A Guide From Someone Who Made the Move

Moving From Staten Island to the Jersey Shore

More space. Lower taxes. Beach access year round. And only 1 hour from home.

"I grew up on Staten Island. I know the traffic, the taxes, the feeling of wanting more space but not wanting to leave everything behind. In 2017 I made the move to Ocean Acres in Manahawkin — 10 minutes from Long Beach Island — and it changed everything. This guide is everything I wish I had when I was making that decision."

— Matt Dunn, Ocean Acres Resident since 2017 · NJ License #2442118

Why The Move Makes Sense

Why Staten Islanders Are Making the Move

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Traffic & Commute

The Goethals, the Outerbridge, the Staten Island Expressway — the daily grind wears on you. Ocean County offers a completely different pace without completely cutting ties with the city.

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More Space for Your Money

The same budget that buys a small semi-detached on Staten Island buys a spacious colonial in Ocean Acres or a waterfront home in Beach Haven West. Your dollar goes dramatically further.

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Lower Property Taxes

Staten Island property taxes average $8,000–$12,000+ per year. Ocean County towns like Stafford Township average $6,000–$8,000 — and you get more home for it.

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Beach Access Year Round

Imagine being 10 minutes from the beach — not 2 hours. LBI, Barnegat Bay, the ocean — it's your backyard not your vacation destination.

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Excellent Schools

Southern Regional, Stafford Township schools, Toms River Regional — Ocean County has strong public school options comparable to what you're used to on Staten Island.

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Community Feel

Ocean County feels like Staten Island did 30 years ago — neighbors know each other, communities are tight knit, and there's a genuine small-town feel without being in the middle of nowhere.

The Commute Question

Yes — You Can Still Get Back to Staten Island

One of the biggest fears about moving. Here's the honest truth.

The Garden State Parkway is your best friend — a direct shot north straight from Ocean County to the bridges. Most Ocean County towns are 55–70 minutes from Staten Island on a normal day, and off-peak times can be 45–50 minutes door to door.

NJ Transit bus options exist from the Toms River area for those who'd rather not drive. Many families make the trip back weekly for family visits, holidays and special occasions — it's a very manageable distance.

Remote work has made the commute irrelevant for many buyers. Even commuting 2–3 days per week to NYC or Staten Island is very doable from most Ocean County towns. Matt himself makes the trip back to Staten Island regularly and the routine becomes second nature.

Direct shot north via the Parkway — no toll mazes
Off-peak windows save 15–20 minutes each way
Hybrid work makes the math even better
Weekend trips back are common and easy

Ocean Acres / Manahawkin55 min

Vibrant, Victorian

Median Price

$1.7M

Taxes/yr

~$9,200

To Staten Island

75 min

Best For

Rental Income

Best for: Luxury buyers and serious vacation-rental investors.

Not sure which town fits your lifestyle? Call Matt directly — he made the move himself and can help you find your perfect fit. 917-524-5676

By The Numbers

The Tax Advantage — It's Real

A side-by-side look at the property tax picture.

Staten Island Average

Property tax: $8,000–$12,000/yr
NYC income tax: yes (on top of NY State)
Cost of living index: high
Average home size: smaller

Ocean County Average

Property tax: $6,000–$8,500/yr
NJ income tax: lower than NYC + NY State combined
Cost of living index: moderate
Average home size: larger

What You Save

Avg property tax savings: $2,000–$4,000/yr
Over 10 years: $20,000–$40,000 in tax savings
Plus significantly more home for your money
Plus beach access included

Tax figures are estimates based on current averages. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

For the Family

How Do the Schools Compare?

Education is often the deciding factor. Here's the honest comparison.

Staten Island Schools — Context

SI has a mix of public, parochial and private schools.
Many families use parochial schools to avoid crowded publics.
Competition for spots in the strongest public schools can be intense.
Travel time within the borough adds up.
Strong sense of community at established schools.

Ocean County School Highlights

Southern Regional High School — serves LBI and the Stafford area, strong academics and athletics.
Toms River Regional — one of the largest districts in NJ with deep program options.
Stafford Township School District — K–8 with strong ratings.
Many Ocean County schools have lower student-to-teacher ratios.
Strong sports programs and extracurriculars.
Less crowded than NYC area schools.

Real Examples

What Does Your Budget Actually Buy Down Here?

Three real price points, three very different lifestyles.

$500,000 – $600,000

In this range you're looking at a spacious 3–4 bedroom colonial in Ocean Acres or Toms River. Think 1,800–2,200 sqft, garage, nice yard and a quiet neighborhood. This same budget barely gets you a small semi-detached on Staten Island.

$700,000 – $900,000

Move up to a larger 4–5 bedroom home in a premium neighborhood, or start looking at entry-level waterfront properties in Beach Haven West or Barnegat. You have real options at this price point.

$1,000,000+

At $1M+ you're looking at LBI. Shore cottages in Ship Bottom, full-size homes in Surf City and Beach Haven. The island becomes accessible and the rental income potential is significant.

