You’re driving south on the Garden State Parkway. Salt air starts hitting the vents. You see the signs for the bridges. But honestly, if you stopped ten people at a rest stop and asked them what county is Ocean City NJ in, you’d probably get three different answers.
People guess Atlantic County because it’s right next to Atlantic City. Some guess Monmouth because they’re thinking of the North Jersey shore. But the actual answer is Cape May County.
Ocean City is basically the northern gateway to Cape May County. It sits on a barrier island, tucked between the Great Egg Harbor Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a dry town—meaning no alcohol sales—which is a huge part of its identity, but geographically, it’s the crown jewel of the Cape May region.
The Geography Confusion: Cape May vs. Atlantic County
It’s easy to see why people get tripped up. Ocean City is literally separated from Atlantic County by a single bridge. If you’re standing on the north end of the island near the Longport Bridge, you are looking directly at Atlantic County. Walk across that bridge, and you’ve left Cape May County behind.
Geography is funny like that.
Cape May County is shaped like a peninsula. It’s the southernmost point of New Jersey. While Ocean City is the most populous year-round city in the county, it’s tucked way up at the top. Most people associate Cape May County with the town of Cape May itself—the one with the Victorian houses and the lighthouse at the very tip of the state. Because Ocean City feels so different from the wild party vibes of Atlantic City or the historic quiet of Cape May Point, it feels like it belongs in its own little world.
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Actually, the "Northern End" of the county is largely defined by the Great Egg Harbor Inlet. This body of water is the official border. When you cross the bridge from Somers Point (Atlantic County) into Ocean City, you are officially entering Cape May County.
Why the County Seat Matters
The county seat of Cape May County isn't Ocean City. It’s Cape May Court House. This is where the legal gears turn. If you’re buying a house on 9th Street or getting a marriage license for a beach wedding, your paperwork lives in Cape May Court House.
It’s a bit of a drive. From the Ocean City boardwalk, you’re looking at about a 20 to 25-minute trek down Route 9 or the Parkway to get to the county offices.
Most locals just call it "the Court House." It’s an unincorporated area within Middle Township. This is a quirk of Jersey life—townships, boroughs, and cities all mashed together. But for Ocean City residents, being part of Cape May County means they share a tax base and a school system infrastructure that is distinctly different from the urban sprawl of Atlantic County.
A Dry Town in a Tourist County
Here is the thing about Cape May County: it’s built on tourism. Billions of dollars flow through these coastal towns every summer. But Ocean City handles it differently than its neighbors.
Since its founding by Methodist ministers in 1879, Ocean City has remained "dry." No bars. No liquor stores. No wine with your dinner at a restaurant unless you bring it from home (and even then, check the specific spot's rules).
This is a Cape May County anomaly.
If you go south to Sea Isle City or Wildwood—both in the same county—the vibe shifts. Wildwood is neon lights and late-night clubs. Sea Isle is famous for its "Noogie’s" and "The Ocean Drive" bar scenes. Ocean City stays the "Family Retreat." The county government has to balance these wildly different municipal identities. They manage the Cape May County Park & Zoo (which is free and incredible, by the way) and the various bridge commissions that keep the islands connected.
The Logistics of Living in Cape May County
Living here isn't just about the beach. It's about the sand. It gets everywhere.
The county provides specific services that Ocean City relies on heavily. The Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority (CMCMUA) handles the trash and recycling. If you've ever seen those big trucks rolling down Asbury Avenue, that's county-level coordination at work.
- Emergency Services: While OCPD is top-notch, the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office provides additional support.
- The Bridges: This is the big one. The Cape May County Bridge Commission operates the toll bridges like the Ocean City-Longport Bridge.
- Mosquito Control: If you’ve ever sat on a porch in Jersey in July, you know why this is the most important government department. They are relentless.
Cape May County is also home to the Cape May County Technical High School. Students from Ocean City often commute down to "Cape May Tech" for specialized vocational training. It creates this weirdly tight-knit community across the whole peninsula. You might live at the north end in OC but spend your weekends at the zoo in the middle of the county or birdwatching at the tip.
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The History of the Cape May County Border
Ocean City wasn't always the powerhouse it is today. Back in the day, the land was mostly used by whale hunters and local indigenous groups like the Lenni Lenape. When the Burleigh and Lake brothers decided to turn it into a Christian seaside resort, they picked this specific spot because it was isolated.
