OCNJ Local Home of the Week: Coastal Charm and Ocean Views Await at 5132 Central Avenue
For those who cherish days with toes in the sand and the distant sound of waves, this week’s featured property is a true dream. Located in Ocean City’s desirable and tranquil South End, 5132 Central Avenue combines classic beach house appeal, a prime setting, and great potential for the future.
Listed at $1,199,900, this active single-family home offers a unique chance to own a piece of paradise just steps from the island’s quietest shoreline.
Beach Block Living at Its Finest
Location is key in a beach town, and this charming three-story home fits the bill flawlessly. Situated on the beach block, it’s close enough to hear the surf and walk to the sand in under a minute, all without crossing a busy street.
Step past the two-car parking pad and concrete driveway to find a home designed around the indoor-outdoor Shore lifestyle. The first floor opens into a bright and spacious living room framed by elegant hardwood and tile flooring. Perfect for entertaining after a long day in the sun, the main level features an eat-in kitchen fully equipped with a gas range and refrigerator, alongside a convenient powder room.
Beach Block Location
The outdoor spaces truly make the first floor special. The home features front and rear decks, highlighted by a beautiful, expansive wraparound front deck. It’s an ideal place for enjoying morning coffee, feeling refreshing coastal breezes, and appreciating scenic water views.
On the second floor, the layout shifts to a space designed for rest and relaxation, featuring three spacious, sunlit bedrooms and a beautifully finished full bathroom. The highlight of this level is the bedroom with a private, picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for waking up to sunrise over the water.
Beach Block Location
For buyers wanting to increase equity or personalize their beach retreat, the third floor offers a significant advantage. This space, currently used as a large storage attic, holds great potential. You can transform it into a spacious fourth bedroom, an additional family room, or a kids’ playroom. Its structure is ready to support your vision.
Third Floor Living Space
Completing the property’s classic features is a must-have for any waterman or beach enthusiast: a large outdoor shower to rinse off salt and sand before going inside. With efficient wall unit air conditioning, low-maintenance vinyl siding, and historic charm that is becoming rare, 5132 Central Ave is ready for move-in this summer.
Kitchen
For a savvy buyer or investor, 5132 Central Avenue is more than just a charming summer retreat; it’s an opportunity to build equity. Homes on the highly sought-after South End beach block are limited, and with an asking price of $1,199,900, the potential for appreciation is substantial. By undertaking a modern renovation, updating finishes, and transforming the extensive third-story attic into a primary suite or bunk room, the home’s square footage and layout can be significantly enhanced. In a premium neighborhood where fully renovated single-family beach block homes fetch top prices, these strategic improvements could lead to notable increases in property value. Additionally, increasing the number of bedrooms and modernizing the interior will significantly enhance its weekly rental income potential, making it a valuable asset in Ocean City’s thriving summer rental market.
Property Snapshot
- Address: 5132 Central Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226
- Price: $1,199,900
- MLS Number: 609508
- Bedrooms: 3 (plus expandable 3rd floor)
- Bathrooms: 1 Full, 1 Half
- Style: 3-Story Single Family
- Lot Dimensions: 20 x 100
- Key Features: Beach block location, wraparound deck, ocean views, outside shower, multi-car parking.
For more information or to schedule a tour, reach out to Pete Madden, broker/owner, at Goldcoast Sotheby’s International Realty.
Phone: 609-513-4781
Email: Pete@petemadden.com
Location: 200 34th St, Ocean City, NJ 08226
South End of Ocean City: Local FAQ
Since 5132 Central Avenue is located beyond 51st Street, it enjoys the relaxed, unique vibe that characterizes the southern tip of the island. Here’s what makes the South End so special:
What makes the South End different from the rest of Ocean City?
The North End and Downtown are lively with the Boardwalk, shopping areas, and busy streets, while the South End remains mainly residential, calm, and quiet. The beaches in the South End are broader, less crowded, and bordered by scenic dune systems, providing a peaceful, traditional beach town atmosphere.
Are there restaurants and amenities nearby, or is it strictly residential?
Although it’s much quieter, you’re not isolated. The 55th Street corporate district is just a few blocks away, offering easy access to local favorites such as Sack O’ Subs, Mallon’s Famous Sticky Buns, a hardware store, ice cream shops, and small markets. You enjoy the tranquility of a secluded neighborhood combined with the convenience of nearby eateries.
How close is the property to Corson’s Inlet State Park?
Very close! 5132 Central Ave is just a few blocks north of Corson’s Inlet State Park, which is at the island’s southern tip. This area is a valuable natural resource for locals, featuring pristine hiking trails through dunes, boat launches, excellent saltwater fishing, and superb opportunities for wildlife viewing and sunset photography.
What is the parking situation like in the South End?
Unlike the busy town center with parking meters and narrow streets, the South End provides a more relaxed atmosphere. Property 5132 Central features a private concrete driveway for two cars, giving you and your guests a guaranteed parking spot even on busy July weekends.
Is this area a good rental market?
Certainly. The South End is a popular choice for multi-generational families looking for spacious single-family homes or peaceful condos for a relaxing weekly getaway. As a beach-block single-family home with ocean views, this property offers strong appeal for high-end summer rentals, should the new owners choose to list it.
