Whalepond Estates – West Long Branch, NJ

West Long Branch is a borough in the central part of eastern Monmouth County, bordered on the east by Long Branch, the west by Eatontown, the north by Oceanport and the south by Ocean Township.  West Long Branch as a land area of just under three square miles and the population is approximately 8,500.  Contrary to a belief held by many, West Long Branch is not, nor has it ever been, a part of Long Branch.  West Long Branch became a borough in 1908 and it's creation was the result of a tax revolt, so to speak.  Formally part of neighboring Eatontown, the residents of what is now West Long Branch felt they weren't getting fair value from the community for the taxes they paid and began a campaign to secede from Eatontown which ended successfully with an act of the NJ legislature.  While still part of Eatontown, West Long Branch was also called Mechanicsville and Branchburg at various times during the 1800's.

The housing in West Long Branch is primarily single family homes, with ranches and colonials two styles that are readily available.  There are also three condominium communities in town, The Mews of Turtle Mills, Winding Brook and Whispering Meadows.  West Long Branch is considered an affordable place to buy a home, with the average price of a single family home being approximately 25% less than the county average.

West Long Branch has two well regarded public schools.  Lower elementary students attend the Betty McElmon Elementary School, with upper elementary students attending Frank Antonides School and the two schools are next door to each other.  High school students attend Shore Regional High School located in Route 36 in West Long Branch, along with students from Oceanport, Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright.

For beach lovers and boaters, the location is convenient.  Depending on where you live in town, local area beaches and Shrewsbury River marinas are as little as 5 minutes away by car.  For commuters, there is easy access to the Garden State Parkway and Route 18 and local NJ Transit train stations are just minutes away.