All Atlantic County Areas

Atlantic County

Margate City

Home of Lucy the Elephant and a vibrant beach community

About Margate

About Margate

Margate City is a small beach community located on the southern end of Absecon Island in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Situated between Ventnor City to the north and Longport to the south, Margate sits just minutes from Atlantic City and offers a quieter, more residential shore living experience.

The city is perhaps best known as the home of Lucy the Elephant, the world's largest elephant-shaped building and a National Historic Landmark that has been a South Jersey icon since 1881. Lucy draws visitors from across the region and is a beloved symbol of the Jersey Shore.

Margate is a year-round community with a population of approximately 5,000 residents. The median age of 58 reflects a community of established homeowners, with 90% of residents owning their homes. The city features a mix of classic shore cottages and newer construction, with a median estimated home value above $1.1 million.

The beach experience in Margate is a major draw. The city maintains guarded beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day and offers beach badge access with digital purchasing options through the MyBeach Mobile App. Handicap accessible beaches with surf chairs and beach mats are available at multiple locations throughout the city.

Margate is also conveniently located near shopping, dining, entertainment, and the Atlantic City Expressway, making it easy to enjoy everything the Jersey Shore has to offer while coming home to a peaceful beach community.

Market and demographic statistics sourced from Realtors Property Resource® Neighborhood Report dated July 17, 2026. Information is not guaranteed.

Neighborhood Profile

Margate at a Glance

Population and Demographics

Margate City is home to approximately 5,000 residents with a population density of 3,710 per square mile. The community has seen modest growth of +2.1% since the 2020 Census. The median age is 58 years, reflecting an established seaside community, with a gender split of 45% male and 55% female.

Population

5,000

Change (since 2020)

+2.1%

Pop. Density

3,710 / mi²

Median Age

58

County

275K

State

9.27M

USA

332.39M

Gender

Male 45% Female 55%

Source: U.S. Census / Realtors Property Resource

Housing

Margate City's housing market features a median estimated home value of $1.11M, with a 12-month change of -4.5%. The median list price is $1.6M, up 7.5% year-over-year. The median home age is 54 years, and 90% of housing units are owner-occupied.

Median Home Value

$1.11M

Value 12-Mo Change

-4.5%

Median List Price

$1.6M

Median Home Age

54 yrs

County

$435K

State

$602K

USA

$371K

List Price Trends

12-Month: +7.5% County: +1.4% State: +8.2%

Occupancy

Owner-Occupied 90% Renter-Occupied 10%

Source: Realtors Property Resource

Schools

Margate City is served by the Margate City School District, which operates two public schools:

William H. Ross III School

Pre-K through Grade 4

101 N. Haverford Avenue, Margate, NJ

Eugene A. Tighe Middle School

Grades 5 through 8

7804 Amherst Avenue, Margate, NJ

High School (Grades 9 through 12)

Students in Margate attend Ocean City High School as part of a sending-receiving relationship with the Ocean City School District.

More Information: www.margateschools.org

Market Trends - June 2026

Margate City is currently a seller's market with 5.13 months of inventory, up 17.12% month-over-month. Homes are selling at 95.2% of list price, a slight increase of 0.85% MoM. The median sold price is $999,999, up 23.08% from the previous month, while the median estimated value sits at $1,176,000.

Market Type

Seller's Market

Months of Inventory

5.13

+17.12% MoM

Sold to List Price

95.2%

+0.85% MoM

Median Days on Market

44

+57.14% MoM

Median Sold Price

$999,999

+23.08% MoM

Median Est. Value

$1,176,000

+5.3% over 12 months

Value Last Month

+5.7%

Source: Realtors Property Resource

Sold Home Stats (Past 3 Months)

Price Range Distribution

  • Over $2.4M: 2 homes
  • $1.6M - $1.8M: 3 homes
  • $1.4M - $1.6M: 2 homes
  • $1.2M - $1.4M: 3 homes
  • $800K - $1M: 8 homes
  • $600K - $800K: 3 homes
  • Under $500K: 3 homes

Price per Sq Ft

  • Over $1,200: 3 homes
  • $1,000 - $1,200: 1 home
  • $800 - $1,000: 2 homes
  • $600 - $800: 8 homes
  • $400 - $600: 8 homes
  • $200 - $400: 2 homes

