With its advantageous location, Fair Haven is a popular suburb for those who want to enjoy Manhattan’s big-city thrills and the rest of New Jersey’s Shore Region. But a bedroom community Fair Haven isn’t. And though it’s a small borough, the community has lots to offer, from local dining to land and water recreation.
FAIR HAVEN 101
Fair Haven is one of the primary boroughs in Monmouth County, spread along a section of Navesink River’s southern banks. Red Bank and Rumson flank Fair Haven on both sides, and if you follow the river west, you’ll find Sea Bright and a string of Atlantic beaches.
Over the years, Fair Haven became synonymous to wealth. The borough was, after all, mentioned in several publications as one of the most expensive zip codes in the Garden State. But more than anything, Fair Haven is a quiet community where residents love to spend their free days on a beach or out sailing in the open water.
Fair Haven, then and now
Fair Haven was formally incorporated in 1912, but its origins can be traced back to 1816. One of the earliest structures in the area was built that year by Jeremiah Chandler, along modern-day Fair Haven Road.
A small community grew on that riverbank, so much so that by the 1850s, steamboats from Red Bank made frequent stops at the local dock– Chandler’s Dock, they called it. Oyster traders came and went, as did tourists. The town eventually became a part of the larger Shrewsbury Township until its incorporation in 1912.
Today, Fair Haven encompasses just over 2 sq. mi. of riverfront land and a population of approximately 6,000 residents.
LIVING IN FAIR HAVEN, NJ: WHAT TO EXPECT
How much does it cost?
The cost of living in Fair Haven, NJ is approximately 14% higher than the national average. Expect to pay a premium, from housing options to food and utilities.
- As of January 2024, the median listing sold price in Fair Haven is approximately $1.3 million while the median listing price is $1.6 million, which shows a 10.7% year-on-year increase. As for rentals, monthly rent ranges from $3,700 to $8,000 based on current listings.
- Utilities in Fair Haven cost 10% higher than the national average. This includes energy, gas, telecommunications, and transportation.
What is the weather like?
Being a community in the Atlantic Coast, Fair Haven and the rest of Monmouth County experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers in town are generally hot and humid– always an excuse to go out to the beach or out on your boat – while winters are often mild to cool.
Temperatures can soar to the high 80s in July and August and then dip to the low 20s from December to January. Snowfall typically occurs from January through March as well as during the last two months of the year.
How do you get in and around Fair Haven?
Although Fair Haven doesn’t have any direct access to major roadways (such as interstates and state highways), the borough is fairly well-connected to the rest of Monmouth County and Manhattan. There are over 24 mi. of established roads in Fair Haven, with River Road or County Route 10 being the main one that runs through town. NJ Transit serves Fair Haven primarily through the 835 route via neighboring Red Bank.
If you’re driving to Manhattan, the drive roughly takes 1 hour and 30 minutes via Garden State Parkway, I-95 S, and I-278 W. Alternatively, you can take a scenic trip by hopping on a fast ferry from Belford, Highlands, or Atlantic Highlands, to name a few options. These places are served by cruises such as SeaStreak, which has been in operation since 1969. You can check out the ferry rates and schedules here.
What are the top schools in the area?
Fair Haven Public Schools runs two public schools in the borough: Viola L. Sickles School (pre-kindergarten to grade 3) and Knollwood School (grades 4 to 8). Meanwhile, high school students living in Fair Haven, NJ attend Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, which is less than 10 minutes away from the town center.
There are also several private schools located near Fair Haven. These include The Rumson Country Day School (Rumson, NJ), Jersey Shore Free School (Little Silver, NJ), and Red Bank Catholic High School (Red Bank, NJ).
What is the housing market like in Fair Haven?
Despite Fair Haven’s size, there is a wide variety of homes available in the market. From historic to brand-new, right in town or by the river, you’ll find a property that fits your lifestyle needs and preferences just right. To get a better look at Fair Haven, NJ real estate, we recommend using our advanced Property Search tool.
LIVING IN FAIR HAVEN, NJ: LIFESTYLE & RECREATION
Go on a river cruise, play a round of golf, spend an entire day at the beach– these are just some of the best activities offered in and around Fair Haven.
The best restaurants in Fair Haven
One of the things to love about living in Fair Haven is the easy access to excellent dining options, whether you’re after a casual dining experience or something fancy. But the following restaurants represent the best of the local culinary scene:
- Raven & the Peach at Fair Haven Commons, renowned for its 5-star fine dining and live music entertainment. As of date, the main dining rooms are currently open for private events only. But you can still sample some of their elegant specialties for lunch at The Raven Tea Room.
- Nauvoo Grill Club at 121 Fair Haven Road, where you’re treated to a menu filled to the brim with modern American offerings, from pasta to seafood and meat. Friday and Saturday nights are extra special in this restaurant, as diners are serenaded by grand piano music while they eat.
