Neptune, NJ

The small beach town gave way to manufacturing companies in the early 19th century like Steiner and Son's Pajama Factory which was the first factory to be built here. This attracted other commercial markets to the area and built up the neighborhood as it stands today.

Even though here are no museums inside Neptune residents and visitors don't have to venture far. Located on the other side of Shark Lake a short drive from the center of Neptune sit InfoAge Science History Museum. Tours can be done on Wednesday and the weekend from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. that cost nothing, but donations of $5 are asked of visitors.

The arts scene has been concentrated mainly outside of Neptune so residents and visitors enjoy annual events like the Fair Trade Holiday Bazaar held every year in December and the Annual Summer Kick-off block party held at the end of June.

Pete and Elda's Bar located on Woodland Avenue in the heart of Neptune must be mentioned. The restaurant has been famous in New Jersey since its inception and draws crowds from the beach as well as from surrounding states in the summer. Pete and Elda's has by far the best pizza at the Jersey shore. The restaurant's claim to fame has been the free t-shirt given to patrons who can eat an entire large pizza in one sitting which has been done several times in the restaurant's history. Famous actors and musicians frequent this establishment when at the Jersey shore. The restaurant also provides a great night spot for those looking to go out and have a beer or cocktail with friends.

Local Smoke BBQ located in the heart of Neptune on Route 35 that runs north and south through the neighborhood has been another local and tourist favorite. Serving some of the country's best barbecue this restaurant has won several cooking and barbecue contests and awards throughout its history. Not only does this award-winning restaurant have an extensive menu with amazing eats like slow-smoked Texas brisket and barbecue pulled chicken or pork, it also sells its own famous Local Smoke barbecue sauce. The restaurant has a kid's menu making this a great family restaurant that is affordable. The bar attracts beachgoers in the summer with daily drink specials and beer on tap.

Sunsets Riverfront Restaurant located on the south end of Neptune on the banks of Shark Lake has been transformed into a family-friendly place. The restaurant has 17 flat-screen televisions for sports fanatics and a bar fully stocked with domestic and craft brews. The bar especially attracts patrons in the summer coming to play on Shark Lake as well as beachgoers coming in off the Jersey shore. The menu has many diverse options including seafood like pesto grilled shrimp and classic clams casino. The restaurant also serves dishes like filet mignon and fresh lobster over pasta. The prices are affordable making this a go-to spot for families as well as couples out on date night.

Neptune finds itself surrounded by several major highways. Route 18 runs north and south through many of the Jersey shore beach towns. Route 35 runs directly through the center of Neptune providing easy access to the beach.

Those working in New York City find it easy to get to and from work either by car or train. The train station sits on the east side of Neptune and transports folks north and south and provides a great mode of transport to New York City. A ride to the city takes about one and a half hours with a stop off at Penn Station in the city.

Uber car services make it easy to get around Neptune and the surrounding shore towns. Base price for a one-way ride is $5 with each mile costing $2.70 or 30 cents per minute for the most basic service. Taxicab services are available in Neptune and will pick up patrons who call. Immediate pickup can be available, or a scheduled pickup can also be an option.

Many people like to walk or ride a bike in Neptune especially those near Shark Lake and its beautiful scenery. There are no designated bike lanes in the neighborhood so bikers should be careful when riding in the street. Crosswalks are plentiful making the small beach community safe for pedestrians. The neighborhood itself provides an overall safe environment with many families with children residing here.

Neptune houses several parks including Memorial Park with a clean and safe playground for children. The park sits right on the banks of Shark Lake providing even more activities for families and visitors. Fishing and water sports take place on the lake, and ample space is provided for picnicking. The park hosts summer fun nights with live music and concerts free of charge. The park allows leashed dogs. Bocce ball courts and a place for sunbathing can be found on the banks of the lake.

Joe Freda Park has children's playground equipment and open areas for other activities like soccer or frisbee. The park does not cost anything and leashed dogs are allowed.

Laird Avenue Park has basketball and tennis courts for avid sports players and playground equipment for children providing safe and clean fun. Dogs are allowed and have to be leashed.

Adams Field located on Sylvania Avenue has playground equipment and basketball and tennis courts. Folks can come here to play baseball or walk along the walking trails. Street hockey fans can play here as well on the hockey pad near the gazebo and picnic area. The park costs nothing and leashed dogs are allowed.

The cost of living in Neptune averages lower than many of the surrounding neighborhoods which attracts many new residents. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,096 per month for an average-sized place.

Many bars and restaurants can be found in and around the Neptune neighborhood due to its close proximity to the beach and boardwalk. A regular domestic beer's average price runs about $3, and special beers or craft, and imported brews start at around $7 for a pint.

Gas prices in Neptune run about $2.17 per gallon about 10 percent below the New Jersey State average and hovers about five percent below the national average. Taxis and Uber car services are available for those who don't want to drive. Getting from the center of Neptune to New York City would cost only $11. From Neptune to the next town over a person should expect to pay around $8 by cab.

While there are no specialty boutique shops inside the Neptune neighborhood, there are plenty of other shops close by. JLynn's Boutique, located on Main Street in Belmar and only a few minutes from the center of Neptune, provides beautiful handmade accessories for women like unique clutches and dresses. The boutique's owner handcrafts children's clothes and accessories. Because most of the merchandise here is handmade, the prices can be a little high. However, customers don't seem to mind as they are getting a one-of-a-kind product. Handmade gifts like candles and cards, as well as signs and picture frames, can be bought and custom ordered here.

Bungalow Road has the best gifts and decor near Neptune. Located in Avon-by-the-sea next to Neptune the gift boutique features unique items like handmade jewelry and candles as well as purses and handbags for women. The boutique has a warm and inviting atmosphere which makes the shopping experience very pleasant.

Residents take advantage of several options for grocery shopping at close by stores such as Aldi's and a Walmart Super Store. For those looking for healthier can head to the neighborhood Whole Foods.

For bargain shopping residents take advantage of Marshalls, Family Dollar and Rite- Aid for great deals on clothes, household items and everything in between.