9801 Ventnor Ave

Lucy the Elephant has been standing guard over Margate City's shoreline since 1881, and this six-story tin-skinned landmark still draws visitors from across the country to this quiet stretch of Absecon Island. Tucked between Atlantic City to the northeast and Longport to the southwest, Margate City packs a lot of personality into just two square miles. Ventnor Avenue serves as the commercial spine of town, offering a low-key mix of local eateries and shops, while wide stretches of beach and the calm bay side give residents two completely different ways to enjoy the water. The city feels unhurried compared to its famous neighbor, making it a genuinely appealing place to settle in year-round.

The rental landscape here leans toward condos and single-family rentals rather than large apartment communities, though smaller beachfront and bay-view buildings can be found throughout town.