Wildwood Crest
cityWildwood Crest is a family-friendly borough located in Cape May County, New Jersey, at the southern end of the Wildwoods barrier island. Known for its wide, white-sand beaches and views of Sunset Lake, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to its lively neighbor, Wildwood. The borough's population was 3,101 as of the 2020 Census, and a projected 3,069 in 2026. Wildwood Crest's economy is largely centered around tourism, with many businesses operating seasonally. Key employment sectors include educational services, professional, scientific, and technical services, and retail trade. The borough is also known for its collection of mid-century "Doo Wop" or Googie-style motels, a distinctive architectural style from the 1950s and 1960s. What sets Wildwood Crest apart is its commitment to a peaceful, family-oriented environment. It is a "dry town," meaning alcohol sales are prohibited. The borough also provides free public access to its guarded ocean beaches.
Wildwood Crest, New Jersey
- Classification
- Borough
- FIPS Code
- 3400981200
- Country
- United States
- County
- Cape May County
- Region
- Ocean City metropolitan statistical area; Philadelphia-Wilmington-Camden, PA-NJ-DE-MD combined statistical area; Delaware Valley; Philadelphia metropolitan area; South Jersey
- Elevation
- 3 ft
- Total Area
- 1.48 sq mi
- Land Area
- 1.3 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.19 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.97
- Longitude
- -74.83
- Climate
- Humid subtropical climate with hot, moderately humid summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from 27°F to 87°F.
- Notable Features
- Atlantic Ocean · Sunset Lake · Piping Plover Habitat
- Neighboring Areas
- Diamond Beach (Lower Township) · Wildwood · Atlantic Ocean
- Population (2020)
- 3,101
- Est. Population (2024)
- 3,077
- Median Age
- 63.7
- Median Income
- $69,089
- Poverty Rate
- 9.62%
- Family Households
- 61.3%
- Owner-Occupied
- 79.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Wildwood Crest includes 95.5% White, 2.5% Two or More Races, and 1.5% Black or African American.
- Government Type
- Walsh Act
- Governing Body
- Board of Commissioners
- Body Size
- 3 members
- School District
- Wildwood Crest School District
- Municipal Services
- Police Department · Fire Department · Public Works · Recreation Department
- Economic Profile
- Tourism-based · Residential
- Employment Sectors
- Educational Services · Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Retail Trade
- Schools
- 1
- Students
- 230
- Teachers
- 34
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 6.7:1
- School Districts
- Wildwood Crest School District · Wildwood Public School District (for high school)
- Transportation
- County Route 621 (Pacific Avenue/New Jersey Avenue) · NJ Transit Bus Service
- Utilities
- Municipal Water
- Major Facilities
- Joseph Von Savage Memorial Pool
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Sunset Lake · Crest Pier · Wildwood Crest Beach
- Parks & Trails
- Sunset Lake and Turtle Gut Park · Scoop Taylor Park · Higbee Field Park
- Founded
- 1904
- Incorporated
- 1910
- Named After
- Wild flowers in the area
- Historical Significance
- Known for its unique collection of "Doo Wop" architecture and as a family-friendly resort destination.
- Key Events
- Incorporated as a borough on April 6, 1910 · Developed by Philip Baker as a southern extension of Wildwood · Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet (June 29, 1776)