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Looking to live in a splendid setting, not too far from New York City but free from the chaotic lifestyle?

Toms River is the answer.

A small town right near the Jersey Shore is a tranquil town with plenty of peaceful lanes and modern facilities. The long stretches of beaches and a charming coastal town vibe, make it an excellent choice for second-home buyers and first-time buyers alike.

Despite being closer to two big cities, NYC and Philadelphia, Toms River is extremely affordable and is a perfect mix of urban amenities and suburban tranquility. This means you can comfortably live here and own a home without burning the wallet. Moreover, the city is a regional commercial hub in central New Jersey, relieving you from the worries related to your job and salary.

We know that you may have plenty of questions related to Toms River, including taxes, jobs, schools, healthcare, climate, safety, and much more. And here comes our ultimate Toms River moving guide. Check this out before moving to Toms River as you will learn the city in and out. You will know whether the city is for you.

QuickFacts

Quick facts to know before you move to Toms River, NJ

  • Toms River was previously known as the Township of Dover but was changed to the present name in the 2006 referendum.
  • It is the state’s eighth most populous municipality.
  • The population has grown by 1.7% in the last decade.
  • The city is a commercial hub, due to its proximity to NYC and Philadelphia.
  • A short drive will take you to beaches, and there are about 13 nearby.
  • Toms River records low crime rates.
  • The city is highly diverse in terms of population.
  • It ranks high in terms of education.
  • In summer, tourists flock to Toms River and the traffic chokes the city roads.
  • Entertainment and dining options are plenty here.

Top 10 things to know before moving to Toms River, NJ

  • The city’s cost of living is lower than the NJ average.
  • The population in Toms River has grown by 1.7% in the last decade.
  • Toms River is one of the safest places in the US.
  • The township is also a major commercial hub in central New Jersey.
  • The demographics are highly diverse.
  • There is a long stretch of coastline, just 13 miles away.
  • Toms River has 18 schools within the city boundary limits and nearby.
  • The poverty rate is one of the lowest in the country.
  • The city has high living standards.
  • There is a low risk of wildfire and natural disasters.

Is Toms River a Good Place to Live?

Toms River has a scenic setting and its natural beauty makes it a great place to live and retire. In addition to the charming outdoor scene, the city’s infrastructure is also robust, complemented by many quality schools, a low crime rate, and friendly neighborhoods. And when you need a place safer and more affordable to raise your family, you can confidently call Toms River your home.

Is Toms River Affordable to Live In?

A great thing about Toms River is its affordability. The city’s cost of living is 6.6% lower than New Jersey's average and this means you can have quality healthcare, education, entertainment, food, and transport without robbing a bank. A strong economy also contributes to jobs while the poverty rate is one of the lowest in the US.

Is Toms River a Good Place to Retire?

Toms River is amazingly splendid with more than 13 beaches at driving distance. The city is also home to plenty of premium outlets and dining venues along with fabulous water fun activities. In addition, Toms River also ranks high in safety and infrastructure. These factors contribute to making Toms River a retiree’s heaven.

What's the Population of Toms River, NJ?

As of 20"20, about 90,438 people reside in Toms River, which means 2,354.1 people per square mile. The population is diverse when it comes to race and has also grown by 1.7% in the last decade. The city’s median age is 43.7 and about 5.7% of the residents here are below the poverty line. The number of people per household is 2.6.

  • Toms River’s total population is 90,438.
  • The population is made up of 48.0% males and 52.0% females.
  • The median age in Toms River is 43.7.
  • The city population is made up of 82.8% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 1.7% from two or more races.
  • About 8.3% of the population is of Hispanic ethnicity.
  • The median household size in Toms River is 2.6 persons.
  • About 50.9% of the residents are married couples living together.
  • On average, 11.9% of the residents are single and have children.

How Fast Can You Commute to Toms River, NJ?

One of the major drawbacks of Toms River is traffic. The roads are choked, especially during peak hours and you need to be ready to spare on the road while moving to and from the office every day. The average traveling time in Toms River is 30.2 minutes on the road which is longer than the US average of 26.4 minutes. This can get even worse in the summers when tourists flock here.

  • About 85.9% drive their car alone.
  • About 5.8% carpool with others.
  • About 4.4% work from home.
  • Approximately 1.6% take mass transit.

What is the Weather Like in Toms River, NJ?

Toms River has a humid subtropical climate with significant rainfall throughout the year. Winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. The average high temperature in July is 84°F and the average low temperature in January is 26°F. Thunderstorms are common most days during the summer months, while snowfall can be expected from early December through February and sometimes March as well.

  • The city receives about 48 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year.
  • Toms River averages 14 inches of snow per year. The US average is 28 inches of snow per year.
  • On average, the city gets about 206 sunny days per year against the US average of 205 sunny days.
  • The city receives some kind of precipitation, on average, 109 days per year in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
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Top reasons to move to Toms River, NJ

Toms River is a hot-moving destination and the population has grown by over 1.7% in the last decade. What makes the city a hot place to call your home?

