By The town of Toms River has a vibrant waterfront culture, offering visitors plenty to explore and enjoy in terms of kid-friendly activities, arts and culture, live entertainment, shopping and outdoor recreation. Spend a lazy afternoon at Point Beach, soak up the sunshine on the sandy coastlines of Ortley Beach or stretch out a towel at Dover Beach or Chadwick Beach. The bay beach at Shelter Cove Park offers more opportunities to soak up the rays, and Cattus Island County Park boasts scenic wooded trails, picnic areas and a spectacular butterfly garden.
The city also features a thriving dining scene Toms River, NJ Guide, with everything from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants serving up cuisines from around the world. Dine on classic favorites like fried pickles and chicken tenders at The Hungry Tiger, or enjoy sushi at Sushi Mon, where you can sample a range of traditional and exotic dishes. Afterwards, grab a drink at one of the area’s many craft breweries or Irish pubs, such as the St. John’s Irish Red Ale at Toms River Brewing or a Full Day Session IPA at Battle River Brewing. You can even catch a live musical performance at Christopher’s Pub or sing along during the “Krazy Karaoke Party” on Friday nights at McIntyre’s Pub.
If you love to shop, the Ocean County Mall has 120 specialty stores from well-known brands like Victoria’s Secret and H&M to luxury retailers like Coach and Swarovski. In addition, the Toms River Farmers Market, held every June through October, sells locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, artisan candy and aged balsamic vinegars.
As for attractions, the Toms River Historical Museum focuses on local history and features exhibits that explore life in a typical 19th-century home, as well as an interactive map room that shows how the city grew over time. The Ocean County Historical Society also holds a number of special events and presentations throughout the year, from educational talks to historical film screenings.
With a population of just over 26,000, Toms River is relatively small for a New Jersey city. However, its size gives residents the opportunity to know their neighbors and feel a sense of community. In addition, the low cost of living in the city makes it an affordable place to buy or rent a home.
The median income in Toms River is $80,859, with the highest income bracket occupied by families earning $98,857. The average household size is 2.57 and the percentage of people living below the poverty line is low, at 9%. The most common racial group in Toms River is White, followed by Hispanic and Black.
The 2023 general election will feature several races for mayor and council members, as well as three seats on the Toms River Board of Education. Candidates for these positions have been invited to fill out the official ballot, which can be found on Patch’s elections page. Voting is now underway through Tuesday, Nov. 7. Those who prefer to cast their votes in person can visit one of the polling locations.
