Beach Block vs Bayside: Where Should You Buy in Margate?

Margate is only about 1.5 miles long, stretching from the Ventnor line down to Longport. Even so, where you buy along that stretch shapes how you live. A home on the beach block and a home on the bay can feel like two different towns.

How Margate Is Laid Out

Margate sits on Absecon Island between Ventnor and Longport, with the ocean on one side and the bay on the other.

Three main avenues run the full length of town, linked by cross streets:

• Atlantic Avenue, closest to the ocean
• Ventnor Avenue, through the middle of town
• Amherst Avenue, along the bay side

The Beach Block

The beach block is everything between Atlantic Avenue and the sand. You'll find larger single-family homes here, many of them newer construction, along with oceanfront condo buildings. Some properties have ocean views, while others are just a few steps from a beach path.

A few things to think about:

• Price. Being close to the ocean usually comes at a premium.
• Summer traffic. Expect more people walking by and more competition for street parking in season.
• The dunes. After a court battle, the Army Corps of Engineers built protective dunes along Margate's beaches in 2017. Ask how the dune affects the views and beach access for the specific home you're considering.

The Middle of Town

The blocks between Atlantic and Amherst Avenues are everyday Margate. Ventnor Avenue is where you'll find many of the town's shops, cafes, restaurants and services.

Housing here is a mix of single-family homes, two-unit buildings and condos. The beach and the bay are both an easy walk or bike ride away, and you can often get more house for your money.

Try this: walk from the front door to the beach and count the blocks, then walk to the bay. It takes about ten minutes and tells you a lot.

Marven Gardens

Marven Gardens sits right on the Ventnor border, and its name combines Margate and Ventnor. It's bounded by Ventnor, Fredericksburg, Winchester and Brunswick Avenues, and most of its homes were built in the 1920s and 1930s.

The 16-acre district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. It's also the inspiration for "Marvin Gardens" on the Monopoly board, misspelling and all, and it's the only Monopoly property located outside Atlantic City.

If you're planning exterior changes, ask whether any local review applies before you buy.

The Bayside

Life along and near Amherst Avenue means bay sunsets, kayaking, fishing and boating, and some homes come with their own docks and bulkheads.

Amherst Avenue also has a growing bayfront dining scene and a promenade that hosts Fall Funfest by the Bay every September.

The trade-off is tidal and nuisance flooding. Before you make an offer, ask for an elevation certificate, have any bulkhead inspected, and get a flood insurance quote.

Getting to and From the Mainland

The Downbeach Express, the toll bridge and causeway locals call the Margate Bridge, connects Margate to the mainland by way of Jerome Avenue. It's privately operated.

As of June 16, 2026, the toll is $2.00 with an Express Pass and $3.00 in cash. If you'll be heading to the mainland often, living near Jerome Avenue makes the trip easier.

Questions to Ask Before You Pick a Block

• What's the flood zone? Ask for the elevation certificate early.
• What will insurance cost? Get a quote before you go under contract.
• Where will you park? A driveway or garage matters a lot more in July than in October.
• How will you get to the beach? You'll need a seasonal or weekly beach tag in summer, so know where your closest access path is.
• Are you planning to rent it out? Check the city's current rules.
• Have you seen it in the off-season? Visit once in October and again in July.

Tips for Sellers

Play to your location's strengths:

• Beach block: Show buyers the short walk to the sand.
• Mid-island: Highlight how close you are to both the beach and the bay, plus the shops on Ventnor Avenue.
• Marven Gardens: Feature the history and architecture.
• Bayside: Use sunset photos, and show off the dock and the boat.
• Paperwork: Have elevation certificates and records of recent bulkhead or roof work ready to go.

The Takeaway

There's no wrong part of Margate. The right block comes down to how you want to spend your days.

Daniel Rallo knows Margate street by street. Whether you're buying your first shore home or selling one you've owned for years, he can help you find the right fit. Call 609.338.7364 or visit www.DanielRallo.com.