Here are some of the reasons:

  • More affordability
  • Low cost of living
  • Job opportunities
  • Racial diversity
  • Plenty of water
  • Safety
pros and cons of Toms River

Pros & Cons of Moving to Toms River

Before you make up your mind to pack the bags to Toms River, it is vital to analyze both the pros and cons of moving here. To help you, we’ve got the best and worst of Toms River. Cross-check both before you make the final call. 

The pros
  • Beaches nearby
  • Diverse population
  • Low risk of earthquakes and hurricanes
  • Low crime rate
  • Pleasant climate
  • A high percentage of water
  • Low poverty rate
The cons
  • High property tax
  • Less open space
  • Heavy traffic
  • Low government spending

Best places to live in Toms River, NJ

While you consider relocating to Toms River, you will be keen to know the best neighborhoods there. This is crucial when you have a family as you prefer owning or renting a house in a decent surrounding. And you are lucky that there are many fabulous neighborhoods around Toms River to raise a family. We’ve filtered out the best neighborhoods in Toms River and around. 

Here are the 10 best neighborhoods in Toms Rivers and around to rent or buy a house.

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value
1 Cranmoor Manor $2,279 $679,063
2 Greenbriar Woodlands / Eagles Nest $5,087 $646,642
3 Bay Shore $3,871 $630,346
4 Feathertree / Bey Brook Estates $3,585 $603,507
5 Weatherly $2,444 $595,263
6 Gardens Of Pleasant Plains / Homestead Run $2,695 $561,836
7 Silverton $3,850 $538,904
8 Snug Harbor $3,585 $524,624
9 Georgetown / Penny Layne $709 $521,975
10 Brookside/Melody Park $3,585 $518,358

Cost of living in Toms River ,NJ

One of the best things about living in Toms River is affordability. The cost of living here is much lower than most neighboring cities. Despite being a major commercial hub of central New Jersey and being close to NYC and Philadelphia, the cost of living in Toms River is 6.6% lower than the New Jersey average. It is easier to buy a home and even groceries, utilities, and transport are cheaper here. And that means, living here benefits your bank balance.

Here is a break-up of the cost of living in Toms River.

Living Expense Toms River New Jersey National Average
Overall 111.9 119.8 100
Grocery 104.2 105.8 100
Health 97.7 96.9 100
Housing 106.6 136.4 100
Median Home Cost $368,000 $432,100 $338,100
Utilities 105.5 109.2 100
Transportation 98.2 127.7 100
Miscellaneous 102.5 112.5 100
Job Market

How is the job market in Toms River, NJ?

Though Toms River is a commercial hub in central New Jersey, the current job growth is negative but is expected to be back on track in the coming years. The economic climate is diverse and if you are relocating here for a job, your chances of getting one are higher than most neighboring cities. The most popular industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and education but that doesn’t mean that the economy is completely based on these. Many other industries are also prominent here. 

 

And we’ve got a few job-related facts in Toms River, which may benefit you.

  • The job growth in Toms River has been negative.
  • The future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 28.0%.
  • The unemployment rate here is 7.5%.
  • Jobs have decreased by 6.6% over the past year.
  • The average salary in Toms River is $53,380.
  • The median home cost in Toms River is $542,900.

Here is a breakdown table to better understand the Toms River job market.

Employment Information Toms River, NJabama United States
Income per Capita $44,251 $37,638
Household Income $84,928 $69,021
Unemployment Rate 7.5% 6%
Recent Job Growth -6.6% -6.2%
Future Job Growth 28.0% 33.5%

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Fastest growing jobs in Toms River, NJabama

Toms River has a strong job market that is expected to continue its growth in the coming years. If your purpose of moving to Toms River is a job, you won’t be disappointed as your chance of getting one is easier. And when you have a list of the fastest-growing jobs in Toms River and nearby areas in hand, searching for a good job becomes easier.

Here are the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in Toms River and nearby areas.

Rank Job Title Growth Average salary
1 Nurse Practitioner 129.1% $128,121
2 Physical Therapist 126.5% $109,230
3 Physician Assistant 122.8% $122,650
4 Occupational Therapist 118.7% $106,210
5 X-ray Technician 115.1% $60,180
6 Web Developer 110.7% $88,500
7 Emergency Medical Technician 109.8% $51,701
8 Phlebotomist 106.5% $50,200
9 Electrician 105.1% $90,100
10 Health Claims Examiner 104.8% $106,700
11 Roofer 102.3% $65,130

Top career options in Toms River, NJabama?

While you’re in Toms River and are hunting for a job, the pay slip would be the priority. It is a good idea to have a list of the best-paying jobs in the city as things will be easier while you filter down the jobs. Knowing this, we’ve prepared a list of top career options at Toms River

Rank Job Title Average salary Entry level salary
1 Finance Services Director $238,108 $189,000
2 Chief Medical Officer $231,121 $141,000
3 Senior Vice President, Sales $237,750 $140,000
4 President of Operations $222,300 $138,000
5 Chief Administrative Officer $220,500 $137,000
6 President & General Manager $215,300 $135,000
7 Revenue Officer $210,600 $131,000
8 Public Health Dentist $195,881 $118,000
9 General Surgery Physician Assistant $185,854 $112,000
10 Senior Business Analyst Lead $181,326 $110,000

Major Industries in Toms River

Toms River has a stable economy and when the job is a reason for relocating here, you will be curious to know the common and top businesses in the city. To help you, we’ve listed them out for you.

