Town guide · Monmouth County
Living in Belmar, NJ
Belmar is a classic boardwalk town on the ocean, with the Shark River along its north side. Its beaches and mile long boardwalk are open year round, the municipal marina sits on the river, and the train station is in the middle of town.
- County
- Monmouth
- Population
- About 5,900 (2020 census)
- Size
- About 1.6 square miles
- Setting
- Oceanfront and riverfront borough with a grid of walkable streets
- Main roads
- Routes 35 and 71, with Route 18, Route 138 and Parkway exit 98 just west in Wall
First things first
Belmar is not West Belmar
The Borough of Belmar is the oceanfront town with the boardwalk. West Belmar is a separate section of Wall Township that sits just south of the borough, next to Lake Como, and shares the Belmar mailing address. Homes in West Belmar pay Wall Township taxes, not Belmar's.
There is one more neighbor to know. Lake Como, just south of Belmar, was called South Belmar until the name changed in 2005. It is also its own borough with its own taxes. We always confirm the municipality on the tax record before we talk about a home.
Neighborhoods
Ocean, river and in between
Belmar's streets are laid out on a grid of numbered avenues running from the Shark River south toward Lake Como.
- Near the beach: The blocks along and near Ocean Avenue, facing the boardwalk that runs from First to Twentieth Avenue.
- Along the Shark River: The north side of town, near the marina and Maclearie Park, with views across the river.
- Around Silver Lake: Homes near the small lake just off Ocean Avenue.
- Downtown: Streets around Main Street, Borough Hall and the train station, a walk from both the beach and the river.
Homes
What you will find
- Classic shore homes: Older homes with porches on the numbered avenues, many updated over the years.
- Two family homes and rentals: Some homes are two family houses or are used as summer rentals.
- New and rebuilt homes: Newer construction where older homes were replaced, some raised above flood elevation.
Worth knowing: Belmar is surrounded by water on two sides, and low areas near the Shark River, Silver Lake and Lake Como can flood in big storms. Check the flood zone, elevation certificate and flood history on every home. If you are buying a home to rent out, ask about the borough's rental rules before you commit. New Jersey sellers must disclose a home's flood zone and flood history.
Property taxes
What taxes look like in Belmar
- 0.955%2025 effective tax rate, as a share of market value
- $9,3702025 average residential tax bill
A home worth $1,000,000 on today's market would pay roughly $9,550 a year at Belmar's 2025 effective rate. Your actual bill depends on your assessment, so we pull the real tax record for any home you are considering.
Source: New Jersey Division of Taxation, 2025 general and effective tax rates. Rates are set each year.
Groceries, dining and shopping
Where Belmar shops and eats
Belmar has a walkable downtown on Main Street, a few blocks from the boardwalk. There is no supermarket inside the borough, but a ShopRite sits on Route 35 just over the line in Wall.
Grocery stores
- SouthwestShopRite1732 Route 35, Wall (Belmar mailing address)Directions
- SouthwestAcme2007 Route 35, WallDirections
- NorthStop & Shop116 Route 35, Neptune CityDirections
- NorthShopRite2200 Route 66, Neptune TownshipDirections
Checked October 2026. Stores open, close and move, so call ahead before a first trip.
Restaurants
Dining is a real draw in Belmar. Main Street is a walkable downtown known for a broad range of cuisines, and more places to eat sit along Ocean Avenue near the boardwalk.
- Main Street: In town, a walkable downtown known for a broad range of cuisines, a few blocks from the boardwalk.
- Asbury Park: North on Route 71 through Avon and Bradley Beach, downtown around Cookman Avenue and the boardwalk, with a large number of restaurants, bars and coffee houses.
Shopping
Everyday shopping is downtown on Main Street. For larger stores, Route 35 runs south from the Shark River through Wall, with supermarkets and shopping centers a few minutes away.
Getting around
Roads and commuting
Route 35 runs along the south bank of the Shark River through Belmar and crosses the river north into Neptune Township. Route 71 runs through downtown and crosses the river into Avon by the Sea. Route 138, Route 18 and Garden State Parkway exit 98 are a short drive west in Wall, with I-195 beyond. The Belmar station on NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line has service to Newark, Hoboken and New York Penn Station. NJ Transit buses 317 and 830 also serve the area. Daily shopping is downtown, with larger stores a short drive away.
Places worth knowing
Parks, landmarks and open space
- The Belmar boardwalk and beaches: A mile long boardwalk from First to Twentieth Avenue, with beaches open year round and seasonal beach badges in summer.
- Belmar Manutti Municipal Marina: The borough's marina on the Shark River, less than half a mile from the ocean.
- Silver Lake: A small lake just off Ocean Avenue, with the Huisman Gazebo on its east side.
- Maclearie Park: A park near the marina with tennis courts, a playground and a picnic area with grills.
Common questions
Questions people ask us about Belmar
What are property taxes in Belmar, NJ?
Belmar Borough's 2025 effective tax rate is 0.955 percent of market value, and the average residential tax bill is $9,370, according to the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Actual bills depend on each home's assessment.
Is West Belmar part of Belmar?
No. West Belmar is part of Wall Township. It shares the Belmar mailing address and sits right next to the borough, but homes there pay Wall Township property taxes and follow Wall's rules.
Does Belmar have a train station?
Yes. The Belmar station is on NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line, with service to Newark, Hoboken and New York Penn Station.
Do you need a beach badge in Belmar?
Yes, in summer. Badges are required during daytime hours from Memorial Day weekend on weekends and holidays, and on weekdays starting in mid June. Children 13 and younger do not need one.
Where is the closest grocery store to Belmar?
There is no supermarket inside Belmar itself, but a ShopRite sits on Route 35 just over the line in Wall Township, and an Acme is a little farther south on Route 35 in Wall. To the north across the Shark River, there is a Stop & Shop on Route 35 in Neptune City.
Are there restaurants in Belmar?
Yes. Main Street is a walkable downtown known for a broad range of cuisines, and there are more places to eat near the boardwalk along Ocean Avenue. Downtown Asbury Park and its boardwalk are a short drive north on Route 71.
Is Lake Como the same as Belmar?
No. Lake Como is a separate borough just south of Belmar. It was called South Belmar until voters approved the name Lake Como in 2004. The change took effect in January 2005.
Nearby towns
Towns that border Belmar
Buying or selling in Belmar?
We know the streets and the flood maps
We will tell you what Belmar homes are actually selling for, and what the flood zone, elevation and rental history mean for your price.
Call or text either of us directly.