Thinking about moving to Monmouth County, New Jersey? Before you fall in love with a house, there are a few things you need to know about what it's actually like to live here.
I've lived in Monmouth County for years, and after more than 21 years helping buyers and sellers throughout New Jersey, I can tell you something: the right house in the wrong town can be a very expensive mistake.
Monmouth County has so much going for it. Beautiful neighborhoods, the Jersey Shore, charming downtowns, fantastic restaurants, parks, shopping, and convenient access to New York City.
But let's not pretend it's perfect.
Property taxes can be high. Route 9 traffic can test your patience. Some towns are walkable, while others practically require you to get in your car to pick up a gallon of milk.
So why did I choose to live here? And more importantly, is Monmouth County the right place for you?
Let's talk about the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between.
Is Monmouth County, NJ, a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Monmouth County is a great place to live for people who want suburban neighborhoods, access to beaches, parks, restaurants, and a variety of community lifestyles. However, whether it's right for you depends on your budget, commute, preferred lifestyle, and the town you choose.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Monmouth County is that every town offers the same experience.
Trust me, it doesn't.
You can drive 20 minutes and feel like you've entered a completely different part of New Jersey.
That's one of the reasons I love living here.
Why I Chose to Live in Monmouth County, New Jersey
When I chose Monmouth County, I wasn't just thinking about a house. I was thinking about how I wanted to live.
I wanted beautiful neighborhoods, places to shop and eat, access to parks, and the ability to head to the Jersey Shore without planning an entire vacation.
And that's exactly what I found.
Living in Marlboro Township gives me the suburban lifestyle I enjoy while keeping me connected to everything else Monmouth County has to offer.
Want to spend the afternoon shopping in Freehold? Easy.
Dinner in Red Bank? Absolutely.
A beach day in Spring Lake or Belmar? Count me in.
And that's what makes this county special.
You don't have to choose between suburban living and having things to do.
You can have both.
What Are the Best Towns to Live in Monmouth County, NJ?
The best town in Monmouth County depends on whether you prefer suburban neighborhoods, larger properties, walkable downtowns, coastal living, or convenient commuting options.
Here's how some of our communities compare:
| Town | Lifestyle and what it's known for |
|---|---|
| Marlboro Township | Established suburban neighborhoods, parks, shopping, and access to Route 9 |
| Morganville | Residential neighborhoods within Marlboro Township, with convenient access to shopping and major roads |
| Manalapan | Suburban communities, parks, shopping, and a variety of housing options |
| Holmdel | Spacious neighborhoods, parks, cultural attractions, and access to the Garden State Parkway |
| Colts Neck | Larger properties, horse farms, open space, and a quieter setting |
| Freehold Borough | Walkable downtown, restaurants, shops, and community events |
| Red Bank | Restaurants, boutiques, arts, entertainment, and a pedestrian-friendly downtown |
| Middletown | A wide variety of neighborhoods, commuter transportation options, and access to waterfront areas |
| Asbury Park | Beachfront living, restaurants, music, nightlife, and a lively downtown |
| Spring Lake | Coastal neighborhoods, a charming downtown, and a quieter beach-town atmosphere |
Here's the question I always ask buyers:
What do you want your everyday life to look like?
Do you want to walk to dinner?
Do you want a large backyard?
Do you need to commute to Manhattan?
Do you want to live five minutes from the beach?
Your answers matter far more than someone else's opinion of which town is the best.
What Is It Really Like Living Near the Jersey Shore?
One of the biggest advantages of living in Monmouth County is access to the Jersey Shore.
And no, you don't have to live directly on the beach to enjoy it.
From Marlboro, Manalapan, Holmdel, and other inland communities, you can head toward beach towns like Belmar, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Asbury Park, and Long Branch.
Travel times depend on where you live and traffic conditions, especially during the summer.
But here's what I love.
When you live here, the beach eventually stops feeling like a vacation destination.
