Top Neighborhoods
Toms River CDP isn't one neighborhood—it's a patchwork of distinct communities where your zip code can mean the difference between a 5-minute drive to the beach and a 30-minute slog through shore traffic. Choosing wrong isn't just inconvenient; it's expensive.
Quick Compare: Top Neighborhoods in Toms River CDP
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Rent Range | Best For | Walk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northside | Family-centric, quiet | $1,600-$2,100 | Suburban families, commuters | ~45 |
| Southside | Beach-near, touristy | $1,800-$2,500 | Young professionals, beach lovers | ~55 |
| Downtown Toms River | Walkable, historic | $1,400-$1,900 | Urban dwellers, singles | ~70 |
| East Dover | Waterfront, exclusive | $2,200-$3,200 | Affluent families, boaters | ~35 |
| West Dover | Residential, practical | $1,500-$1,900 | Budget-conscious families | ~40 |
| Silverton | Tight-knit, suburban | $1,550-$2,000 | First-time buyers, families | ~42 |
Northside
Overview: The workhorse suburb of Toms River—think tree-lined streets off Route 37, solid Cape Cods, and the kind of neighborhood where kids still ride bikes to each other's houses. Centered around the Northside Shopping Plaza area.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,600 - $2,100/mo (1BR) | $2,000 - $2,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $380k - $450k
- 🚗 Commute: 18 min to downtown Newark via Parkway | 25 min to Jersey City
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~45 (Car-dependent, but walkable to local strip malls)
Local Intel: Traffic on Route 37 eastbound is a nightmare 7:30-9:00 AM and 5:00-6:30 PM—use Hooper Avenue as your secret weapon to cut through. The Northside Plaza has a hidden gem: a phenomenal bagel shop (Northside Bagels) that locals swear by, avoiding the chains. Crime is virtually non-existent here, but car break-ins spike near the Walmart parking lot during holidays.
Who Thrives Here: Commuters who need Parkway access but want a quiet, no-drama suburban base without HOA fees.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Extremely low crime—violent crime rate here is under 100/100k
- ✅ Proximity to Ocean County Mall and every big-box store you need within 10 minutes
- ❌ Zero walkability—everything requires a car, and gas prices here are 10-15 cents higher than average
- ❌ School district is average (Toms River Regional)—Northside Elementary is solid, but intermediate schools are overcrowded
Schools: Toms River Regional Schools. Northside Elementary (7/10), Toms River Intermediate North (6/10)
The Verdict: Move here if you want a predictable, safe suburban life with easy commuting. Avoid if you crave walkability or want top-tier schools—this is middle-of-the-pack academically.
Southside
Overview: The "beach adjacent" neighborhood—closer to Seaside Heights than downtown Toms River. Think 1950s ranches mixed with newer tear-downs, and a year-round community that deals with summer tourist overflow. Anchored by the Southside Shopping Center.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,800 - $2,500/mo (1BR) | $2,400 - $3,200/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $420k - $520k
- 🚗 Commute: 15 min to downtown Toms River | 35 min to Staten Island via Garden State Parkway
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~55 (Somewhat walkable to beach shops, but car needed for groceries)
Local Intel: Summer traffic on Route 35 southbound is soul-crushing from Memorial Day to Labor Day—add 20 minutes to any trip. The hidden gem is the Southside Park baseball fields, where you can watch local leagues for free and avoid the paid boardwalk crowds. Crime is low, but the area sees a spike in petty theft during summer months when tourists flood nearby Seaside.
Who Thrives Here: Young professionals who work remotely and want beach access without paying Seaside Park's premium, or families who prioritize proximity to the shore over school rankings.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ 10-minute drive to Seaside Heights boardwalk, 5-minute drive to Beach Terrace beach (locals' secret spot)
- ✅ Solid restaurant scene—try Spanky's BBQ on Route 35 for authentic shore food without tourist prices
- ❌ Summer tourist congestion makes basic errands frustrating
- ❌ Schools are below average—Toms River South Middle School scores 5/10, and it's the best option here
Schools: Toms River Regional. South Elementary (6/10), Toms River South Middle (5/10)
The Verdict: Perfect for beach lovers who work from home and can tolerate summer chaos. Families prioritizing education should look elsewhere.
Downtown Toms River
Overview: The urban heart of Toms River—walkable, historic, and actually feels like a town center. Centered around Washington Street and the Toms River waterfront, with a mix of renovated apartments and historic homes. This is where locals actually hang out.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,400 - $1,900/mo (1BR) | $1,800 - $2,400/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $350k - $420k
- 🚗 Commute: 8 min to Toms River train station | 30 min to Newark Airport via Parkway
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~70 (Most walkable—grocery, coffee, restaurants all on foot)
Local Intel: The Toms River Waterfront Promenade is your daily cardio—locals walk it at sunrise to avoid crowds. Parking is a nightmare during summer events; use the municipal lot on Washington Street (free after 6 PM). The area has seen a crime uptick near the bus station—nothing violent, but don't leave valuables in your car. The hidden gem: Toms River Diner on Route 37 has the best breakfast in town, and it's walkable from most apartments here.
Who Thrives Here: Urban dwellers who want walkability without city prices, and singles who want a social life without driving.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Only truly walkable neighborhood—Walk Score of 70 is real, not marketing fluff
- ✅ Best local dining: try The Crab Shack on the waterfront (real seafood, not tourist traps)
- ❌ Street parking is brutal during summer weekends and festival events
- ❌ Some blocks near the bus station feel sketchy after dark—stick to the waterfront side
Schools: Toms River Regional. Downtown Elementary (7/10), but middle/high schools require bus transport
The Verdict: Ideal for young professionals and singles who want a walkable, social base. Families with cars will find better value in Northside.