Home Sizes

  • Over 2,200 sq ft: 6 homes
  • 2,000 - 2,200 sq ft: 2 homes
  • 1,800 - 2,000 sq ft: 1 home
  • 1,600 - 1,800 sq ft: 5 homes
  • 1,400 - 1,600 sq ft: 1 home
  • 1,200 - 1,400 sq ft: 3 homes
  • 1,000 - 1,200 sq ft: 2 homes
  • Under 1,000 sq ft: 4 homes

Home Ages

  • 90-105 years: 7 homes
  • 75-90 years: 5 homes
  • 60-75 years: 2 homes
  • 45-60 years: 5 homes
  • 30-45 years: 4 homes
  • 15-30 years: 1 home

Source: Public records data

Quality of Life

Margate City sits at an elevation of 37 feet and receives 45 inches of rainfall and 18.05 inches of snowfall annually, with 98 days of full sun per year. The average commute time is 30 minutes.

Climate and Environment

Elevation

37 ft

Annual Rainfall

45 in

Annual Snowfall

18.05 in

Days of Full Sun

98 / yr

Avg. Commute

30 min

Source: NOAA / U.S. Census

Income and Economy

Margate City's per capita income of $85,429 and median household income of $114,417 significantly exceed both Atlantic County and national averages. The top earning bracket is over $150K, with 971 households in that range.

Income Per Capita

$85,429

Median Household Income

$114,417

County

$41,448

State

$53,118

USA

$43,289

Household Income Brackets

Over $150K
971
$125K - $150K
218
$100K - $125K
415
$75K - $100K
200
$50K - $75K
213
$35K - $50K
135
$25K - $35K
146
Under $25K
327

Source: U.S. Census

Education

Margate City residents demonstrate strong educational attainment, with 60.07% holding some college education or higher. Nearly 30.46% hold a Graduate or Professional degree, and 29.6% hold a Bachelor's degree, reflecting a well-educated community well above state and national averages.

Highest Level of Education Attained (Population 25+)

Less than 9th Grade
0.86%
Some High School
2.61%
High School Graduate
14.88%
Some College
60.07%
Associate Degree
21.59%
Bachelor's Degree
29.6%
Graduate/Professional
30.46%

Source: U.S. Census

Households, Age Groups, and Commute

Households

342

Married with Children

940

Married without Children

69

Single with Children

Population by Age

Children

  • Toddlers: 77 (10.23%)
  • Elementary: 235 (31.21%)
  • Middle School: 262 (34.79%)
  • High School: 179 (23.77%)

Adults

  • 18-20: 220 (4.88%)
  • 21-24: 220 (4.88%)
  • 25-34: 155 (3.56%)
  • 35-54: 1,030 (22.9%)
  • 55-64: 964 (21.39%)
  • 65-74: 1,060 (23.59%)
  • 75+: 843 (18.7%)

Commute

Average Travel Time: 30 minutes

Under 15 min
34.1%
15-30 min
28.5%
30-45 min
16.6%
45-60 min
2.0%
60+ min
18.9%

How People Get to Work

Drive/Carpool 1,900
Work at Home 421
Bicycle 48
Walk 43
Public Transit 26

Source: U.S. Census

Voting Pattern (2020)

2020 Presidential Election

Democrat 57.9% Republican 41%

Source: USElectionAtlas.org

Nearby Neighborhoods

Margate City sits on Absecon Island, between Ventnor City to the north, Longport to the south, and Atlantic City beyond. Nearby mainland communities include Linwood and Pleasantville.

Ventnor City

$636,750 9,220

6,467 Homes

Longport

$3,051,000 897

1,812 Homes

Linwood

$547,500 6,954

2,745 Homes

Pleasantville

$272,610 20,604

5,238 Homes

Source: Realtors Property Resource

AARP Livability Index (ZIP 08402)

Total Score

53 / 100

Housing 39
Neighborhood 49
Transportation 67
Environment 59
Health 65
Engagement 53
Opportunity 37

Source: AARP

Market and demographic statistics sourced from Realtors Property Resource® Neighborhood Report dated July 17, 2026. Information is not guaranteed.

Beach Guide

Margate City Beach Guide

Margate beaches are lifeguard protected from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The city also offers guarded beaches past Labor Day when weather permits. Check with Beach Patrol Headquarters (609-822-2370) as to which beaches are protected and never enter the water at an unprotected beach.

For more information, visit the official Margate beach page.

