Toms River NJ

Toms River, NJ – Nestled along the Jersey Shore, Toms River blends coastal charm with suburban comfort. From its scenic riverfront views to lively boardwalks and family-friendly festivals, this town offers a warm small-town feel with big-time appeal. Whether you're paddling down Toms River, exploring local shops, or enjoying fresh seafood at a dockside eatery, there's always something to discover in this coastal gem.

• Population: ~95,000
• Weather: Four seasons; warm summers (70-85°F), chilly winters (25-45°F), colorful fall foliage, and pleasant spring blooms.
• Places To Visit: Ocean County Library, Cattus Island County Park, River Lady Riverboat, and nearby Seaside Heights Boardwalk.
• Top Activities: Kayaking on Barnegat Bay, relaxing at Ortley Beach, visiting local farmers markets, enjoying ice cream along the riverwalk, and attending summer festivals.
• Famous Food: Jersey boardwalk pizza, fresh-caught seafood, pork roll sandwiches, and classic Italian subs from local delis.

Toms River, NJ is a growing community known for its coastal charm, excellent schools, and vibrant healthcare services. The town offers a healthy mix of opportunities in public and private sectors. Below are some of the top jobs in Toms River today.

Top 5 Jobs in Toms River, NJ

Toms River, NJ, may not be as bustling as New York or Los Angeles, but it has its charm and plenty of spots where students can unwind, have fun, and enjoy downtime. Whether you're into nature, food, or arts, Toms River offers a variety of places to relax and enjoy.

Huddy Park – Perfect for a peaceful afternoon with friends. Enjoy the picturesque views of the river, take a stroll along the paths, or just chill on the grass with a good book.

Cattus Island County Park – For those who love the outdoors, this park offers beautiful hiking trails, scenic views, and opportunities for bird-watching. It's a great spot for a little adventure close to home.

Ocean County Mall – Whether you’re in the mood for shopping, trying out different eateries, or catching a movie, the mall is the go-to spot for a day of fun without straining your wallet.

Beachwood Beach – Although not as famous as the Jersey Shore beaches, it's a great place to relax by the water, enjoy a picnic, or play some beach volleyball with friends.

Artisan's Brewery & Italian Grill – Offering a laid-back atmosphere with delicious food and drinks, Artisan's is ideal for catching up with friends over craft beers and mouth-watering Italian dishes.

River Lady Cruise – Hop aboard for a unique experience on a paddleboat that offers narrated river cruises. Enjoy the relaxing ride, beautiful views, and onboard dining options.

Toms River, NJ is known for its welcoming community and strong commitment to education. While it is a residential town, Toms River provides easy access to reputable public and private colleges and universities in its surrounding areas. These institutions offer quality programs in health sciences, education, liberal arts, and workforce development.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Toms River

Ocean County College – Located in Toms River, this community college offers two-year associate degrees, transfer programs, and workforce training. It is praised for its affordability, modern campus facilities, and strong partnerships with four-year universities.

Rutgers University – New Brunswick (Nearby) – Just under an hour from Toms River, Rutgers is one of the nation’s leading public research universities. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like business, science, engineering, and liberal arts.

Montclair State University (Accessible within driving distance) – A respected state university offering over 300 majors and minors. Montclair State has strong programs in education, business, and the arts.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) – Ewing, NJ – Known for its academic rigor and small class sizes, TCNJ is a top-rated public college with standout programs in education, nursing, and engineering.

Rowan University – Glassboro, NJ – A public research university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines. Rowan has gained recognition for its innovation in medical education and engineering.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Toms River

Georgian Court University – Lakewood, NJ – Just minutes from Toms River, this private Catholic university is known for its strong programs in education, nursing, psychology, and business. It offers a supportive learning environment with a focus on ethics and service.

Monmouth University – West Long Branch, NJ – Located near the Jersey Shore, Monmouth provides a private college experience with robust programs in communication, health studies, business, and political science.

Princeton University – Princeton, NJ – One of the most prestigious private institutions, Princeton is about an hour away from Toms River. It offers world-class programs in a broad array of disciplines and is known for its leadership in research and academic excellence.

Seton Hall University – South Orange, NJ – A nationally ranked private university offering programs in law, health sciences, business, and diplomacy. Seton Hall has a Catholic foundation and emphasizes values-driven education.

Rider University – Lawrenceville, NJ – Rider provides a student-centered education with strong programs in business, education, and the performing arts. Its small class sizes offer a personalized learning experience.

Toms River, NJ is home to several outstanding high schools that focus on academic excellence, student development, and success beyond graduation. Whether you're looking for a strong public school system or a private learning environment, Toms River offers great options for students and families.

Top Public High Schools in Toms River, NJ

• Toms River High School North – The largest high school in Toms River, it offers a broad range of honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a strong athletic program, and plenty of extracurricular options.
• Toms River High School South – Known for its tradition-rich community, this school offers competitive academics, music and performing arts programs, and dedicated teachers focused on student success.
• Toms River High School East – Offers a robust academic curriculum, strong STEM and business-focused programs, and prepares students for both college and careers.
• Toms River Center High School – A smaller, alternative public high school supporting students through personalized instruction and a flexible learning environment.
• Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) – Toms River Center – While technically part of a countywide district, this public school provides specialized career and technical education for high school students seeking workforce skills and certifications.

