West Long Branch, NJ

One of the largest cities on the Jersey Shore, Long Branch started as a glamorous coastal destination for gamblers and wave seekers. The only remaining structure of the city's days gone by, St. James Episcopal Church, remains standing on Ocean Avenue. The building now houses The Long Branch Historical Museum. The space also serves as an arts center by hosting fine arts shows on its grounds. The talents of local artists remain the highlight of the show, drawing thousands of applications a year.

Revitalization has been taking place within the city, bringing with it a new downtown area and arts scene. The award-winning Center for the Arts located within Monmouth University features performing art shows, gallery exhibitions and fine art showings. The venue also serves as a live hi-def screening space for The Metropolitan Opera.

No need to venture out of town for dining out since restaurant options abound in the neighborhood, whether it's a charming bistro, quick burrito or five-star steakhouse.

For the freshest cup of coffee out there, Rook Coffee brings a cup-of-joe experience unlike any you've had. Rook puts chain coffee joints to shame with its quick and efficient cold brew process shortening long lines, making for a speedy wait for the delicious brew. The fig butter on a thin sliced bagel sends locals coming back for more.

New Jersey comes with a smorgasbord of pizza place options, but when it comes to the thin crust variety, La Scarpetta's Italian Grill and Pizzeria takes the cake for best option in the borough. Dressing up a slice with toppings isn't necessary, since the crisp crust, sauce and cheese are tasty on their own. Don't let the generic strip mall setting fool you -- Italian dishes like chicken della casa and veal marsala have a five-star taste.

When an upscale restaurant with cloth tablecloths and an impressive wine room is on the itinerary, Mar Belo remains a sure pick for a rich dining experience. Portuguese classics like paella and arroz con pollo come out in generous portions and inventive presentations. The house-made sangria makes the meal, or try a glass of wine from the extensive wine list. Better yet, visit the circular wine room to choose your own.

Under the cover of overhead twinkling lights, MIX Food and Lounge Bar's small but stylish space provides a perfect setting for a night out. The lounge looks as if it's been transplanted straight from New York's lower east side, but its ever changing inventive menu of martinis at affordable prices serves as a reminder the Jersey Shore sits a few blocks away. Check out the upstairs seating area for a change of pace and don't miss Monday night's all-night happy hour to kick off the week.

Getting around the neighborhood requires the use of a vehicle, with Routes 36 and 71 intersecting in the borough and leading right onto the Garden State Parkway. Ample metered public parking spaces are available along side streets, with some lots having time restrictions.

New Jersey Transit provides local bus service and the Long Branch station runs the North Jersey Coast Line. Uber does not have service in the city, but taxi service remains an option on an on-call basis. The neighborhood is walkable and plenty of sidewalk opens up space for cyclists.

West Long Branch houses Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, a sprawling 38-acre county park featuring a mile of public beach. This isn't your rinky dink neighborhood park, but a full day destination chock-filled with a skateboard rink, massive playground, showers and changing facilities, snack bar and volleyball courts. The park charges an admission fee between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with seasonal passes available. No dogs are allowed due to the many endangered bird species within the park.

Every spring the New Jersey Marathon takes over the town, bringing tens of thousands of spectators and fitness enthusiasts to the area. The 10-mile course of oceanfront views snakes through the borough and its flat surface makes an ideal terrain for first-time marathoners.

Life in West Long Branch carries with it a higher cost of living than the rest of the state, but the town's amenities make up for the high price tag. High-end condos and luxury townhomes have driven up prices in the area, with the average rental cost for a one bedroom residence around $1,950 a month.

A train ticket to New York costs $15 for a one-way ticket, and gas prices tend to be about 10 percent cheaper than the national average. Expect to pay about $6 for a beer at the local pubs.

While the west end is home to many restaurants and coffee shops, a few boutiques and shops add good measure to the landscape of the trendy downtown area. Shelly's Jewels on Brighton Avenue houses an eclectic selection of unique jewelry. Diamonds, sterling silver and custom designs all make their home among the sparse and minimalist decor of the store.

The Pink Elephant Pottery Studio, a funky pink shop where pottery creations, mosaic tiling, candle making,and glass fusion make for a fun night out or hosting a party. Art camps are hosted for the kids in the summer, and classes are a local favorite for creatives.

For groceries, Shoprite and Aldi have homes in the borough. The West End Farmers' Market hosts vendors every Thursday from June through December. Find locally grown organic produce, baked goods, soups and salsas at this popular market spot.