Rumson
Average Home Prices
Average Home Statistics In terms of
Per Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors MLS - Rumson 2022 Sales
Introduction to Rumson
Imagine coastal mansions, historic buildings, and rolling lawns that stretch as far as the eye can see. This is the view that welcomes residents and vacationers alike in Rumson, a small peninsular town in New Jersey, between the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers.
Before it became the Wall Street executive’s address of choice, Rumson was a popular getaway for Manhattanites in the 1990s. It does, after all, showcase breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the weather here falls just short of perfect.
Today, this 7-square-mile hamlet is a prime real estate hotspot with sprawling waterfronts, charming family homes, and acres of green space. It was named the #1 best suburb to live in New Jersey in 2021.
Welcome To Rumson, NJ
Rumson is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey and a part of the New York Metropolitan Area. Just a ferry ride away from Manhattan, Rumson is the ideal coastal getaway for many residents who live in the city. Peaceful and cinematic in its beauty, Rumson is surrounded by water on three sides. Residents enjoy fair weather and a range of outdoor activities year-round, from boating and swimming to golfing and sailing.
A brief history of Rumson
According to its earliest written history, Rumson was born out of the original Navarumsunk settlement, the name given by the Lenape people who used to live in the area. In time, the name was eventually shortened to Rumson.
In 1665, European settlers started to make Rumson their home. They purchased the land from the Lenape bit by bit, and by the end of the year, the entire area as well as parts of Middletown were in English hands.
Rumson became incorporated in 1907. Historically, the town was a summer colony for holidaying New Yorkers, with financiers and industrialists drawn to Rumson’s hushed coastal atmosphere. By the turn of the century, however, these well-heeled vacationers became lifelong residents. They built their own mansions along the waterfront, complete with private docks and sprawls of land.
While no longer an exclusive summer playground for old money, Rumson’s rich history is evident in its modern facade. Along the river shoreline, mansions dating back to the 19th-century can be seen, and it’s this same wealth of houses that line the borough’s main thoroughfare, Rumson Road.
Today, Rumson still attracts its fair share of wealthy Manhattanites and summering New Yorkers. Plenty of residents enjoy Rumson’s proximity to the City, being able to commute to and from New York via ferry.
Rumson by the numbers
Rumson currently has a population of over 7,000 residents according to the latest census. The borough spans only 7.11 square miles, roughly 5.07 of which is land; the rest is water.
From Rumson, Manhattan is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away via Garden State Parkway. Meanwhile, Freehold, which is Monmouth County’s seat, is an easy 30-minute drive west from the borough.
Living in Rumson
Rumson is a tranquil community with an idyllic lifestyle. Anyone who wishes to escape the roar of the metropolis while remaining close to its conveniences could put down roots here. And with the town’s proximity to water, you can easily enjoy a morning swim at the beach or a relaxing afternoon by the riverside without straying too far from home.
Apart from its beautiful landscape, Rumson has a vibrant culture that shines through its outstanding selection of restaurants and stores. Six public parklands are available for outdoor recreation, and the newly renovated community center provides a historic venue for local festivals and fairs.
Homes for sale in Rumson
Rumson’s affluent nature is most evident in its real estate offerings. Throughout the borough, you’ll find a collection of fine upscale properties. Most homes in Rumson are valued at $1 million or more, with median home values typically hovering around $1.3 million.
Nearly most of the housing stock are single-family homes, while a small portion of the market offers apartments and townhomes. Some of these properties are along the river shoreline, with docks, boat slips, and other water-friendly amenities. For those who are in the market for a waterfront home, the areas of Waterloo and Oceanic are especially coveted.
Homes for sale in Rumson, NJ also vary in terms of age. Those who wish to invest in a legacy or even historic properties can do so— some of the homes in the market date as far back as the 1930s, possibly older. A sizable portion of Rumson real estate, however, was built sometime between the 1940s and early 1970s. As for those who wish for newer homes, Rumson also has luxurious new construction that keeps in line with the borough’s classic look.
Buying a home in Rumson means becoming a part of a close and tight-knit community. Despite its history as a summer getaway, almost all of the homes in the borough are owner-owned and occupied.
Not quite sure what property suits your lifestyle? Consider hiring a Realtor that can show you the best homes for sale in Rumson, NJ.
Getting in and around
Part of Rumson’s allure is its accessibility, whether you’re coming from New York City or other parts of the Bayshore region. This is despite the fact that there are no highways that directly serve the borough.
Thoroughfares like Rumson Road and Newman Springs Road connect Rumson to Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Route 35. Memorial Parkway runs east of Rumson and the entire length of Sea Bright; you can access this highway via Sea Bright Bridge.
For those who don’t wish to drive, public transit options are available. NJ Transit serves the community via the North Jersey Coast Line, with two stations (Red Bank and Little Silver) near Rumson. But if you ask the locals, the best way to get to Manhattan is through the Seastreak Ferry, which you can catch from Atlantic Highlands. The trip usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour.
Attractions
If you want to explore what the borough has to offer in terms of shopping and dining, head to Rumson’s commercial districts at the River Road and East River Road. In these village-like hubs, you can expect to find upscale brands, local retailers, trendy restaurants, and historic structures lining the streets.
If you’re up for an out-of-town jaunt, Sea Bright Beach – Jersey Shore’s best-kept secret – is just across the bridge. Seven private beach clubs have been established here, including Sea Bright Beach Club, Surfrider Beach Club, and Sands Beach Club, which offer a host of upscale amenities and luxurious views for members of all ages. Sea Bright is also home to Monmouth Squash Club and Swim School, which was established in 1923.