Top Private High Schools in Toms River, NJ

• Donovan Catholic High School – A highly respected Catholic school offering rigorous academics, college prep, and a values-based education. Known for its small class sizes and commitment to student growth.
• St. Joseph Grade School (PreK-8) & Donovan Catholic Partnership – While St. Joseph focuses on younger grades, it closely partners with Donovan Catholic to offer a seamless K-12 Catholic education experience.
• Ocean Academy – A private, specialized school serving students with diverse learning needs. Known for its tailored instruction and supportive staff.
• The Alpha School – A private special education school focused on developing life skills in students with disabilities. Offers individualized programs designed to encourage independence.
• The Harbor School – Part of the RKS Associates Network, it provides specialized education services to students with developmental needs in a supportive and structured environment.

Toms River, New Jersey is known for its love of sports and strong youth athletics programs. While it does not have any major professional sports teams within the town itself, residents are huge fans of nearby teams based in the larger New York and Philadelphia metro areas. These teams are supported by Toms River locals who often travel or watch games from home, bringing the excitement of professional sports to Ocean County.

🏀 Basketball – New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)

• New York Knicks – One of the NBA’s oldest franchises, the Knicks play at the iconic Madison Square Garden. While the team has not won a championship since 1973, they remain one of the most popular teams in the league, with a passionate fanbase.
• Brooklyn Nets – Originally from New Jersey, the Nets moved to Brooklyn in 2012. With star players like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and others in recent years, the team is a top contender in the Eastern Conference.
• Philadelphia 76ers – Based just a couple of hours from Toms River, the Sixers are a favorite among southern New Jersey basketball fans. The team has had success throughout its history, winning three NBA titles and featuring legends like Allen Iverson and Joel Embiid.

⚾ Baseball – New York Yankees, New York Mets & Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)

• New York Yankees – One of the most storied franchises in all of sports, the Yankees have won a record 27 World Series titles. Many Toms River fans support the team due to its historical success and star players like Derek Jeter, Aaron Judge, and Babe Ruth.
• New York Mets – Founded in 1962, the Mets have won two World Series championships (1969, 1986). Often viewed as the underdogs to the Yankees, they have a loyal following throughout New Jersey.
• Philadelphia Phillies – The oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in American professional sports, the Phillies have won two World Series titles (1980, 2008) and reach fans in southern New Jersey, including Toms River.

🏈 Football – New York Giants, New York Jets & Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)

• New York Giants – With four Super Bowl victories (1986, 1990, 2007, 2011), the Giants are beloved in northern and central New Jersey. They play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, a short trip from Toms River.
• New York Jets – Though they’ve only won one Super Bowl in 1969 with quarterback Joe Namath, the Jets maintain a strong and loyal fan base in New Jersey and New York.
• Philadelphia Eagles – Loved across South Jersey, the Eagles are a major presence in Toms River. With a devoted fan base, the team has won one Super Bowl (2017) and three NFL Championships.

⚽ Soccer – New York Red Bulls, New York City FC & Philadelphia Union (MLS)

• New York Red Bulls – Based in Harrison, NJ, the Red Bulls are the closest MLS team to Toms River. They have had consistent success in making playoff appearances but are still chasing their first MLS Cup title.
• New York City FC – Founded in 2013, NYCFC shares Yankee Stadium as their home venue and won their first MLS Cup in 2021. They’ve quickly built a strong base of supporters in the region.
• Philadelphia Union – Playing at Subaru Park in Chester, PA, the Union have become a top club in MLS, finishing as MLS Cup runners-up in 2022 and winning the Supporters' Shield in 2020.

🏒 Hockey – New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, New York Islanders & Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)

• New Jersey Devils – Based in nearby Newark, the Devils are the closest NHL team to Toms River. They’ve won three Stanley Cups (1995, 2000, 2003) and have a deeply rooted fan base across the state.
• New York Rangers – One of the NHL’s Original Six teams, the Rangers have a rich history with four Stanley Cups, most recently in 1994. Despite playing in New York, they are popular among New Jersey residents.
• New York Islanders – With four consecutive Stanley Cup wins from 1980 to 1983, the Islanders are a historic New York team that many Toms River fans support as well.
• Philadelphia Flyers – A favorite in South Jersey, Flyers fans in Toms River share a fierce rivalry with Devils and Rangers fans. The team has won two Stanley Cups (1974, 1975).

Toms River, NJ is a charming town along the Jersey Shore known for its vibrant community, scenic beauty, and unique ties to American culture. Whether you're a local or a visitor, here are some fun facts about Toms River that might surprise you:

1. TV Fame – Toms River got national attention as the hometown for multiple cast members on MTV’s Jersey Shore.
2. Little League Legends – Toms River East won the Little League World Series in 1998, putting the town on the map for baseball fans everywhere.
3. Ghost Stories – Toms River is home to some seriously haunted spots, including the famous Mathis House, making it a local hotspot for ghost hunters.
4. Movie Magic – Scenes from the 1989 cult horror film The Toxic Avenger Part II were filmed right in Toms River.
5. Aquarium Neighbors – Just minutes away in Seaside Heights, you’ll find the Jenkinson’s Aquarium, often visited by Toms River families.
6. Famous Resident – Pop singer Charlie Puth grew up in Toms River, and even performed at local schools before hitting the big stage.
7. Waterways Galore – The town gets its name from the Toms River waterway that flows through it, where boating and fishing are popular pastimes.
8. A Forest in Town – Part of the Pine Barrens lies in Toms River, giving locals a taste of wilderness and nature trails right nearby.
9. Rebuilt Community – Hit hard by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Toms River showed incredible strength and unity by rebuilding neighborhoods and shorelines.
10. Downtown Delight – The downtown area boasts a theater from the 1920s called the Grunin Center, which still hosts live performances and community events.