Toms River Apartments and Rentals

Toms River is a unique community nestled on the shore of New Jersey. With one of the most diverse and dynamic downtown areas in the region, local residents come together for exciting events, traditional dining, charming shops and to help revitalize their beloved town.  More than 89,000 people call Toms River home, although the population does fluctuate constantly with seasonal residents. A popular vacation destination, Toms River maintains a relaxed atmosphere and friendly community that leaves people feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Look for Toms River apartments for rent and find a jewel on the Jersey shore.

Toms River was founded in 1712 and named after Thomas Luker, a man who married the local Indian Chief’s daughter Princess Anne. As a part of Dover Township, Toms River thrived from its inception with a prime location on the Atlantic Ocean. English settlers who worked in lumbering, charcoaling, whaling, fishing, farming and iron making quickly thrived in Toms River. The town was home to an important port in Cranberry Inlet until a bad storm caused it to close in the early 1800s.

After the Civil War and the construction of the Central and Pennsylvania Railroads, Toms River became a favorite summer home destination for wealthy New York merchants. The local population grew from 50 homes to nearly 3,000 people in a 60 year period. The Lakehurst Naval Air Station, Fort Dix and the Garden State Parkway brought new residents to the area in droves, and Toms River experienced stable continued growth into the 21st century. Today, Toms River has multiple identities as a retirement, resort and bedroom community for more urban areas of New Jersey. The town has been the center of Ocean County government for more than 150 years, and in that time has seen an influx in local businesses.

Toms River is home to Ocean County College, offering integrated technology and small-class size to meet the needs of local students. The school prides itself on being a student-centered institution that promotes scholarship, skill development and achievement through faculty-student relationships. OCC offers associate degree programs in arts, sciences and applied science as well as certificate programs in proficiency and completion. Students can choose from a wide range of study options including fire science, nutrition, sports management, computer graphics, American Sign Language, English interpreting and more.

For those seeking work, Toms River has some of the best business opportunities in Ocean County. Twenty-two percent of the working population holds jobs in educational services, healthcare and social assistance. Accordingly, the two largest employers in town are the Saint Barnabas Health Care System and Toms River Regional School System, each providing jobs for more than 2,500 residents. Other top employers include the Toms River Township Municipal Offices, Health South Rehabilitation Hospital, Ocean County Government and retail stores like ShopRite, Wawa and Walmart.

With an unbeatable location on the New Jersey coastline, residents in Toms River pay high rent prices. United States Census Bureau statistics show that the standard Toms River apartment costs $1,284 a month, which is $150 more than the New Jersey state average. Everyday living expenses are also relatively costly in Toms River. The town received a cost of living index of 119.8, which is much higher than the United States average of 100.

Toms River is home to the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, bringing space and the universe to visitors in new and exciting ways. Featuring a virtual 3D dome, a fiber-optic star projector and Fall Sky Shows, the planetarium provides an educational experience for people of all ages. The Cattus Island Park is also here, helping residents reconnect with nature. The park provides a soothing atmosphere and many events to bring together the local community. Toms River also features the Ocean County Historical Museum and Insectropolis, the Bugseum of New Jersey.

Toms River hosts an annual Clownfest, featuring hundreds of clowns from all over North America. The three-day event features a big boardwalk clown display, clowns trading tips on the newest props and industry tricks and a clown parade complete with exciting marching bands like the Funny Factory Clown Band. The Que by the Sea is the Toms River BBQ Festival and Competition, hailed as a BBQ-lovers weekend packed with entertainment. Along with delicious barbecued treats, visitors can enjoy musical entertainment and booths from arts and crafts vendors. Other local favorite events include Sailfest, HarvestFest and the Italian Street Festival.

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