East Dover
Overview: The affluent waterfront section—think larger homes, private docks, and a quiet, moneyed vibe. Centered around the Bayville area and the Barnegat Bay, with streets like Bay Avenue commanding premium prices.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $2,200 - $3,200/mo (1BR) | $3,000 - $4,500/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $650k - $900k+
- 🚗 Commute: 20 min to downtown Toms River | 40 min to Staten Island
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~35 (Car-dependent, but walkable to bayfront parks)
Local Intel: Hurricane Sandy's damage is still visible here—many homes are elevated or rebuilt. The bayfront area floods during nor'easters, so check flood insurance quotes before renting. The hidden gem is the Bayville Bridge Park—locals fish there at sunset, and it's free. Crime is negligible, but you're paying for privacy, not amenities.
Who Thrives Here: Affluent families with boats, or retirees who want waterfront living without the Seaside Park scene.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Direct bay access—private docks common, and the fishing is outstanding
- ✅ Extremely low crime and high privacy—neighbors are spread out
- ❌ Flood insurance is mandatory and expensive—budget an extra $200-400/month
- ❌ Zero walkability; you'll drive 15 minutes for even basic groceries
Schools: Bayville Elementary (8/10, highly rated), but Toms River Regional middle schools are average
The Verdict: Move here if you have the budget for waterfront and a boat. Avoid if you want walkability or need to watch your budget.
West Dover
Overview: The practical, affordable residential area—think modest ranches and split-levels, families on budgets, and easy access to Route 37. Centered around the West Dover Plaza area, this is Toms River's working-class backbone.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,500 - $1,900/mo (1BR) | $1,900 - $2,400/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $350k - $420k
- 🚗 Commute: 15 min to downtown Toms River | 25 min to Newark via Parkway
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~40 (Car-dependent, but walkable to local delis)
Local Intel: Traffic on Route 37 westbound backs up at the Parkway entrance 7:00-8:30 AM—use Whitesville Road to cut through. The West Dover Plaza has a surprisingly good pizzeria (Dover Pizza) that locals guard like a secret. Crime is low but not zero—there's occasional property crime near the industrial area on North Avenue. The schools are the main drawback.
Who Thrives Here: First-time homebuyers and families who need to maximize square footage on a budget, and commuters who don't mind a 15-minute drive to get anywhere.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Best value in Toms River—more house for your money than anywhere else
- ✅ Easy access to both Route 37 and the Parkway
- ❌ Schools are below average—West Dover Elementary is 5/10, and it's the best option
- ❌ Limited amenities; you're driving to Northside or Downtown for most things
Schools: Toms River Regional. West Dover Elementary (5/10), Toms River Intermediate West (5/10)
The Verdict: Perfect for budget-conscious families who prioritize space over schools. Avoid if you want walkability or top-tier education.
Silverton
Overview: The tight-knit suburban enclave—think 1960s-70s homes, strong community associations, and a "everyone knows everyone" vibe. Centered around the Silverton Elementary area and the Silverton Country Club.
The Numbers:
- 🏠 Rent: $1,550 - $2,000/mo (1BR) | $2,000 - $2,600/mo (2BR)
- 🏡 Buy: Median home $380k - $460k
- 🚗 Commute: 12 min to downtown Toms River | 28 min to Newark via Parkway
- 🚶 Walk Score: ~42 (Car-dependent, but walkable to local parks)
Local Intel: The Silverton Country Club is semi-private—locals can get affordable memberships for golf and pool access. Traffic on Route 9 northbound is brutal during summer—use it only as a last resort. The hidden gem is Silverton Park's playground, which is rarely crowded and well-maintained. Crime is very low; this is the kind of place where people still leave their doors unlocked.
Who Thrives Here: Families who want a classic suburban upbringing for their kids, and retirees who want community without the beach scene.
Pros & Cons:
- ✅ Strong community feel—neighborhood events are common, and people actually look out for each other
- ✅ Good elementary school (Silverton Elementary scores 7/10)
- ❌ Older housing stock means frequent repairs—check roof and plumbing before buying
- ❌ No real nightlife or walkable dining; you're driving to Downtown or Northside
Schools: Toms River Regional. Silverton Elementary (7/10), Toms River Intermediate South (6/10)
The Verdict: Move here if you want a classic 1950s suburban life with good schools and neighbors who know your name. Avoid if you want modern amenities or walkability.
Final Advice
For young professionals, Downtown Toms River is your winner—walkability, social scene, and reasonable rent. Just avoid blocks near the bus station and budget for summer parking headaches.
For families, Northside offers the best balance of safety, amenities, and commute. If you can stretch your budget, Silverton's elementary school is worth the extra cost. Avoid Southside and West Dover if schools are a priority.
For affluent buyers, East Dover is unmatched for waterfront living, but flood insurance will shock you. For retirees, Silverton offers community and quiet, while East Dover offers the bay.
Traffic pattern hack: If you commute north to Newark/Jersey City, live east of the Parkway (Northside or Downtown) to avoid the Route 37 bottleneck. If you commute south to Atlantic City or Philadelphia, West Dover or Silverton gives you faster Parkway access.
Counterintuitive recommendation: The "worst" school district (West Dover) actually has the best investment potential—gentrification is slowly creeping in from the west, and prices there have appreciated 8% year-over-year, outpacing the rest of Toms River. Buy there now if you can tolerate the schools for 5-7 years.