiful beaches and waterfront activities are a major draw. Toms River is known for its friendly neighborhoods and community-oriented atmosphere, numerous parks, recreational facilities, and cultural events cater to a variety of interests. It is also known for having well-regarded public schools and proximity to higher education institutions as well as a range of housing options to suit different needs and budgets.

Sources

Toms River Township

Wikipedia

Sett Movers

Brandon J Broderick

Fairways at Beylea

Insectropolis 

Robert J. Novins Planetarium 

The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts

Community Medical Center

Toms River Fitness & Aquatic Center

Retro Fitness 

The Edge Fitness Club

The Fountain Spa

TLC Relax Station 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.