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Island Heights on its bluff, seen across the Toms River from Pine Beach

Notable Neighborhoods of Island Heights Island Heights Historic District

A National Register historic district that covers most of the borough, on a bluff above the Toms River.

Photo: Mr. Matté, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Short Take

Island Heights Historic District At A Glance

The Island Heights Historic District is a 280-acre National Register district roughly bounded by the Toms River and Summit and River Avenues, and it covers most of the borough. Island Heights began in 1878 as a Methodist camp meeting resort on the bluffs above the Toms River, and most of its 375 structures were built within a quarter century of that founding.

Sources: Wikipedia, Island Heights; John F. Peto Studio Museum, Island Heights History. Checked October 2026.

The John F. Peto Studio Museum on Cedar Avenue, Island Heights. Photo: Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Known For Victorian Architecture

Queen Anne, Shingle Style and Gothic Revival buildings. The district includes artist John F. Peto's studio, now a museum, and the Grenley House, known as the "Gingerbread House" for its scrollsawn woodwork.

Source: Wikipedia, Island Heights. Checked October 2026.

Home Prices

What Homes Have Sold For

For recent sales in Island Heights Historic District, ask Dennis Mark for a home value or a custom market report.

Local Favorites

Where To Eat Nearby

Island Heights is a dry town with very few storefronts. For more choices, look to neighboring Toms River and Berkeley townships.

Source: Wikipedia, Island Heights. Checked October 2026.

Each checked as open in October 2026. Businesses change: check hours before you go.

Know Before You Buy

Flood Zones And Schools

Before you make an offer, look up the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and ask the seller for the flood zone and any elevation certificate. Dennis Mark can pull the flood zone for any home you're considering.

The Island Heights School District runs Island Heights Elementary School (115 Summit Avenue) for kindergarten through grade 6. Students in grades 7 to 12 attend Central Regional Middle School and Central Regional High School in the Central Regional School District.

School information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and boundaries change often. Verify enrollment with the school district.

Sources: Borough of Island Heights, School; Central Regional School District; Wikipedia, Island Heights. Checked October 2026.

Island Heights Historic District Q&A

Common questions, each with its source. Checked October 2026.

How big is the Island Heights Historic District?

About 280 acres, roughly bounded by the Toms River and Summit and River Avenues. Source: Wikipedia, Island Heights.

When was Island Heights founded?

In 1878, as a Methodist camp meeting resort. The first camp meeting was held on August 23 that year. Source: John F. Peto Studio Museum.

What styles of architecture are in the district?

Queen Anne, Shingle Style and Gothic Revival. Source: Wikipedia, Island Heights.

What is the John F. Peto Studio Museum?

The home and studio of still-life painter John Frederick Peto, at 102 Cedar Avenue. Source: Borough of Island Heights.

What is the Gingerbread House?

The Grenley House, a contributing building in the district known for its scrollsawn woodwork. Source: Wikipedia, Island Heights.

Does Island Heights have a boardwalk?

Yes. A boardwalk follows the waterfront, with a pavilion built in 1890 at its east end. Source: John F. Peto Studio Museum.

Is Island Heights a dry town?

Yes. Alcohol cannot legally be sold in Island Heights. Source: Wikipedia, Island Heights.

How Much Do I Think You Can Get For Your Home?

Own a home in Island Heights Historic District? Get my opinion of what it could sell for, backed by real sales data and a marketing plan.

Photo: Dennis Mark InterdonatoThe Gingerbread House (Grenley House) in the Island Heights Historic District. Photo: Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Success Stories

Real stories from the people we've helped buy and sell their homes.

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SPENCER & SARAH RAITT-FOREST

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Island Heights Historic District

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