Longport Borough

Longport is a small borough in Atlantic County, New Jersey, located at the southern tip of Absecon Island. The borough is bordered by Margate City to the north, Beach Thorofare and bay waters to the northwest, the Great Egg Harbor Inlet to the southwest, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast and east. Longport occupies approximately 0.40 square miles of land area, making it one of the smallest municipalities in Atlantic County. The borough is part of the Greater Atlantic City metropolitan area and carries the ZIP code 08403.

The area that would become Longport has a history dating back to 1695, when Thomas Budd made an early land claim in the region. In the 1850s, James Long acquired Lot 32, which encompassed much of what is now Longport. In 1882, M. Simpson McCullough purchased the area and began selling lots, developing the community that would bear Long's name. Longport was officially incorporated as a borough on March 7, 1898, from portions of Egg Harbor Township. The borough was named in honor of James Long, a prior parcel owner, and the naturally long port on the bay side also contributed to the name. Between 1900 and 1916, Longport lost its first ten numbered avenues due to shoreline and inlet changes, a testament to the dynamic coastal geography of Absecon Island.

Longport is one of the smallest and most exclusive communities at the Jersey Shore, with a population of approximately 897 residents. The community is characterized by a high homeownership rate of 93% and a median estimated home value of $2.05 million, reflecting its status as one of the most upscale communities in the region. The borough has a median age of 68, with a significant proportion of residents aged 65 and older, making it popular with retirees and those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle away from the crowds.

Longport does not operate its own public schools. Public school students in grades K-8 attend Margate City Schools through a sending/receiving relationship with the Margate City School District. For grades 9-12, Longport students attend Ocean City High School in Ocean City through a sending/receiving relationship with the Ocean City School District.

Longport's geography is defined by its position at the southern end of Absecon Island, where the island narrows between the bay waters to the northwest and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. The Great Egg Harbor Inlet borders the borough to the southwest, connecting the bay to the ocean. This waterfront setting provides residents with access to both bay-side and ocean-side activities, including fishing, kayaking, and boating on the bay, as well as surfing and beachgoing on the ocean side. The borough's low elevation of approximately 37 feet above sea level is typical of New Jersey's barrier island communities.

Longport offers a high quality of life with its quiet beaches, proximity to Atlantic City's entertainment and employment, and easy access to the Garden State Parkway. The borough's location provides convenient access to nearby Margate, Ventnor, Atlantic City, and Ocean City, all within a short drive. The AARP Livability Index score of 52/100 reflects above-average livability, with strong marks in Transportation (68) and Health (63). Longport's small-town character, combined with its waterfront setting and proximity to regional amenities, makes it a desirable destination for those seeking the best of Jersey Shore living.