Most of Toms River is on the New Jersey mainland, but a section of the city on Barnegat Peninsula enjoys a beautiful beachfront position on the Atlantic Ocean, adjacent to Seaside Heights. Because of this split, the community has a distinct variance in atmosphere depending on where in town you are: the areas along the ocean and Barnegat Bay frequently see droves of tourists in the summer months, and the locals in the coastal parts of town enjoy a classic seaside lifestyle often involving boating, fishing, and soaking in the sunshine.
While folks farther inland enjoy convenient access to the beach as well, most of the mainland portion of the city enjoys a more traditional atmosphere, with quiet residential neighborhoods and a charming downtown district on the banks of the eponymous river. Residents also have the benefit of living just ninety minutes from both New York City and Philadelphia, putting two of America’s biggest and most exciting cities within easy weekend trip distance.
