Margate is a small town. It runs about a mile and a half from the Ventnor line to Longport. But where you buy inside that mile and a half changes how you live here. A home on the beach block and a home on the bay can feel like two different towns. Here is how I walk buyers through the choice.
The Lay of the Land
Margate sits on Absecon Island, between Ventnor and Longport. The ocean is on one side. The bay is on the other.
Three avenues run the length of town and do most of the work:
- Atlantic Avenue, closest to the ocean.
- Ventnor Avenue, through the middle of town.
- Amherst Avenue, along the bay side.
Cross streets connect them. Once you know those three avenues, you know Margate.
The Beach Block
The beach block is the stretch between Atlantic Avenue and the sand. This is where you walk out the door with a chair and a towel and you are there.
What you will find: many of Margate's larger single-family homes, a good share of newer construction, and oceanfront condominium buildings. Some homes have ocean views. Others are a few steps from a beach path.
A few things to weigh:
- Price. Being closest to the ocean typically comes at a premium.
- Summer traffic. Beach blocks see more foot traffic and more pressure on street parking in season.
- The dunes. The Army Corps of Engineers built protective dunes along Margate's beaches in 2017 after a well-publicized court fight. Ask how the dune affects views and access from the specific home you are considering.
In Between: The Middle of Town
The blocks between Atlantic and Amherst Avenues are the heart of everyday Margate. Ventnor Avenue carries many of the town's shops, cafes, restaurants, and services.
Here you will see a mix of single-family homes, two-unit buildings, and condos. Many buyers like this zone because the beach and the bay are both a short walk or bike ride away. It can also offer more home for the money than the beach block.
My tip: walk from the front door to the beach yourself and count the blocks. Then walk to the bay. That ten minute test tells you more than any listing description.
Marven Gardens
On the Ventnor border sits Marven Gardens, one of the most recognizable neighborhood names on the Jersey Shore. The name blends Margate and Ventnor. It is bounded by Ventnor, Fredericksburg, Winchester, and Brunswick Avenues.
Most homes here were built in the 1920s and 1930s. The 16-acre district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. And yes, it is the "Marvin Gardens" on the original Monopoly board, misspelled along the way. It is the only Monopoly property outside Atlantic City.
If you love character, curved streets, and older architecture, put it on your list. Before planning exterior changes, ask whether any local review applies.
Bayside
Along and near Amherst Avenue, Margate turns toward the water in a different way. Think sunsets over the bay, kayaks, fishing, and boating. Some bayfront homes have their own docks and bulkheads.
Amherst Avenue is also home to a lively bayfront dining scene and the promenade where Fall Funfest by the Bay is held each September.
The trade-off is water from the other direction. The bay side can see tidal and nuisance flooding. Ask for the elevation certificate, check the condition of any bulkhead, and get a flood insurance quote before you make an offer.
Getting On and Off the Island
The Downbeach Express, the toll bridge and causeway known to locals as the Margate Bridge, connects Margate to the mainland by way of Jerome Avenue. It is privately operated. As of June 16, 2026, the toll is $2.00 with an Express Pass and $3.00 cash.
If you will commute or drive to the mainland often, being close to Jerome Avenue is a real everyday convenience.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Block
- What is the flood zone? Ask for the elevation certificate early.
- What will insurance cost? Get a quote before you are under contract.
- Where will you park? A driveway or garage matters more in July than in October.
- How will you reach the beach? Margate requires seasonal or weekly beach tags in summer, so know your nearest access path.
- Do you plan to rent it out? Check current city rules before you buy.
- Have you seen it in the off-season? Visit in October and again in July. You will learn a lot.
For Sellers
In Margate, where your home sits is part of the story. Lead with it.
- Beach block? Show the walk to the sand.
- Mid-island? Highlight how close both the beach and the bay are, and the shops on Ventnor Avenue.
- Marven Gardens? Lean into the history and architecture.
- Bayside? Sunset photos, the dock, and the boat sell the lifestyle.
- Have documents ready. Elevation certificates and recent bulkhead or roof work build buyer confidence.
The Bottom Line
There is no wrong part of Margate. There is only the right fit for how you want to spend your days here. Beach mornings, bay sunsets, a historic street, or a bike ride to dinner. Each one points to a different set of blocks.
Daniel Rallo knows Margate street by street, from the beach block to the bay. Whether you are buying your first shore home or selling the one you have loved for years, he can help you find the right block. Reach him at 609.338.7364, [email protected], or visit www.DanielRallo.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Margate NJ?
Margate covers about 1.6 square miles, including water, and runs roughly a mile and a half along Absecon Island between Ventnor and Longport.
Where is Marven Gardens?
On the Margate side of the Ventnor border, bounded by Ventnor, Fredericksburg, Winchester, and Brunswick Avenues.
Does Margate have a boardwalk?
Not today. Margate's early boardwalk was badly damaged in the 1944 hurricane, and the remnants were lost in the March 1962 storm.
How much is the Margate Bridge toll?
As of June 16, 2026, $2.00 with an Express Pass and $3.00 cash.
Do I need a beach tag in Margate?
Yes, in season. Margate sells seasonal and weekly beach tags. Check the city's website for current prices.