It becomes part of your everyday life.
You might spend an afternoon walking the boardwalk, meet friends for dinner overlooking the ocean, or head to the beach just to enjoy the scenery.
And when friends or family visit from out of state, suddenly everyone wants to come to your house!
Funny how that works.
What Are the Downsides of Living in Monmouth County?
Let's get into the things that real estate listings don't always tell you.
1. Are Property Taxes High in Monmouth County, NJ?
Yes. Property taxes in Monmouth County can be substantial, and the amount varies by municipality, assessed value, and property-specific factors.
If you're relocating from a state with lower property taxes, the numbers may surprise you.
But here's something I always explain to buyers.
Don't compare homes based on purchase price alone.
A home that appears more affordable may have a different property-tax obligation than another home you're considering.
Before making an offer, look at the full monthly cost, including your mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and any homeowners association fees.
And remember, property taxes can change over time.
2. How Bad Is Route 9 Traffic in Monmouth County?
Let's talk about Route 9.
If you've ever driven through Marlboro, Manalapan, or Freehold during rush hour, you already know where I'm going with this.
Route 9 can experience significant congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours and around busy shopping areas and intersections.
Route 18 and the Garden State Parkway can also get congested.
Does that mean you shouldn't move here?
Of course not.
But if you're planning to commute every day, I strongly recommend testing your route during the actual hours you'll be traveling.
A commute that looks perfectly reasonable on a Sunday afternoon may feel very different on a Tuesday morning.
And nobody wants to discover that after closing.
3. Is Monmouth County Walkable?
Some Monmouth County communities are very walkable, while others are primarily car-dependent.
This is something buyers sometimes overlook.
If you love walking to coffee shops, restaurants, and local businesses, consider places like Red Bank, Freehold Borough, and certain neighborhoods in Asbury Park.
But if you're buying in many of the suburban sections of Marlboro, Manalapan, Colts Neck, or Holmdel, you'll likely rely on your car for everyday errands.
Neither lifestyle is better.
They're just different.
And choosing the right one makes an enormous difference in how happy you'll be after moving.
Is Monmouth County a Good Place to Live if You Commute to New York City?
Monmouth County can work well for New York City commuters, but transportation convenience varies significantly by town and neighborhood.
Depending on where you live, your options may include:
NJ Transit train service along the North Jersey Coast Line
Commuter buses serving areas such as Route 9
Driving to the Garden State Parkway and other major roads
Ferry service from the Belford area or nearby Atlantic Highlands and Highlands
If you're commuting to Manhattan, you need to think beyond the distance between your house and the city.
Consider how long it takes to reach your station or bus stop, parking availability, transfers, service schedules, and how you'll get home.
For someone commuting five days a week, these details can be more important than an extra bedroom.
What Is There to Do in Monmouth County Throughout the Year?
One of my favorite things about living here is that there is always something happening.
In warmer months, residents enjoy the beaches, boardwalks, outdoor dining, farmers markets, and waterfront activities.
Fall brings apple picking, pumpkin patches, local festivals, and beautiful scenery.
Winter offers holiday celebrations, shopping, restaurants, and community events.
And when spring arrives, our parks, walking trails, downtowns, and outdoor dining areas come alive again.
Some of my favorite places to explore include Holmdel Park, Thompson Park in Lincroft, downtown Red Bank, Freehold Borough, and the beaches along the Jersey Shore.
There's a lot more to Monmouth County than houses and subdivisions.
That's something I want buyers to experience before choosing where to live.
Cori's Pick of the Week: Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck
If you've been following my YouTube channel, you know I love sharing local businesses and destinations that make Monmouth County special.
This week's pick is Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck, NJ.
And if you've never been, you need to go!
It's a local favorite known for fresh produce, baked goods, pies, apple cider donuts, and specialty foods.
It's one of those places that makes living in Monmouth County feel a little more special.