Beach Badge Information

Preseason Rates (Prior to May 31, 2026)

Regular (12 & Over) $10.00
Senior (65 & Over) $3.50
Holiday Tags $12.00

Starting June 1, 2026

All Badges $20.00

Military Tags

Free seasonal tags for veterans and active military. Free for spouse if active. Proper military ID required.

Where to Buy Beach Badges

Preseason Sales (Beginning November 24) : Martin Bloom Pavilion (Granville Ave & Beach), Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning April 4
MyBeach Mobile App : Purchase digital beach tags at www.mybeachmobile.com
Jersey Cape Tags : Order physical tags online at jersey-cape-tags.myshopify.com/collections/margate
Mail Reservations : Send check or money order payable to City of Margate, 9001 Winchester Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402. Reservations must be received by May 31. Download the form

Protected Beaches

Never enter the water at an unprotected beach.

Memorial Day Weekend (Weekends Only)

  • Clermont Ave
  • Huntington Ave
  • Thurlow Ave
  • Washington Ave

Mid-June through Labor Day (Daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

  • Argyle Ave
  • Clermont Ave
  • Gladstone Ave
  • Huntington Ave
  • Jerome Ave
  • Osborne Ave
  • Thurlow Ave
  • Vendome Ave
  • Cedar Grove
  • Washington Ave
  • Jefferson Ave
  • Monroe Ave

September (Weekends Only)

  • Clermont Ave
  • Huntington Ave
  • Thurlow Ave
  • Washington Ave

Protected beach list sourced from the City of Margate. Guarded beach locations may change based on staffing and conditions. Always check with Beach Patrol before entering the water.

Handicap Accessible Beaches

Beach Mats

Jefferson Ave, Osborne Ave, Huntington Ave, Andover Ave, Exeter Ave

Surf Chairs

Brunswick Ave, Huntington Ave, Knight Ave, Thurlow Ave, Madison Ave, Decatur Ave

Call (609) 823-2370 for reservations

Dune Transportation

Call (609) 517-5245, starting at 11 a.m., 30 min notice required

Accessible Restrooms

Martin Bloom Pavilion (Huntington Ave), Ventura's Greenhouse (Benson Ave)

Accessible Parking

Huntington Ave (Library lot), Rumson Ave, Coolidge Ave

Beach Restrooms

Clarendon Ave, Huntington Ave (Bloom Pavilion), Quincy Ave, Benson Ave (Greenhouse), Madison Ave

Beach Patrol

Margate Beach Patrol Headquarters: (609) 822-2370

Events & Activities

What's Happening in Margate

Margate City offers a vibrant mix of community events, historic attractions, and seasonal activities for residents and visitors alike.

Thrilling Thursdays: Free Movies on the Beach

Every Thursday, July 2 through August 27, 2026 Beach behind Bloom Pavilion, Margate

Pre-movie activities at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7:00 p.m. Join us every Thursday in July and August for Steve & Cookie's Farmers Market (8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) followed by a free movie on the beach. July schedule includes Captain America, Zootopia 2, Dog Man, Smurfs, and Jaws. August schedule includes Super Mario Galaxy, Transformers, Wicked: For Good, and Despicable Me 4. Pre-movie activities and giveaways begin at 6:30 p.m. No rain dates.

Thrilling Thursdays

Canasta & Mahjong Summer Benefit

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 · 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Steve & Cookie's by the Bay, Margate

The Margate Business Association presents an afternoon of strategy, connection, and friendly competition. Gather your foursome and secure your table for $400 ($100 per person). Enjoy light bites, a cash bar, and auction prizes. A portion of proceeds benefits the MBA Scholarship & Children's Fund.

Canasta & Mahjong

Lucy the Elephant

Open year-round, tours available daily 9200 Atlantic Ave, Margate

Visit Lucy the Elephant, the world's largest elephant-shaped building and a National Historic Landmark since 1881. Lucy hosts tours, events, and seasonal activities throughout the year. A beloved South Jersey icon and must-see Jersey Shore attraction.

Lucy the Elephant

Margate Parks and Recreation

Programs available year-round Margate Community Education and Recreation

Summer camps include Tennis, Lacrosse, Soccer, Flag Football, C.S.I., Gymnastics, and more. Also offering afterschool classes, adult seminars, bus trips, and pickleball courts open daily 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Register for Programs

Margate Memorials: Lifeguard Races

Friday, August 7, 2026 · 6:30 p.m. Beach at Decatur Avenue, Margate

The Margate World War II Memorial Lifeguard Races are a favorite among lifeguards, locals, and athletes of all ages. Spectators span two or more blocks. See beach patrols from Brigantine down to Cape May in one location. Races include 1 Mile Doubles Row, Half Mile Swim, and 1000 Ft Singles Row. Free event. Contact Margate Beach Patrol HQ for more info.

