Ocean County · Toms River Waterfront · Historic District · Arts & Sailing
Island Heights
Island Heights is a compact historic borough overlooking the Toms River, known for its bluff-top setting, waterfront boardwalk, Victorian and camp-meeting architecture, sailing tradition and unusually strong arts community.
Rather than dividing this small borough into thin supporting pages, NJTGO brings Island Heights together in one complete guide covering history, government, schools, arts, waterfront recreation, events, food, businesses, real estate, visiting, jobs and community classifieds.
Island Heights at a Glance
1,6502020 U.S. Census population
0.61 sq. mi.approximately 0.61 square miles of land
1887year Island Heights became a borough
08732Island Heights ZIP code
Island Heights sits on the south side of the Toms River, directly south of Toms River Township and west of the bay-and-barrier-island communities. Its steep bluff, river frontage, mature trees and historic cottages give the borough a distinctive small-town character despite its location in the heart of northern Ocean County.
Why Island Heights stands out: The borough combines waterfront recreation, a nationally recognized historic district, active arts institutions and a long sailing tradition within a walkable community of only a few tenths of a square mile.
Waterfront, Boardwalk & Sailing
The Toms River shoreline is the defining public landscape of Island Heights. The borough's waterfront boardwalk and River Avenue area provide broad river views and connect residents and visitors with the town's sailing heritage.
Island Heights BoardwalkWalk along the Toms River waterfront for river views, breezes, sailing activity and one of the borough's most recognizable public spaces.
Island Heights Yacht ClubFounded in 1898 and incorporated in 1900, the yacht club remains an important part of the borough's waterfront identity and sailing tradition.
Dillon's CreekHistoric creek along the borough's northern side associated with the Dillon family and still home to marina activity.
MarinasIsland Heights has several marina facilities serving recreational boaters on the Toms River and nearby Barnegat Bay.
Sailing & PaddlingThe relatively protected Toms River makes the area popular for sailing, kayaking, paddle sports and small-boat recreation.
River ViewsIsland Heights' bluff rises well above the river in places, creating elevated views that helped inspire the borough's name and resort history.
From Island Camp Meeting to Historic Borough
Island Heights has a layered history stretching from Indigenous use of the river bluff through colonial ownership, 19th-century Methodist camp meetings, rail-era resort development and the creation of the borough.
Before European SettlementLenni Lenape people used the elevated riverfront landscape, and archaeological evidence has included shell deposits, tools and other artifacts.
1690Dr. Johnson received the island area through a colonial patent, giving rise to the early name Dr. Johnson's Island.
1700sThe area became associated with the Dillon family and was widely known as Dillon's Island; Dillon's Creek preserves that name.
1878Rev. Jacob B. Graw and others formed the Island Heights Association as a Methodist camp-meeting and family summer resort. Lots, cottages, a pavilion and wharf followed.
1883A Pennsylvania Railroad branch improved access and helped transform Island Heights from an isolated river settlement into a resort community.
1887Island Heights became an incorporated borough and established its own post office.
1898-1900The Island Heights Yacht Club was organized and incorporated, strengthening the borough's enduring sailing identity.
1981The Island Heights Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic character: Many streets retain late-19th- and early-20th-century cottages, porches, decorative woodwork and homes associated with Island Heights' resort, arts and camp-meeting period.
Arts, Museums & Cultural Life
For a borough this small, Island Heights has an exceptional concentration of arts and cultural institutions.
John F. Peto Studio Museum102 Cedar Avenue · 732-929-4949. The preserved home and studio of American trompe-l'oeil painter John Frederick Peto displays artworks, furnishings, artifacts and historic photographs connected to the artist and his family.
Ocean County Artists GuildOcean & Chestnut Avenues · 732-270-3111. Founded in 1957, the nonprofit guild offers exhibitions, classes, workshops and community art programs.
Cottage Museum105 Simpson Avenue area. Operated by the Island Heights Cultural & Heritage Association, the 1880s-style Carpenter Gothic cottage interprets local Victorian-era life.
Ludlow Thorston Art GalleryCentral Avenue gallery contributing to the borough's long-established visual-arts scene.
Shore BalletCentral Avenue dance school and longtime part of the town's arts community.
Historic ArchitectureThe borough itself functions as an architectural experience, with Victorian cottages and historic homes concentrated within a very walkable area.
Borough Government & Public Services
Island Heights Borough HallOne Wanamaker Municipal Complex
Island Heights, NJ 08732
732-270-6415
Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday evenings 6-8 p.m.
Island Heights, NJ 08732
732-270-6415
Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday evenings 6-8 p.m.
MayorSteve Doyle
Council PresidentRolf Weber
Borough CouncilRobert Baxter · Alan Fumo · Brian Gabriel · Sandra Healy · Lynn Pendleton
Island Heights PoliceOne East End Avenue
732-270-3000
Call 911 for emergencies.