Smart Money

Can Your Shore Home Pay for Itself?

LBI's rental market is one of the strongest stories on the East Coast.

The LBI summer rental market is one of the strongest on the East Coast.
Many LBI homeowners rent their homes for 8–12 weeks per summer.
Weekly rental rates: Ship Bottom $3,000–$6,000/week, Beach Haven $4,000–$8,000/week.
10 weeks of summer rental income: $30,000–$80,000+ per year.
This can cover a significant portion or even all of your mortgage.
Year-round rental options are also available on the mainland in Toms River, Brick and Stafford.
Matt can connect you with local rental management companies who handle bookings, cleaning and maintenance.

Important: Always check local rental regulations and tax implications before counting on rental income. Each municipality has its own rules.

Step By Step

Your Moving from Staten Island Checklist

Bookmark this page — you'll come back to it.

Before You Move

Research Ocean County towns and visit on a weekday to see real life.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you can move quickly when you find the right home.
Contact Matt Dunn for a free buyer consultation — no pressure, just local insight.
Research NJ driver's license and vehicle registration transfer requirements.
Research NJ income tax implications vs. NY/NYC tax.
Visit prospective neighborhoods at different times of day and on weekends.
Check flood zone status of any property you consider.
Research homeowners and flood insurance costs early — they vary widely.

After You Move

Transfer NJ driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency.
Register your vehicle in NJ within 60 days.
Register to vote in Ocean County.
Update address with USPS, banks, insurance and your employer.
Research local services — doctors, dentists, contractors and pediatricians.
Get your beach badge for the season — each town sells its own.
Introduce yourself to the neighbors — Ocean County people are friendly.

Honest Answers

Staten Island to Jersey Shore — Your Questions Answered

The questions buyers actually ask me.

How far is Staten Island from Ocean County NJ?

Most Ocean County towns are 45 to 65 minutes from Staten Island via the Garden State Parkway. Brick is the closest at around 45 minutes. Beach Haven on LBI is the furthest at approximately 75 minutes. The commute is very manageable — many Ocean County residents make the trip back to Staten Island weekly to visit family.

Is Ocean County NJ a good place to move from Staten Island?

Absolutely — and many Staten Islanders have already made the move. Ocean County offers more space, lower property taxes, excellent schools and beach access year round. Matt Dunn, a Staten Island native himself, made the move to Ocean Acres in Manahawkin in 2017 and considers it one of the best decisions he's made.

What is the best Ocean County town for Staten Island transplants?

Stafford Township — specifically the Ocean Acres neighborhood — is extremely popular with Staten Island transplants. It has a suburban feel similar to what many Staten Islanders are used to, good schools, spacious homes and is only 55 minutes from Staten Island. Toms River and Brick are also popular for their proximity to the Parkway.

How much cheaper are homes in Ocean County vs Staten Island?

Significantly cheaper on the mainland. A $550,000 budget that buys a modest home on Staten Island can buy a spacious 4-bedroom colonial in Ocean Acres or Toms River. Property taxes are also generally lower in Ocean County compared to Staten Island.

Can I still commute to New York from Ocean County?

Yes — many Ocean County residents commute to NYC and Staten Island regularly. Remote work has made this easier — even 2–3 days per week in the office is very manageable from most Ocean County towns. The Garden State Parkway provides a direct route north.

What is the school system like in Ocean County NJ?

Ocean County has strong public schools. Southern Regional High School serves the LBI and Stafford area and is well regarded for academics and athletics. Toms River Regional is one of the largest districts in NJ with strong programs. Class sizes tend to be smaller than NYC area schools.

Is the Jersey Shore good for year round living or just summers?

Both — and increasingly more year round residents are choosing Ocean County. The mainland towns like Stafford Township, Toms River and Brick are thriving year round communities. Even LBI has a growing year round population. The off season is peaceful, beautiful and very livable.

What are property taxes like in Ocean County compared to Staten Island?

Generally lower. Staten Island property taxes average $8,000–$12,000+ per year. Ocean County towns average $6,000–$8,500 depending on the municipality and home value. You typically get more home for your tax dollar in Ocean County.

How do I start the process of moving from Staten Island to Ocean County?

The best first step is a conversation with a local expert. Matt Dunn — a Staten Island native living in Ocean Acres since 2017 — offers free buyer consultations with zero pressure. Call or text 917-524-5676 or fill out the contact form on this page.

What is the rental income potential for LBI homes?

Strong — LBI is one of the best summer rental markets on the East Coast. Homes in Ship Bottom and Beach Haven can generate $3,000–$8,000 per week during summer. Many homeowners cover a significant portion of their mortgage through summer rentals alone.

Ready to Make the Move?

I made the same move from Staten Island in 2017. Let me help you do it right.

Call or Text

917-524-5676 — I actually pick up.

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Email

mdunn@weichert.com

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