Being in Cape May County provided a buffer.
At the time, the county was mostly farmland and fishing villages. By placing the "Family Retreat" at the very edge of the county, the founders ensured that visitors had to make a conscious effort to get there. It wasn't just a stop on the way to somewhere else. It was the destination.
Even the zip code—08226—is a Cape May County staple.
Comparing the Neighbors
Let's look at the "What County" map for a second.
To the north, you have Atlantic County. That’s Somers Point, Linwood, Northfield, and the big magnet: Atlantic City.
To the west, across the marshes, you have Cumberland County. That’s more rural, lots of glass-making history and farms.
To the south, the rest of Cape May County stretches down to the point.
If Ocean City were in Atlantic County, it would likely have a very different tax structure and political climate. Cape May County tends to lean more conservative in its local governance compared to the more urban-centric Atlantic County. This influences everything from beach replenishment projects to how the boardwalk is patrolled.
Real Estate and the County Influence
If you're looking to buy a "shoobie" house (that's local slang for a vacation home), the county matters for your wallet. Cape May County has some of the highest property values in the state, but because the ratable base is so high—thanks to multi-million dollar beachfront mansions—the actual tax rates can be surprisingly manageable compared to North Jersey.
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Ocean City is the "gold coast" of the county.
The property records are all filed with the Cape May County Clerk. If you're doing a title search for a house on Central Avenue, you're looking at records in the county seat. This shared administrative bond keeps Ocean City anchored to the south, even if many of its summer visitors are coming from Philadelphia or North Jersey.
Surprising Facts About Cape May County
Most people don't realize that Cape May County is actually one of the oldest settled areas in the United States.
- Birding Capital: It’s one of the top spots in the world for migratory bird watching.
- The Zoo: The Cape May County Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country, and it’s funded by the county residents.
- The Pine Barrens: A chunk of the northern part of the county touches the edge of the Pine Barrens, creating a unique ecosystem just miles from the ocean.
Ocean City benefits from all of this. You get the manicured, "America's Greatest Family Resort" boardwalk, but you’re only 15 minutes away from the raw, wild beauty of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge.
Don't Call it "OC" Near Maryland
Here is a pro-tip for your Google searches or when talking to travel agents.
There is another Ocean City. It’s in Maryland.
Ocean City, Maryland, is in Worcester County.
If you tell a local in New Jersey you’re going to "OC," they know you mean the one in Cape May County. But if you’re booking a hotel online, double-check that zip code (08226). People have literally driven four hours in the wrong direction because they didn't realize there were two "Ocean Cities" on the East Coast.
The New Jersey version is much more of a "dry," quiet family spot. The Maryland version has the big high-rise hotels and a much more commercial, party-heavy atmosphere. Knowing the county helps you keep your travel plans straight.
Summary of Essential Information
If you need the quick facts for a school project or a trivia night, here they are.
Ocean City is located in Cape May County, New Jersey.
The county seat is Cape May Court House.
The city is situated on a barrier island known as Peck's Beach.
It is bordered by Atlantic County to the north, separated by the Great Egg Harbor Inlet.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
Knowing the county is the first step, but here is how you actually use that info to have a better trip.
First, download the Cape May County Park & Zoo app or check their schedule. Since it’s a county-run facility, your "status" as a visitor to Ocean City gives you easy access to one of the best free resources in the state. It’s the perfect "rainy day" backup plan when the beach is a wash.
Second, if you’re driving, get an E-ZPass. The bridges connecting the towns in Cape May County—like the one from Ocean City to Strathmere—often have tolls. They are small, but fumbling for change while a line of angry Jersey drivers honks behind you is not a vibe.
Third, check the Cape May County Department of Tourism website before you go. They list events for the entire region. You might be staying in Ocean City, but there could be a massive food truck festival or a craft beer event (since OC is dry!) just ten miles down the road in another part of the county.
Finally, remember that the "County" designation affects the police. If you’re driving on the Garden State Parkway to get to Ocean City, you’re dealing with State Police. Once you’re in town, it’s OCPD. But on many of the county roads (like Bay Avenue in certain stretches), you might see Cape May County Sheriff vehicles. Drive safe, watch the speed limits in the small towns like Marmora and Upper Township, and enjoy the salt air.