Monmouth County, NJ

Living in Neptune, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Ocean Grove. Great Auditorium. Shark River Park.

Last updated: September 2026

$420,000
Median Home Price
72 min
To Penn Station
27,331
Population
1879
Founded
6.8%
YoY Appreciation

Why Neptune, NJ?

Neptune encompasses Ocean Grove — a unique Methodist campground community with the Great Auditorium (6,500 seats), Victorian tent homes, and a non-commercial boardwalk. Shark River Park provides inland recreation. At $420K, affordable shore-adjacent living with character.

Neptune Real Estate Market in 2026

Neptune homes sell in 22 days at a $420K median. Ocean Grove Victorians command premiums. Inland areas offer affordable family housing.

$420,000
Median Price
$280/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
22 days
Avg Days on Market
+6.8%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Neptune

3 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range

Ocean Grove

$400,000 to $800,000

Historic Methodist campground. Victorian homes, Great Auditorium, non-commercial boardwalk.

Best for: Architecture lovers, community seekers

Neptune City Border

$375,000 to $500,000

Near the shore communities. Mixed residential.

Best for: Beach-adjacent seekers

Shark River Hills

$400,000 to $575,000

Near Shark River Park. More suburban.

Best for: Nature lovers, families

Commuting from Neptune to NYC

72
Minutes to Penn Station
Drive to Asbury Park Station
Transfer required
Peak frequency: 3 to 4 trains per hour
Also nearby
Newark Liberty Airport: 10 min drive
NJ Turnpike, I-78, Routes 1 and 9
7 NJ Transit bus routes

Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.

Walkability and Livability in Neptune

How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Neptune?

35
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
72 min
NYC Commute
2.45%
Property Tax Rate
$7,890/year avg
14.8%
Hispanic/Latino
12.4% foreign-born

Neptune Schools and Ratings

Neptune Public Schools includes Neptune HS.

Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025

Monmouth County Academy of Allied Health and Science

NEPTUNE, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
B
13.8:1 ratio 304 students Score: 89/100

Summerfield Elementary School

NEPTUNE, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
D
9.5:1 ratio 380 students Score: 61/100

Shark River Hills Elementary School

NEPTUNE, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
D
9.8:1 ratio 235 students Score: 60/100

Neptune Middle School

NEPTUNE, NJ · Middle · Grades 6-8
F
9.1:1 ratio 625 students Score: 49/100

College Achieve Greater Asbury Park Charter School District

Neptune, NJ · Other · Grades K-12
F
14.9:1 ratio 582 students Score: 41/100

Gables Elementary School

NEPTUNE, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
F
10.3:1 ratio 288 students Score: 41/100

Green Grove Elementary School

NEPTUNE, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-5
F
9.8:1 ratio 294 students Score: 40/100

Neptune High School

NEPTUNE, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
F
12.1:1 ratio 1102 students Score: 37/100
View all Neptune schools with full ratings →

Neptune vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Neptune $420,000 2.45% $7,890 72 min
Asbury Park $500,000 2.56% $7,234 72 min
Freehold Borough $420,000 2.67% $7,890 68 min

Where to Eat in Neptune

Ocean Grove

Nagle's (boardwalk cafe since 1908), Moonstruck (creative American), and Victorian-era charm dining. Nearby Asbury Park provides extensive options.

Parks and Recreation in Neptune

Ocean Grove Beach

Non-commercial beach and boardwalk — no bars, no rides, just ocean. One of NJ's most unique shore experiences.

Shark River Park

Monmouth County park with hiking, fishing, and nature trails along the Shark River.

New Development and Growth in Neptune

History of Neptune, NJ

Founded in 1879 as a Methodist campground. Ocean Grove was established in 1869 by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.

The Great Auditorium (1894) seats 6,500 and hosts concerts, religious services, and community events.

Ocean Grove's Victorian tent homes — permanent structures on wooden platforms replacing original canvas tents — are a National Historic Landmark District.

Danny DeVito was born in Neptune.

Safety in Neptune

Neptune safety varies — Ocean Grove is very safe. Inland areas have some higher-crime pockets.

Notable Residents

Jack Nicholson, Academy Award-winning actor, grew up in Neptune Danny DeVito, actor (Taxi, Its Always Sunny, Batman Returns) Southside Johnny, singer-songwriter (Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes) Garry Tallent, bassist in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band (Neptune City) Sam Mills (1959-2005), NFL linebacker (Saints, Panthers) Rusty Schweickart, NASA astronaut (Apollo 9) Q Lazzarus (1960-2022), singer (Goodbye Horses from Silence of the Lambs) Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), composed over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs

Annual Events and Festivals

Ocean Grove Victorian Festival Great Auditorium Concert Series

Frequently Asked Questions About Neptune, NJ

What is the median home price in Neptune, NJ?

The median home price is $420,000 as of 2026, with 6.8% year-over-year appreciation. Average $280/sqft, selling in 22 days.

How long is the commute from Neptune to NYC?

72 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Drive to Asbury Park Station. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Neptune, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.45%. Average homeowner pays $7,890/year. At the median price of $420,000, expect about $10,290/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Neptune?

Ocean Grove ($400,000 to $800,000). Neptune City Border ($375,000 to $500,000). Shark River Hills ($400,000 to $575,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is Neptune safe?

Neptune safety varies — Ocean Grove is very safe. Inland areas have some higher-crime pockets.

How walkable is Neptune, NJ?

Walk Score of 35, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $62,000, median age 38.8. 42% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Neptune?

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Explore Nearby Communities

Asbury Park $500,000 72 min Freehold Borough $420,000 68 min