  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Retail
  • Tourism
  • Real Estate

Best Companies to Work for in Toms River, NJ

When you search for a job in Toms River, your priority will be employee-friendly companies. And when you have a list of the best employee-friendly companies in the city, it becomes easier to search for one.  We’ve got a list of the top 10 best companies to work in Toms River. Go through them to tweak the search list while job hunting. 

Here’s our best company list.

  • OceanFirst Bank
  • Allied Dental of NJ
  • OceanConnect
  • Toms River Intermediate North
  • Family First Funding
  • Heyco Products
  • Ocean County YMCA
  • Holman & Frenia P.C.
  • Cowan, Gunteski & Co PA
  • E Sambol

Average Salary and Income in Toms River, NJ

While you are serious about moving to Toms River, you would be concerned about the jobs and salaries. Fortunately, the city has good job options and the salaries you receive will also be fair. The average salary in Toms River is $53,380 and anything above $50k is good enough to comfortably live.

  • Toms River’s average annual pay for average jobs is $84,928 a year
  • Toms River’s average hourly pay for average jobs is $28.0 an hour
  • Toms River’s average weekly pay for average jobs is $1,890 per week
  • Toms River’s average monthly pay for average jobs is $4,020 per month
  • Toms River’s top earners (90th percentile) make $151,000 annually

How is the housing market in Toms River ,NJ?

The affordable realty prices may be a reason that attracts more people to Toms River. A normal house costs approximately $368,000, which is much lower than the state average. Maybe that is a reason that about 84.8% of the residents own a house in Toms River. The home appreciation in Toms River is up by 19% in the past year and it is expected to grow, making it a reliable investment.

We’ve got the latest city housing facts for you.

  • Median home cost: $368,000
  • Median age of real estate: 41 years
  • Home appreciation in the last 10 years: 85.4%
  • Home appreciation in the past year: 19%
  • Homeownership rate: 84.8%
  • Rental population: 15.2%
  • Rental vacancy rate: 0.4%

Average rental prices in Toms River, NJ

At Toms River, it is not just home prices but even home rentals are cheaper. You can rent a house on a budget that perfectly fits into your pocket. We’ve got the average home rental in Toms River and maybe the details will help you.  

  • Studio apartment: $1,150
  • 1-bedroom home/apartment: $1,280
  • 2-bedroom home/apartment: $1,600
  • 3-bedroom home/apartment: $2,200
  • 4-bedroom home/apartment: $2,450

What are taxes like in Toms River, NJ?

Moving to Toms River, your salary will be fatter. But is your take-home salary too impressive? To know that, you need to know the basic taxes that authorities deduct from the amount on your salary slip. To help you, we’ve got the basic tax details in the city.

Here are a few tax-related facts in Toms River.

  • The sales tax rate for Toms River is 6.6%. The US average is 7.3%.
  • The income tax rate for Toms River is 5.5%. The US average is 4.6%.
  • The average property tax rate in Toms River is 2.26%.
things to do

What are the best things to do in Toms River, NJ?

Situated just miles away from beaches, Toms River is no doubt a hub of water sports. But the fun and entertainment doesn’t end here. There are plenty of things to keep you engaged.  Moving here, you will see the city is packed with places to explore and things to do. And we thought of putting down the 10 best things you can do in Toms River, which will help you if you are moving here.

We’ve got a list of the 10 best things to do in Toms River. 

  • Take a trip to Cattus Island County Park
  • Visit Robert J Novins Planetarium
  • Learn the past at Ocean County Historical Museum
  • Take your child to Insectropolis
  • Have fun at Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Aquarium
  • Watch animals at Popcorn Park Zoo
  • Feel the adrenaline rush at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
  • Appreciate art at Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts
  • Spend time at Toms River Veterans Recreation Complex
  • Visit Toms River Church of Christ

How safe is Toms River, NJ?

When safety is a major factor in determining your moving destination, Toms River is for you. The city is much safer than 45% of US cities. As per the recent statistics, Toms River has one of the lowest crime rates in New Jersey, 10.8. The property crime rate in Toms River is 35.1 and this too is lower than both the state and national average. About 60% of the residents claim the city is pretty safe to live in. 

 

To help you know the crime stats in Toms River, we’ve got a few facts.

  • The violent crime rate in Toms River is 10.8 while the US average is 22.7.
  • The property crime rate in Toms River is 35.1 compared to the US average of 35.4.
  • Your chance of being a violent crime victim here is 1 in 1,031.
  • Your chance of being a property crime victim is 1 in 101 in Toms River.
  • About 60% of the city population feels safe living here.

What are the top schools in Toms River, NJ?

When you are relocating with the family to Toms River, you will be concerned about the education of your children. However, Toms River is home to many schools and colleges and your child’s studies won't be an issue.

To help you, we’ve prepared a list of top educational institutions with their rankings. 

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