Belmar versus Manasquan (Point Pleasant, Wildwood, Seaside Heights: rental, house, live)

[gqcaesar]

Hi everyone,

I am from NYC. I am male, and 25. I grew up with limited exposure to the jersey shore, except that I know Belmar and Manasquan are popular among my friends. When i visit them I get great food, and a lively bar/club scene. I want to rent next summer!

My friends in manasquan say that it is better--more diverse, more friendly, less police action towards renters/tourists. My friends in Belmar respectfully disagree, and say their beach is cleaner, and the nightlife is better. In my limited experiences, I'd say the people I met in Manasquan (as in fellow renters) were nicer and more open. Is that the general reputation? Or did I just run into morons in Belmar?

Is Manasquan cheaper than Belmar? If not, and prices are equal, which is better, if taking quality into consideration? I don't want an arrest record just because I cough on my porch. But I also want to have fun. I'll be honest--I expect to go out, meet people, and drink. Please advise.

THANKS!!

[tommyc_37]

I believe rental prices are similar in the 2 towns. Both towns have similar vibes...there are lots of families and lots of 20-somethings. Both have good nightlife. I read an article that Belmar is getting very strict with partying renters.

[gqcaesar]

interesting, didn't the mayor of the town also get in trouble for being cheeky with staten islanders? lol That actually endears him to me a little, to be honest.

[johnfrisco]

Belmar is the ultimate NJ Shore party town. But it can be a bit rough with all the meat-head guidos. And yes the people are not as friendly as Manasquan. And the police force is tough. Both of your groups of friends are correct. It just comes down to how hard you want to party.

[mikieguns]

different scenes. Manasquan - more laid back, 20 - somethings, beach / surfing scene, nice decent beach bars w/ bands for nightlife.

bellmar - less nightlife but a couple decent places, more "clubby", more "meatheads", more a "see and be seen" beach scene

[kungfulou]

belmar has a HUGE police crackdown this year. the fun is being sucked out of the town and I really can't blame them. they've closed the main clubs on the beach strip and the last one left (djays)I have from a very reliable source, is going to get the wrecking ball next. Don't know much about Squan this year. I never cared for it there to be honest.

[jy_2007]

Originally Posted by mikieguns

different scenes. Manasquan - more laid back, 20 - somethings, beach / surfing scene, nice decent beach bars w/ bands for nightlife.

bellmar - less nightlife but a couple decent places, more "clubby", more "meatheads", more a "see and be seen" beach scene

what he said.

Beware though - form what i hear, because of the huge police crackdown, a lot of the guidos are making their way down to manasquan.

[gqcaesar]

I expect to see some guidos in Jersey. At least they keep the restaurants open =). But it's looking like if I want just some rather than ALL, I might have to do manasquan

[Spincycle]

Originally Posted by johnfrisco

Belmar is the ultimate NJ Shore party town. But it can be a bit rough with all the meat-head guidos.

Are you confusing it with Seaside Heights?

Originally Posted by johnfrisco

And yes the people are not as friendly as Manasquan.

How does Pt. Pleasant rate for friendliness? That place seems sort of "uptight" at times.

[P0ckets]

Being from this area I would suggest neither, your best bet for a summer rental is probably Point Pleasant or any town south of that. Belmar, and Manasquan are more of a "local" area and will usually have more police activity and aggression from the locals. Areas like Point Pleasant, Seaside, Wildwood, LBI, and others are areas to the south are more "tourist friendly". Those areas usually have great night lifes, tons of bars, good beaches, house parties everywhere, and limited interferance by police.