Margate Memorials

Annual Margate Duck Derby: A Floating Quack-a-Palooza

Saturday, August 23, 2026 · 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Scott's Dock, Amherst Avenue and the Bay at Washington Ave, Margate

Sponsored by Margate Wine and Gardens. Weighted, numbered rubber ducks are dumped into the bay into a closed course and funneled towards the finish line by the current. Activities begin at 11 a.m. along the Washington Avenue Pier with the derby beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m. Children can enjoy the Duck Chuck, Quack in the Hole, Fishin' for Fowl, and other activities. Musical entertainment by USA DJ. Raffle tickets are $5 each, purchase at Margate Garden's Wine & Spirits, The Oar Lucy, Scott's Dock, or at Thrilling Thursdays. Ticket sales end Thursday, August 20. Prizes: 1st place $1,000, 2nd place $500, 3rd place $250 Visa gift cards. A portion of proceeds benefits MBA community programs. Adults 21 and older only.

Duck Derby

9/11 Remembrance

Friday, September 11, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. Margate City Fire Department Firehouse Station 1, 1 S. Washington Ave, Margate City

Margate holds its annual 9/11 memorial services honoring those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and a field in Shanksville, Pa., on September 11, 2001.

9/11 Remembrance

Margate Fall Funfest by the Bay

Saturday, September 26, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Sunday, September 27, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. By the Bay, Amherst Ave, Margate City

Now in its 25th year, presented by Lexus. Over 20,000 visitors annually. Features 110+ booths with food, fine arts and crafts, retailers, nonprofits, kids activities, 10 live bands on the Main Stage, 12 acts on the Kid's Stage, Scott's Dock Wetlands Wonderland, parades featuring Miss New Jersey, a beer garden, Tito's tent, Shore Axes Mobile Axe throwing, and more. Always FREE admission. Free jitney shuttle along Ventnor and Amherst Avenues and from Eugene Tighe School parking lot.

Fall Funfest

Funfest After Dark: Definitely Not for Kids

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Washington Ave. Pier, presented by Tomatoes, Margate

Experience the ultimate adults-only evening with live music by Dead Reckoning, wine and spirits tasting with 5 sampling tickets included, delectable finger foods, and non-stop dancing in the street. Pajama party theme: dress in your favorite jammies and best dressed wins the Teddy Bear trophy. Tickets: $25 advance / $30 at the door. Visit margatehasmore.com for details. This event has sold out in previous years.

Funfest After Dark

Steve & Cookie's 28th Annual Dog Show

Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. Steve & Cookie's by the Bay, 9700 Amherst Ave, Margate

The Don Gottlieb Memorial Dog Show showcasing the best looking, best dressed, most obedient, and talented canines. Pre-register online at Eventbrite or in person 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for $25. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Ocean City and NJ Aid for Animals.

Dog Show

National Fire Prevention Week

October 4 through October 10, 2026 City of Margate, Fire Department events in town, at schools, and throughout the community

Hosted by the City of Margate Fire Department. This year's theme is "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety." Features community safety education, school programs, and fire safety activities. The NFPA has sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922. For more information visit www.margate-nj.com or call (609) 822-5038.

Fire Prevention Week

Margate's Spectacular Shop Small Extravaganza

Saturday, November 28, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. Ventnor Ave and throughout Margate's business and restaurant districts

Presented by Bocca Coal Fired Bistro. Celebrate Small Business Saturday with great sales and discounts at local businesses throughout Margate all weekend. The highlight is ASL Santa arriving at noon, meeting and signing with guests for a holiday-themed activity in front of Bocca. Children can drop letters to Santa in the mailbox at Bocca's foyer (November 28 through December 5) and enjoy free pizza and soda, Wawa cookies, craft stations, and more. Also featuring Margate Fields Winter Wonderlights by Sustainable Margate with environmental displays and interactive games.

Shop Small Extravaganza

Community information sourced from margatehasmore.com, margate-nj.com, margateschools.org, and local references. Event details and availability may change. Check with the event organizer for the latest information.

Interested in Margate City?

Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options in Margate City -- I'd love to help you find the right fit.