Ocean City Residential Historic District

Ocean City Residential Historic District is a residential neighborhood with 169 buildings between Third and Eighth Streets featuring Late Victorian through 20th Century Revival styles. The homes display different periods of American residential culture, from elaborately detailed wooden construction to simpler, more geometric forms.

The area was founded in 1879 by eight Methodist ministers as the New Brighton Association to create a religious resort destination. Development followed an intentional vision to attract families seeking a place of rest and spiritual renewal.

The Tabernacle draws visitors to admire its open wooden framework and tall windows that flood the interior with natural light. Today it still functions as an event venue, reflecting the religious tradition that shaped this area.

The homes are best explored by walking along the wide, tree-lined streets where you can view architectural details from different angles. Most buildings sit right up to the sidewalks, so it is easy to observe their distinctive features from the outside.

At the heart of the neighborhood stands an old lifesaving station built in 1885, originally founded to protect seafarers. The building was enlarged in 1905 and operated for decades before closing.

Location: New Jersey

GPS coordinates: 39.28110,-74.57060

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:20