Part 1: The Jersey Shore’s Economic Engine – How tourism, real estate, and seasonal businesses make the Shore vital to New Jersey’s economy, and why rising waters put billions at risk.
For generations, the Jersey Shore has been New Jersey’s pride and joy — a stretch of coastline where summer vacations, bustling boardwalks, and thriving small businesses create memories and drive billions of dollars into the state’s economy. From Cape May’s historic charm to the nightlife of Seaside Heights and the family-friendly energy of Point Pleasant, the Shore isn’t just a seasonal escape. It’s one of the Garden State’s most important economic lifelines.
But that economic engine now runs under a cloud of uncertainty. As climate change accelerates, the very foundation of the Shore’s prosperity — its beaches, boardwalks, and coastal communities — is under increasing threat. The paradox is that protecting this vital economy requires massive investments, yet the cost of those defenses grows more staggering every year.
Tourism: The Lifeblood of the Shore
Tourism is at the heart of the Shore’s value. Every summer, millions of visitors pour into beach towns, filling hotels, renting summer homes, eating at restaurants, and spending at arcades, shops, and attractions.
- In a strong year, Shore tourism contributes billions of dollars to New Jersey’s economy.
- Seasonal employment surges, providing jobs for students, hospitality workers, and local residents.
- The hospitality sector thrives, from iconic boardwalk eateries to fine dining in coastal towns.
This seasonal boom isn’t just about fun in the sun — it fuels the state’s tax base and supports year-round businesses. Yet all of it depends on healthy beaches, accessible boardwalks, and resilient infrastructure. Without those, the very draw of the Shore could erode.
Real Estate and Property Value
The real estate market at the Shore is another pillar of the economy. Beachfront properties command some of the highest prices in the state, and demand for vacation rentals remains strong. Municipalities benefit from property taxes that fund schools, emergency services, and local infrastructure.
But coastal flooding, storm damage, and erosion threaten property values. Homeowners face not only the physical risk of flooding but also rising insurance premiums and questions about long-term stability. If properties begin to lose value due to environmental risks, the ripple effects could shake entire communities.
Seasonal Businesses and Local Economies
Beyond the big-picture numbers, the Shore supports countless small businesses that depend on the ebb and flow of summer visitors. Ice cream shops, surf schools, fishing charters, amusement parks, and boutique stores all rely on a few critical months to sustain their operations year-round.
Climate-related disruptions — from flooded streets to damaged boardwalks — can wipe out peak-season revenue. For these small businesses, a single storm can mean the difference between survival and closure.
A Fragile but Vital Engine
The Jersey Shore’s economy is both powerful and fragile. It thrives on a steady rhythm of summer crowds, real estate investment, and small business resilience. Yet it is uniquely vulnerable to climate change’s rising waters and mounting costs.
Protecting this economic powerhouse means more than preserving sandy beaches — it means safeguarding the livelihoods of tens of thousands of New Jersey residents and sustaining the communities that define the Shore.
Looking Ahead
As this series continues, we’ll explore the growing climate threats facing the Jersey Shore in Part 2, including the costly but essential defenses needed to keep the shoreline open for business. In Part 3, we’ll hear from the people living on the front lines — residents and business owners navigating the paradox in their everyday lives.
Explore more about the future of the Jersey Shore as we dive deeper into this critical issue.
Part 3: Community Voices and the Future – Stories from residents, business owners, and local leaders navigating high-tide flooding, funding challenges, and hopes for sustainable solutions.
