Bay Head, New Jersey

🏡 Lifestyle & Community

Charming & Picturesque: Bay Head is filled with historic Victorian homes and well‑preserved seashore colonials in a designated historic district, giving the town a timeless, storybook feel.

Relaxed & Walkable: Covering just one square mile, it’s easy to bike or stroll from your neighborhood to the beach, town shops, cafés, and the Bay Head Yacht Club — operating since 1888.

Demographics: With a median age of about 58 and average household income near $230,000, it's an affluent, established community focused on a peaceful lifestyle.

Activities & Outdoors: Ideal for beach lovers, the town also offers access to kayaking, biking, and boating options in nearby Point Pleasant.

💵 Cost of Living

High, but Expected: The cost of living in Bay Head is approximately 16% higher than the U.S. average, with housing costs alone about 39% higher.
Home Values:  Coldwell Banker's Move Meter, in August 2025,  places the average property value, at $1.81 million, with an average appreciation price per square foot at $676.

📊 Market Snapshot & Buying Insights

Median Sale Price: As of June 2025, median sold price sits around $2.35 million, though it has dipped ~18% from the previous month, and sellers are seeing around $936 per square foot.
Listings Data:  Realtor.com reports a median listing price of about $4.7 million, an 88% year-over-year rise.  Movoto notes a median list price of ~$3.57 million, with about 19 homes sold in June 2025, average days on market around 37, and Bay Head classified firmly as a seller’s market.
Inventory Example:  In August, 2025, the current active listings range from high‑end new builds ($2–10 million) to luxury estates reaching $13 million.

🛠 What to Consider When Buying

Local Real Estate Expertise Matters:  Market activity is highly seasonal — spring through fall attract more buyers. A trusted Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty local agent can help you time your move or negotiation strategically.
Financing & Budget Zoning:  With down payments averaging ~2.3% of list prices and median sales around $2.35M, high liquidity or jumbo mortgages are typical in this market.
Lifestyle Alignment:  Bay Head suits those seeking serene, upscale coastal living. Properties often feature waterfront advantages, proximity to boutique shops, and access to the beach at your doorstep.
Commuter and Regional Access:  Located ~70 miles south of NYC and ~60 east of Philadelphia, it’s reachable for occasional commuters, though daily travel is less common. Public transit is limited, but seasonal commuter train in nearby Point Pleasant may be an option for some.

👷 Buying Steps Overview

1. Set a Clear Budget: Understand your financing needs for a market where median listings clock in above $3 million.
2. Engage a Bay Head Specialist Agent from Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty: Local market knowledge is invaluable given low inventory and premium seasonal shifts.
3. Tour Multiple Listings: Explore both new construction and historic homes to identify what fits your style and investment goals.
4. Act During Active Season: Spring–summer draws more listings and buyers; fall–winter may offer less competition.
5. Negotiate Wisely: Offers often land slightly under ask, with median sales tracking under list prices.  At Coldwell Banker Riviera Reatly, we offer expert Home Buyer Representation and will always negotiate in your best interest.

✅ Final Thoughts

Living in Bay Head is about balancing exclusivity, timeless coastal elegance, and a tight-knit community within walking distance of ocean tides. Buying here is a serious investment—homes can commonly range from $2–4 million, with luxury estates pushing beyond $10 million. But for those embracing this pace and lifestyle, Bay Head offers a rare blend of seaside serenity and upscale sophistication.

Would you like to dig into schools, taxes, or commute options more deeply?  Contact us.