732-270-3000
Call 911 for emergencies.
Volunteer Fire Company15 Lake Avenue
Island Heights, NJ 08732
Island Heights, NJ 08732
First Aid Squad135 Central Avenue
Island Heights, NJ 08732
Island Heights, NJ 08732
Island Heights Library121 Central Avenue
Island Heights, NJ 08732
732-270-6266
Island Heights, NJ 08732
732-270-6266
Education
Island Heights Grade School115 Summit Avenue · 732-929-1222. Small public district serving Pre-K/K through grade 6, with roughly 140 students in the 2026-27 choice profile.
Small-School EnvironmentThe district emphasizes small classes, individualized instruction, STEAM, art, music, world language and extracurricular programs.
Central RegionalAfter grade 6, Island Heights students attend Central Regional Middle School and High School in nearby Bayville.
School ChoiceIsland Heights participates in New Jersey's Interdistrict Public School Choice Program for approved elementary grades, subject to annual seat availability.
2026 Events & Traditions
Island Heights' event calendar is remarkably active for such a small borough, with arts programs, waterfront events, road races, house and garden tours, fire-company fundraisers and sailing-related traditions.
River to Bay 5K ClassicMay 2, 2026. Annual USATF-certified race and health walk through Island Heights.
Annual Garden TourJune 27, 2026. Community garden tour highlighting private gardens and the borough's landscaped streetscape.
SummerbrewJune 27, 2026. Annual Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company summer event.
America 250 CelebrationJuly 3, 2026. Bike parade, food, entertainment and fireworks as part of the borough's America 250 festivities.
SailfestSeptember 12, 2026 · 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Large waterfront sailing festival with music, vendors, food, regattas and family activities.
Town-Wide Garage SaleSeptember 19, 2026. Borough-wide community sale day.
TrucktoberfestOctober 17, 2026. Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company event.
Christmas Tree LightingDecember 6, 2026. Annual borough holiday tradition.
Event planning: Dates, weather policies and event details can change. Confirm current information with the borough or event organizer before making a special trip.
Food, Coffee & Local Business
Island Heights does not have a large commercial district. Its businesses are small and neighborhood-oriented, with additional restaurants and shopping only minutes away in Toms River and Bayville.
Due-Back
14 Central Avenue
Island Heights, NJ 08732 Independent coffee and tea shop serving the walkable village center.
Island Heights, NJ 08732 Independent coffee and tea shop serving the walkable village center.
Corner Deli Cafe
22 Central Avenue
Island Heights, NJ 08732 848-480-2374 Local deli and cafe serving breakfast, lunch and neighborhood takeout.
Island Heights, NJ 08732 848-480-2374 Local deli and cafe serving breakfast, lunch and neighborhood takeout.
Island Heights Bagelry
214 West End Avenue
Island Heights, NJ 08732 732-857-3700 Bagels, breakfast sandwiches, wraps and lunch items.
Island Heights, NJ 08732 732-857-3700 Bagels, breakfast sandwiches, wraps and lunch items.
Dillon's Creek Marina
243 Lake Avenue
Island Heights, NJ 08732 732-270-8541 Full-service marina, boat storage and marine services on Dillon's Creek.
Island Heights, NJ 08732 732-270-8541 Full-service marina, boat storage and marine services on Dillon's Creek.
Auto Craftsman & Collision
150 Lake Avenue
Island Heights, NJ 08732 732-270-8099 Local collision, auto-body and automotive repair services.
Island Heights, NJ 08732 732-270-8099 Local collision, auto-body and automotive repair services.
BMZ Motors
218 Central Avenue
Island Heights, NJ 08732 732-270-1050 Local mechanic and automotive service business.
Island Heights, NJ 08732 732-270-1050 Local mechanic and automotive service business.
NJTGO basic listing policy: Free local-business listings may include the name, category, address, phone number and a brief factual description. Direct commercial website links, logos, photographs and featured placement are paid options.
Island Heights Real Estate
The borough's housing stock is one of its defining features: historic cottages, Victorians, renovated older homes, smaller condominiums and high-value riverfront properties all exist within a very small geographic area.
$728,500median Island Heights listing price reported by Realtor.com for June 2026
39 daysmedian days on market reported for June 2026
$637,614Zillow typical Island Heights home value as of June 30, 2026, up 4.2% year over year
Small inventoryonly a small number of active listings means monthly statistics can change sharply
Historic-District PropertyOlder homes may carry architectural, renovation and preservation considerations. Buyers should review permits and the property's historic context before major changes.
Riverfront HomesProperties along the Toms River can command substantial premiums and require close attention to flood zones, elevation, bulkheads, docks and insurance.