You simply can’t miss the dazzling array of food offered by Rumson’s vibrant and diverse restaurant scene. Salt Creek Grille at Bingham Avenue is a must-try; if its menu of delectable local cuisine doesn’t win you over, its front row view of the crystalline waters certainly will. For fine foods try Brennan's, who have a catering as well as a gourmet takeaway service. Farmhouse-inspired Undici is the place to go for authentic Italian food (try their grilled octopus). Other notable restaurants include Ristorante Giorgia and Barnacle Bills. Victory Park Tavern is homegrown food at its finest, with every dish crafted from seasonally fresh ingredients. Surf BBQ and Red Horse by David Burke are equally remarkable and offer outstanding American cuisine.
If you want to eat and drink like a true local, though, head to Murphy’s Tavern, Rumson’s staple speakeasy since the 1850s. You can also check out Val’s Tavern, which has been serving New Jersey natives since 1942 and is home to the original lobster pie.
Bingham Hall in Rumson is a one-stop shop for town festivals, charity events, and live entertainment. The historic site was renovated in 2005 and is now considered the borough's primary community center.
You need not go far to engage in outdoor recreation; there are several destinations that are within reach from Rumson. First is the Navesink River Wildlife Management Area in the northeast section of town, an ideal place for kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching. Fair Haven Fields Natural Area, which sits between Rumson and Fair Haven, features 40 acres of explorable woodlands you can hike or run. They also have tennis courts and ball fields for those who are more inclined to team sports. Across Navesink River, Hartshorne Woods Park has over 14 miles of trails that range from easy to challenging.
Recreational activities
In Rumson, you’ll never run out of things to do, thanks to its numerous playgrounds, tennis courts, and outdoor venues. Expect a crowd when you stroll through Riverside Park, home to the town’s primary baseball and soccer fields. Victory Park is the town’s flagship parkland, while Meadow Ridge Park is the largest facility, spanning 23 acres and containing three sports fields. The place is ideal for unwinding with a friendly game of basketball or enjoying a night of live music.
Anglers will be thrilled to learn that the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers are some of the best fishing spots in New Jersey. Common catches include gems like the striped bass and summer flounder. Bluefish, weakfish, and crab can also be spotted here.
If you want to spend an afternoon volleying with a friend, head to The Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club. Founded in 1877 by Rumson’s elite, the private facility is a designated National Historic Landmark with 15 lawn tennis courts, four platform courts, one hard court, and 15 Har-Tru courts. Many courts double as pickleball and paddle facilities.
Rumson Country Club is the town’s primary private golfing facility. At this family-oriented venue, members of all levels can indulge in rounds of golf, tennis, skeet paddle, croquet, and even sailing as there's a private dock nearby. Two dining venues, the main Clubhouse and Riverhouse, offer guests and players a chance to unwind with stellar food and waterside views.
Schools
In Rumson, parents can rest assured their children are getting quality education. There are three main learning institutions served by the Rumson School District: Deane Porter School, which is currently ranked 35th among elementary schools in the state (Grades K-3); Forrestdale School, one of the top 10 middle schools in New Jersey (Grades 4-8); and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (Grades 9-12).
One of the best education centers in the Monmouth County area, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. According to the U.S. News & World Report, it is the 64th best high school in the state and in the top 200 high schools in the entire New York City metropolitan area.
A couple of private schools can also be found in Rumson. These include Holy Cross Academy, a Catholic elementary school located along Rumson Road, and The Rumson Country Day School, a co-educational and non-sectarian day school founded in 1926.
With the bevy of prominent universities nearby, students are more than prepared to start fulfilling careers after graduation. Brookdale Community College in neighboring Middletown is only 17 minutes away from Rumson, while Ivy League schools like Columbia University and New York University are just over an hour away by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rumson, NJ a wealthy town?
Rumson is largely considered an affluent community, with a history of financial prosperity that is evident to this day. In 2017-2021, Rumson had a per capita income of $121,311 and a median household income of $239,188 in the same period.
Rumson also has a strong economy with low unemployment rates compared to the national average. It benefits greatly from its location, being within commuting distance to New York City where there are plenty of high-paying opportunities.
Many residents of Rumson live an upper-class lifestyle. Rumson has a private yacht club, exclusive recreational facilities, and luxurious amenities that cater to an affluent demographic and indicate a high standard of living.
Is Rumson a good neighborhood?
Rumson offers an excellent quality of life. It has an array of attractions, beautiful homes, historic architecture, and access to both city and nature.
Its proximity to the Navesink River means there’s plenty of water-friendly recreation available, such as boating and fishing. And with top-notch sports facilities within the borough, residents can engage in their favorite physical activities. First-class restaurants, upscale retail stores, and exclusive social clubs also elevate the lifestyle.
What is the average cost of living in Rumson NJ?
The cost of living in Rumson is the same as the cost of living in New Jersey. Food, transportation, and healthcare costs here are similar to the state average. However, Rumson is about 40% more expensive compared to national average costs. Housing prices are significantly higher, owing to the area’s premier location and affluent nature.
WORK WITH MARIO VENANCIO, THE #1 REALTOR IN NEW JERSEY
There’s plenty more to see and experience in Rumson. With Mario Venancio as your professional real estate agent, you’ll be prepared to navigate the home buying market and close the deal without any hassle.
As the top Realtor in Monmouth County for more than 13 years, Mario has generated $1.9 billion in total sales. His strong negotiation skills and commitment to client satisfaction make him one of the most in-demand real estate professionals in the industry. With over 30 years of experience, Mario is the recipient of the prestigious BHHS Chairman’s Diamond Circle Award and NJAR® Circle of Excellence Award®.
