Margate City, New Jersey is a city in Atlantic County, along the Atlantic seacoast. As of the United States 2000 Census, the city population was 8,193. The community was named for the seaside resort town of Margate in England. Monopoly enthusiasts will recognize one of the most delightful features of Margate City, the neighborhood of Marven Gardens (misspelled as Marvin in the game), made famous by Charles Darrow, inventor of the popular board game.
On September 7, 1885, based on the results of a referendum held on August 1, 1885, Margate City was incorporated from portions of Egg Harbor Township as a South Atlantic City borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature. South Atlantic City was reincorporated as a city on April 23, 1897, replacing the Borough of South Atlantic City. Margate City was incorporated on April 20, 1909, replacing the City of South Atlantic City.
Margate City is located on Absecon Island, along with Atlantic City, Ventnor, and Longport, and stretches approximately eight blocks from the Atlantic Ocean to the bay at most points in town. Margate is a popular Jersey Shore destination. Along with its neighbors along the Jersey Shore, Margate becomes a swinging vacation spot in the summer months. Much of what constitutes residential Margate City real estate are second homes used during the summer, but a considerable number of homes are owned by year-round residents. Most people who vacation in Margate own their “shore house,” and will come down on nearly all summer weekends. They will also usually take a few full weeks at the shore, and several visits in the winter months.
Margate beaches are narrower than beaches at many other places on the Jersey Shore. There are few dunes, and most beachfront Margate City real estate is right against the bulkhead with nothing between the homes and the ocean. In summer months, beaches are more crowded than places such as Avalon and Long Beach Island, but much less crowded than more tourist magnets like Ocean City.
Margate does not have the feel of a tourist destination. Unlike other oceanside places, Margate has no hotel, so most of the people who choose to reside or stay in the town during the summer months are second-home owners and regulars. Also unlike other area towns such as Ocean City and the municipalities on Long Beach Island, weekly house/condominium rentals are not exactly commonplace in Margate, though that has been changing somewhat in recent years. Municipal codes require a new Certificate of Occupancy every time a new party takes up “residence,” thus making weekly rentals difficult and almost non-viable. These policies serve to keep Margate City special for its residents and their guests.
Where else can you climb on the back of a 65-foot wooden elephant (Lucy) on the beachfront and enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful New Jersey shoreline? Nestled between Longport and Ventnor, Margate’s ocean beach and restaurants have been a popular Jersey Shore destination for 20-30-something crowds for over a century.
With a stunningly beautiful bay to one side, an inviting beach to the other, and the excitement of Atlantic City just 5.3 miles away, Margate City offers residents and retirees ample opportunities for world class dining, entertainment and outdoor adventures. The town’s historic charm and uniqueness, combined with its ideal location, quality schools and strong community spirit, make Margate City an attractive place to both visit and live.