Walkable Interior StreetsCentral, Ocean, Summit, Lake and surrounding streets offer compact lots, mature landscaping and close proximity to the waterfront and cultural institutions.
Limited SupplyWith fewer than 900 residential parcels borough-wide, one or two unusual listings or sales can materially influence market statistics.
Buyer due diligence: Check flood mapping, elevation, property-tax assessment, zoning, permits, historic-district considerations, survey/boundaries and any waterfront structures before purchasing.
Visiting Island Heights
Island Heights works especially well as a short day trip, a walking stop during a Toms River visit, or a waterfront side trip before heading to the barrier-island beaches.
Walk the WaterfrontStart along River Avenue and the boardwalk for views of the Toms River, boats, yacht-club activity and historic waterfront homes.
Explore the ArtsPair the John F. Peto Studio Museum with the Ocean County Artists Guild, Cottage Museum and Central Avenue galleries.
Historic StreetsWalk Ocean, Central, Cedar, Summit and neighboring streets to see Victorian cottages, porches and homes associated with the borough's resort era.
Stay for SailfestThe September sailing festival is the borough's largest visitor event and brings extensive waterfront programming to town.
Nearby BeachesSeaside Park, Seaside Heights and Ortley Beach are a short drive east for oceanfront beaches and boardwalk attractions.
LodgingTraditional hotel inventory inside Island Heights is extremely limited. Most overnight visitors use hotels, motels, inns or rentals in Toms River and nearby shore communities.
Jobs & Employment
Island Heights has a small local employment base, so residents commonly combine borough opportunities with the much larger Toms River and Ocean County job market.
Borough GovernmentMunicipal administration, public works, police, recreation and other public-service roles may become available periodically.
Island Heights School DistrictTeaching, support, substitute, administrative and school-service positions are the borough's most substantial public employment category.
Arts & Community OrganizationsMuseums, galleries, cultural nonprofits and community programs can create part-time, program, instructional and volunteer opportunities.
Marinas & WaterfrontMarine service, boat care and seasonal waterfront work are part of the borough's private-sector employment mix.
Toms RiverThe neighboring township provides extensive healthcare, county government, retail, education and professional employment within a very short commute.
Ocean County One-StopJob seekers can use the state workforce center in Toms River for career guidance, resume assistance, training and job-search resources.
Classifieds & Community Marketplace
For Sale & FreeHousehold goods, furniture, tools, books, sporting goods and other resident-to-resident items.
Town-Wide Garage SaleThe borough's September 19, 2026 town-wide sale creates a natural annual community marketplace event.
Community NoticesLocal meetings, arts programs, volunteer opportunities, events and neighborhood announcements.
Lost & FoundLost belongings and pet notices can be especially effective within a small walkable borough.
Lessons & ActivitiesArt, dance, sailing, tutoring and other community instruction can fit naturally in local classifieds.
Jobs & HousingEmployment and real-estate information are covered in their dedicated sections on this same page.
Marketplace safety: Verify buyers, sellers, items and payment methods independently. Do not publish sensitive personal or financial information in a public classified.
Official & Community Resources
Borough of Island HeightsGovernment, public services, notices, permits, meetings, events and resident information.
Island Heights EventsCurrent borough event calendar, arts programs, Sailfest, community events and seasonal activities.
Around Island HeightsOfficial overview of the boardwalk, arts, farmers market, sailing and community activities.
Island Heights HistoryDetailed official borough history from early settlement through the camp-meeting resort and modern borough.
John F. Peto Studio MuseumMuseum hours, exhibitions, concerts, educational programs and artist information.
Ocean County Artists GuildClasses, workshops, exhibitions and community arts programming.
Island Heights School DistrictSchool calendar, district information, Board of Education and family resources.
Central Regional School DistrictMiddle- and high-school information for Island Heights students.
Sailfest NJCurrent festival schedule, vendors, entertainment, sailing events and visitor information.
Nearby Communities
Toms RiverDirectly north and west, providing major shopping, healthcare, restaurants, county government and employment.
Bayville / Berkeley TownshipWest and south of Island Heights with Central Regional schools, Route 9 services and Barnegat Bay recreation.
Seaside ParkOceanfront borough east of Island Heights with beaches, boardwalk access and Barnegat Bay waterfront.
Seaside HeightsNearby resort community with boardwalk attractions, beaches, dining, amusements and lodging.
Promote an Island Heights Business or Organization
Because Island Heights uses one comprehensive NJTGO destination page, local businesses, arts organizations, marinas, real-estate professionals and community groups can reach residents and visitors within the same guide they use for waterfront recreation, events, history, food, real estate and trip planning.
Basic commercial listings may include a business name, category, address, phone number and brief factual description. Website links, photographs, expanded profiles and featured placement are paid advertising options.
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