Downtown Neptune City - Neptune, NJ

Known as "the crossroads of the Jersey Shore," Neptune City has seen tremendous growth in technology in the last decade. Incorporated in 1881, the borough broke apart from Avon by the Sea and Bradley Beach to become its own borough.

The Township of Ocean Historical Museum promotes awareness and education on the heritage of the Jersey Shore with its permanent exhibits. A smattering of changing displays throughout the year liven up the old standbys and gives fresh glimpses into the region's history.

Historic Allaire Village serves to educate the public on 19th Century life at the historic Howell Works Company, an iron producing community once housed on the premises. The guides take you for a tour through the historic buildings, immersing you in the lifestyle of 1836.

Route 35 is dotted with shops, big box stores, and restaurants. Entertainment options are abundant with nearby Asbury Park's upscale haunts and neighboring Belmar's raucous nightlife. Though there are some star joints to be found right in downtown Neptune City.

Pete and Elda's Bar and Carmen's Pizzeria serves up a crispy, cheesy, thin crust bar pie said to be the best in the Jersey Shore area. This landmark local favorite and its laid back atmosphere coupled with service with a smile keeps customers coming back for more. Earn yourself a free t-shirt and join the "Whole Pie Eaters Club" by polishing off an entire XXL pizza by yourself. Beers and mixed drinks are served up at the huge 36 person bar and an extensive menu of salads, sandwiches, and pastas are available. The restaurant stays packed throughout the year, so be sure you get there early to beat the crowds.

While the facade of the building may look otherwise, Brennen's Steakhouse rivals the best steakhouses in New York City and comes with a smaller price tag. Obvious attention goes into the chef's creations and the quality of the steaks and heaping portions are testament to that. A live piano player makes for a romantic ambiance and gives the place a nostalgic feel. The bar hosts a generous happy hour with drink specials and a three course early bird dinner all at a price that cant be beat.

Going out for a beer requires only a short walk to Kelly's Tavern, the local standby Irish pub. Kelly serves a mixture of Irish classics like potato soup and fish and chips alongside bar favorites such as chicken wings and juicy burgers. A large bar serves up cold beers and mixed drinks and has outdoor seating serving beer buckets for those hot summer months. If you drink too much on Saturday night? Come back Sunday morning for a Bloody Mary and breakfast. Brunch starts at 7am.

NJ Transit offers local bus service and the nearest train station can be found in nearby Asbury Park. Uber does not have service but the area has taxi options with call ahead service remaining a necessity.

The highways of Interstate 95 and 295 and the Garden State Parkway are a 15 minute drive away, making getting on the road a piece of cake. Since the neighborhood is mostly residential, biking and walking it make for feasible options.

The City of Neptune owns four free public parks with Memorial Park having beach side picnic areas, children's playground, boccee ball courts and a sunbathing beach. While small, it provides smaller crowds during the peak summer months when the tourists flock in to take over the beaches.

Adams's Field comes with a walking track, baseball fields, basketball courts, street hockey pad and gazebo with picnic area. Visitors will find runners, bikers and other fitness enthusiasts taking advantage of the track while the kids are playing the field or on the park.

For a dog friendly park, the 8th Avenue Dog Beach in nearby Asbury features a section of the beach where dogs can roam free between the hours of 6pm and 8am. Dogs aren't allowed on any other part of the beach or boardwalk.

The tight knit community organizes a summer camp every summer for the kids as well as a summer concert series at Memorial Park. Community members bring lawn chairs and listen to local musicians play along the waterside.

The cost of living runs 11 percent higher than the New Jersey average, with a one bedroom apartment rental rate averaging $1085.02.

Getting to New York City's Penn Station will cost $16 one-way and the ride will set you back a few hours. A beer will run you $6 a pop allowing more cash for a second. The cost of gas runs about 8% lower than the state average, making driving an affordable and quicker alternative to public transportation.

Along Route 35 is an eclectic mix of shops, chain stores and restaurants as you head closer to the Jersey Shore. Forever Useful Furniture & Finds houses both new and used furniture alongside one of a kind works of art, home decor items, and accessories ranging from elegant to shabby chic. Services include repainting and repurposing old furniture no longer in use. The boutique sets itself up like a home but with all of the items up for grabs.

Redeem-Her, a non profit that helps women transition from jail to a new way of life runs the Second Chances Thrift Store. Founded and operated by formerly incarcerated women, the shop carries a wide selection of your typical thrift store finds of 70's ringer tees, cassette players from the 90's, and even furniture items. The shelves and racks are chock full of finds, so time is necessary to peruse through the merchandise. It's worth it, you'll be the only one wearing a vintage Mickey Mouse t-shirt that cost a quarter.

When a trip to the grocery store becomes necessary, Super Stop and Shop serves the area. Their Scan It system streamlines and simplifies the shopping experience. Pick up the handheld device before your shopping trip, scan and bag items as you shop then head to the checkout to pay. Delivery and grocery pick up services also make for a convenient shopping encounter.

Asbury Fresh located in nearby Asbury Park hosts a farmers market during the warmer months. Local produce, handmade goods and loads of smiles make this market one of the best in the area. Carrying everything from vegan cupcakes to handmade jewelry, the market has a strong local following in the community.