If you’re standing on the bridge looking out at the Great Egg Harbor Bay, it’s easy to get turned around. You've got Ocean City’s dry beaches to the south and the neon glow of Atlantic City to the northeast. So, what county is Somers Point NJ in? Honestly, it’s a question that trips up plenty of people visiting the Jersey Shore for the first time.
Basically, Somers Point is in Atlantic County. It isn't just "in" the county, though. It’s the literal gateway to it. If you’re driving down from Philly or New York, this is where the inland pine barrens finally give way to that salty, marshy air we all pay way too much in property taxes to breathe.
The Oldest Settlement in Atlantic County
You might think Atlantic City is the big dog in this area, but Somers Point actually holds the title for being the oldest European settlement in what is now Atlantic County. We’re talking way back to 1693.
A guy named John Somers bought the land from a guy named Thomas Budd. Back then, they called it "Somerset Plantation." It’s kinda wild to think about, but before Atlantic County even existed as a legal entity in 1837, this whole area was actually part of Gloucester County.
You've probably heard of the Richard Somers—the naval hero who blew himself up in Tripoli harbor during the Barbary Wars? Yeah, that’s the family. The Somers Mansion, built between 1720 and 1726, still stands there on Shore Road. It’s the oldest house in the county, and if you’ve never walked through it, you’re missing out on some serious "creaky floorboard" history.
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Why People Get the County Mixed Up
The confusion usually happens because of the bridges.
Somers Point borders Cape May County. When you cross the Route 52 bridge (officially the Howard S. Stainton Memorial Causeway), you leave Somers Point and land right in Ocean City. Since Ocean City is the "dry" town everyone knows, and Somers Point is the "wet" town where everyone goes to grab a drink, people often assume they’re in the same county.
They aren't.
- Somers Point: Atlantic County. (Liquor licenses? Yes. Fun bars? Plenty.)
- Ocean City: Cape May County. (Dry town. No alcohol. More boardwalk fries.)
It’s a symbiotic relationship, really. One provides the family-friendly beach vibes; the other provides the nightlife and the best wings in South Jersey.
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Life in the 08244: What It’s Actually Like
By 2026 standards, Somers Point has managed to stay a "year-round" town while so many others have turned into ghost towns in the winter. The population hovers around 10,600 people. It’s small, but it’s dense. You can basically bike the whole city in twenty minutes if you’re moving fast enough.
The local government is run out of the City Hall on West New Jersey Avenue. If you’re looking into real estate here, you’ll be dealing with the Atlantic County Clerk’s office for your deed, but your local property taxes go straight to the Somers Point tax collector.
The "Shore Starts Here" Mentality
The city’s motto is "The Shore Starts Here," and they mean it. Unlike the massive high-rises in AC, Somers Point is mostly single-family homes and bayfront condos. It’s a blue-collar town that got a "cool" makeover over the last decade.
Where to Actually Go in Somers Point
If you’re just here to find out what county Somers Point is in so you can settle a bet, great. But if you’re actually visiting, you need to know where the locals go. Forget the tourist traps.
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- The Anchorage Tavern: This place is legendary. It’s been around since the late 1800s. If you want a cold beer and a massive plate of scallops or a solid burger, this is the spot. It feels like a time capsule in the best way possible.
- Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar: They claim to be the birthplace of "Taco Tuesday." Is it true? Who knows, but the tacos are legit and the vibe is always high-energy.
- The Point (Tiki Bar): If it’s summer and you aren't at The Point, you’re doing it wrong. It’s a massive outdoor tiki bar with sand floors and live bands. It’s the closest you’ll get to the Caribbean while looking at the Great Egg Harbor Bay.
- Kennedy Park: Best sunset in Atlantic County. Period. It overlooks the water and the bridges. Grab a coffee from a local shop and just sit there.
Practical Logistics for Visitors
Atlantic County has some quirks. If you’re driving, you’re likely using the Garden State Parkway (Exit 29 or 30).
If you’re looking for the hospital, Shore Medical Center is the big landmark in town. It’s a major employer and honestly one of the reasons the local economy stays so stable compared to towns that rely 100% on tourism.
Taxes and Government
For the nerds or the new residents:
- County Seat: Mays Landing (That’s where the "big" government offices are).
- Zip Code: 08244.
- School District: Somers Point School District (Jordan Road School and Dawes Avenue School) for K-8, then kids usually head to Mainland Regional High School in Linwood.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
Don't just drive through. If you want to experience the "real" Somers Point, do these three things:
- Visit the Somers Mansion: It’s free (usually), and the view from the hill is the same view the Somers family had 300 years ago. It puts things in perspective.
- Walk the Bike Path: The Somers Point bike path connects to Linwood and Northfield. It’s a straight shot through the "mainland" and gives you a feel for the local neighborhoods.
- Check the Concert Schedule: In the summer, the city puts on free beach concerts at William Morrow Beach. It’s peak Atlantic County culture—bring a lawn chair, a cooler, and listen to a Springsteen cover band while the tide comes in.
Knowing what county Somers Point is in is the first step; actually grabbing a drink at a bayfront bar while the sun hits the water is the goal.
Next Steps for You:
Check the local Somers Point municipal website for the current summer concert lineup or visit the Atlantic County Clerk's portal if you're looking for specific property records or historical documents related to the Somers family lineage.