- Dos Banditos along River Road has long cemented its reputation as one of– if not the– best Mexican joint in Fair Haven and perhaps even Monmouth County. As soon as you step inside the restaurant, you’ll be greeted by aromas wafting off house specialties such as beef milanesa with salad on the side and chicken breast with mole poblano.
- Lupo Pizzeria, also located along River Road, is a family-owned restaurant that specializes in artisanal pizza pies you probably can’t get anywhere else– except their other location in West Long Branch. There is no debate here over whether New York or Detroit reigns supreme: you can feast on both pizza styles at Lupo. The restaurant also prides itself for only using locally sourced ingredients, antibiotic-free chicken, and cage-free pasteurized eggs.
- Jack’s Goal Line Stand at 583 River Road is the go-to sports restaurant in Fair Haven, with about 50 flat-screen TVs broadcasting the day’s games and matches. Take your spot at one of the three bars in the restaurant to watch the game you’ve been waiting for and order any of the 60 beers available on tap.
Essential attractions
Fair Haven (and the rest of Monmouth County) is immensely proud of its history and heritage– two things you can explore further by visiting the following spots in the area:
- The Bicentennial Hall, which is currently recognized as the oldest building in Fair Haven. Built in 1882, it originally served as the Fisk Chapel and the social heart of the town’s first free African-American community. Noted for its Carpenter Gothic architecture, it remains one of the few buildings in Fair Haven to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Navesink Twin Lights, located approximately 7 mi. from Fair Haven, showcases the naval heritage of the region. The entire park, including the on-site museum, is open to the public free of charge to further encourage visitors to explore all of the exhibits. Additionally, the Twin Lights park has several picnic facilities overlooking lower New York Bay.
- The Old Village, a historic district that occupies three blocks along River Road and the Navesink. Here, you can find some of Fair Haven’s best-preserved cottages and homes dating back to the 19th century. Many of these properties function as private residences, so do be mindful when exploring the neighborhood.
- The T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center in Red Bank, nearly 3 mi. away from Fair Haven, served as the residence of T. Thomas Fortune, who broke the shackles of slavery and went on to become a prominent journalist and publisher during the 19th and 20th centuries. Cultural events are periodically held in the center, but its main attractions are its permanent exhibits.
Rest and recreation
Are you also a boating enthusiast? Or do you prefer activities where both of your feet are firmly planted on solid ground? Fair Haven and its surrounding areas offer various recreational opportunities on and off land.
Boating and sailing
You can launch your boat out to the Navesink River from three locations: the municipal ramp, Fair Haven Yacht Works, and Shrewsbury River Yacht Club. The municipal ramp, which is open from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., requires permits from anyone who wants to launch their watercraft there (see: Fair Haven municipal boat ramp guidelines).
Fair Haven Yacht Works, nestled further along the riverbank, is a full-service marina with 80 boat slips that can accommodate watercraft as big as 55′ in length. You can purchase monthly or annual packages to dock your boat here; rates are available upon request. But if you prefer more privacy, a membership at the Shrewsbury River Yacht Club (SRYC) is highly recommended. The property has member-exclusive slips and moorings that can be rented on a seasonal basis. SRYC is also home to a historic clubhouse that dates back to the 1920s.
Parks, green spaces, and trails
Just across the Navesink River from Fair Haven is Huber Woods Park, roughly a 10-minute drive from town– or a short boat ride. Covering nearly 400 acres of preserved open space, the park was gifted by the Huber family in 1978. Visitors can explore its park and meadows through eight multi-use trails that criss-cross around the park. And since it’s open all year round, you can observe a variety of seasonal changes.
Closer to home is the Fair Haven Fields Natural Area, a 40-acre natural park with trails that all lead to a central pond. If you want to play or watch some team sports, head to the adjacent playing fields. Together, the natural area and playing fields make up a 77-acre tract of land purchased in 1975 for community use.
Nearby beaches
There’s a small public beach situated near Fair Haven Yacht Works if you want to take a quick dip in the river or sunbathe without leaving town. But if you want a full beach experience, you can drive to Sea Bright (approx. 4.5 mi. away).
Once you reach Ocean Avenue, you can access the beach through seven public entry points. Alternatively, you can visit the Sea Bright Municipal Beach, which offers a number of amenities. A beach badge, however, is required for entry. You can read more about local beach fees, entry points, and other related information here.
EXPERIENCE LIVING IN FAIR HAVEN, NJ FIRSTHAND
Reading about the local lifestyle is one thing; actually living it is another. In due time, you’ll be able to find your own favorite things about living in Fair Haven, NJ, and even discover some hidden gems along the way. It’s one of the pleasures of small-town living!
I’m Mario Venancio, the top real estate agent in Monmouth County and in Fair Haven. I am also a longtime Fair Haven resident. Let me help you take the right steps to homeownership in the beautiful coastal community of Fair Haven, NJ. Get in touch today by calling 732.881.4306 or by sending an email.