Whether you're new to the area or you've lived here for years, it's worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Monmouth County, NJ
Is Monmouth County, NJ, expensive to live in?
Monmouth County can be expensive compared with many other areas, particularly when you consider home prices, property taxes, insurance, and commuting costs. However, affordability varies considerably between towns, neighborhoods, and housing types.
Is Marlboro, NJ, a good place to live?
Marlboro Township is popular with buyers looking for established suburban neighborhoods, parks, shopping, and access to major roadways. It's particularly worth exploring if you prefer suburban living over a walkable downtown or beachfront lifestyle.
Is Monmouth County better than Ocean County?
Neither county is automatically better. Monmouth County offers a combination of suburban communities, coastal towns, and access to northern New Jersey and New York City transportation. Ocean County offers its own mix of coastal and suburban communities. The right choice depends on your budget, commute, and lifestyle.
Can you live in Monmouth County without a car?
Yes, in certain neighborhoods, but it can be challenging in many suburban communities. Downtown Red Bank, Freehold Borough, and parts of Asbury Park offer more opportunities to walk to shops and restaurants. Transportation access should be evaluated for each specific address.
What should buyers know before moving to Monmouth County?
Buyers should research property taxes, commuting options, traffic, walkability, school district boundaries, neighborhood characteristics, and proximity to the amenities they use most often. Visiting communities at different times of day can also help determine whether a location fits their lifestyle.
So, Would I Choose Monmouth County Again?
Absolutely.
But I also know that Monmouth County isn't for everyone.
If you're looking for extremely low property taxes, zero traffic, and a lifestyle where you can walk everywhere, some of our communities may not be the right fit.
But if you love the idea of beautiful neighborhoods, fantastic local businesses, the Jersey Shore, parks, shopping, restaurants, and a variety of lifestyles within one county, there's a lot to love.
After more than 21 years working in New Jersey real estate, here's the biggest lesson I've learned:
Don't just buy a house you love. Buy into a lifestyle you love.
Because the kitchen can be renovated.
The paint colors can be changed.
But the location? That's the one thing you can't change.
Thinking About Moving to Monmouth County, New Jersey?
I'm Cori Dunphy, a RE/MAX real estate agent with more than 21 years of experience helping buyers and sellers throughout New Jersey, with a special focus on Monmouth County, Marlboro Township, Morganville, and surrounding communities.
Whether you're relocating from New York City, moving from another part of New Jersey, or simply exploring your options, I'd love to help you find the community that feels right for you.
Watch my video: Why I Chose Monmouth County (And Why You Might Not)
Explore my website: https://corisellsnj.com
Find out what your home is worth: https://corisellsnj.com/home-value-analysis/
And if you're considering buying or selling, reach out. Let's talk about your next move!
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About Cori Dunphy
Hi, I’m Cori Dunphy — a lifelong Monmouth County resident, Marlboro homeowner, and full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Central.
For more than 25 years, I’ve helped buyers and sellers throughout Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties navigate one of life’s biggest decisions with confidence. Whether you’re purchasing your very first home, relocating to New Jersey, moving into a 55+ community, upgrading to your forever home, or preparing to sell, my goal is simple: to give you honest advice, expert guidance, and the local knowledge you won’t find on a national real estate website.
I created this website to be more than just a place to search for homes. It’s a growing resource filled with neighborhood guides, local market updates, buyer and seller tips, community spotlights, and everything you need to make informed real estate decisions right here in Monmouth County.
If you’re still researching, keep exploring. If you’re ready to make your move, I’d be honored to help.
Continue Exploring
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Let’s Get You Home — I’ll Bring the Coffee. ☕🏡
Real estate is about so much more than contracts and closing dates—it’s about finding the place where your next chapter begins.
Whether you’re ready to buy next week, sell next year, or you’re simply looking for honest answers from someone who truly knows Monmouth County, I’m here whenever you need me.
I look forward to helping you make your next move your best move.
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