Explore the neighborhood of Ship Bottom and learn about real estate trends, history, and what makes the town unique
Ship Bottom
Neighborhood summary
Vibe:
Lively, underrated, and convenient. Often overlooked by those rushing through on their way south. It offers a down-to-earth, nostalgic feel with just enough dining, shopping, and recreation.Best for:
Those looking for an affordable entry point for homeownership on the island and that enjoy the convenience of restaurants and shops being right around the corner.Average home price:
$1,393,458 — though homes can range from under $420,000 for some condos to $4,500,000+ for oceanfront/bayfront new construction. The area includes everything from single family homes, commercial offices & retail, to condos/townhomes.Views:
waterfront and elevated homes often come with a unique bonus: views of the Causeway Bridge. What might sound like an unconventional highlight turns into a surprisingly beautiful and dynamic backdrop. At night, the bridge is softly illuminated, casting reflections on the bay and creating a peaceful, almost cinematic scene. Watching the steady flow of cars heading on and off the island adds a quiet sense of rhythm — a reminder that you’re at the gateway to something special. For many, it’s a favorite feature of Ship Bottom living.
Ship Bottom is often referred to as the “Gateway to Long Beach Island” because of the Causeway linking the Borough to the mainland. It offers convenience on and off the island as well as a healthy mix of residential and commercial properties. It is a naturally wide section of the island and some of the lots are smaller than other sections of the island. It is not uncommon to find a lot that is 20 or 30 feet wide. Because of these factors Ship Bottom tends to be one of the more crowded areas on the island. Its neighbors are Surf City to the north and Brant Beach to the south.
Ship Bottom tends to be the least expensive of the six municipalities. Many people enjoy the affordability it provides as well as the local restaurants and shops in town. There is also a healthy rental market here because of the proximity to restaurants and shops mentioned above. Some popular attractions include Ship Bottom Shellfish, Russo’s, Port Hole, Farias, and Shore Good Donuts to name a few. One of the biggest requests from renters is being in walking/biking distance to their favorite shops and restaurants.
Fun Fact: Ship Bottom is one of the oldest place names on the island. The name dates from an unusual shipwreck that occurred in March, 1817. Read our history section to learn more!
Ship Bottom real estate market
There is a robust rental market in Ship Bottom with more affordable rents comparative to the rest of LBI.
Lots can vary from the standard 50x100 to a 20x100! These 20x100 lots are some of the most unique and historic homes on the island. Send me a message or give me a call if you’d like to know what streets they are on!
Generally speaking, buyers have been paying 96.7% of listing price when purchasing a single family home in Ship Bottom.
On average it took 73.5 days to sell a home in Ship Bottom while the remainder of the island took 75 days.
Commercial rents can range from $20/psf - $38/psf.
The market here is unique, and local knowledge goes a long way. If you're considering a home in Ship Bottom, feel free to reach out—I'm happy to walk you through the area and help you explore your options. Start your search below or get in touch anytime!
Find your shore thing
Ship Bottom homes for sale
History
The name “Ship Bottom” comes from an unusual shipwreck that occurred in March, 1817. The captain of a ship heading south navigated through a thick fog when he heard cries coming from the shoreline. The captain alerted another nearby vessel and together they they rowed along the outer bar for several hours searching for the endangered ship. Finally, they came across a dark object which turned out to be the hull of a ship overturned on a sandbar. Captain Willets cut a hole in the ship’s bottom near the keel and, after much struggling, freed the young woman trapped inside. She spoke no english but was extremely thankful and drew a cross in the sand to show her appreciation and gratitude. The place of the rescue became known as “Ship Bottom.”
Contact us
Long Beach Island is a unique place to live, work, and play, and finding the perfect home here takes a knowledgeable guide who understands the local market. Whether you're looking for a vacation home, an investment property, or a year-round residence, I have the local insight and expertise to help you navigate LBI's niche real estate market. I'm here to answer your questions, share my in-depth knowledge of the area, and help you make the best decisions. Reach out today, and let’s start finding your ideal property on LBI!