Ventnor

The City of Ventnor’s motto is “Shore’ly the Best!” Located on the coast of South Jersey between Atlantic City and Margate, Ventnor is for those who desire life at the shore while also seeking to be close to resort entertainment, shopping, and dining.

Like other shore towns, many of Ventnor’s businesses focus on hospitality and tourism. The town has a sizable year-round population, and nearly 20,000 additional people come to visit on weekends and in the summer.

Recent revitalization of the various business districts in Ventnor includes a movie theater, pubs and restaurants in North Beach, additional stores, coffee shops and fast-food restaurants in the downtown, and renovations and new construction at the Wellington Shopping Center. The city is poised to build on this recent commercial and residential growth and unveiled a plan in 2023 that includes special events to host activities in the various neighborhoods throughout the year, as well as a “Chef’s Night Out” to promote the city’s growing restaurant scene. Other plans include car and motorcycle shows, food competitions, and community celebrations such as Ventnor’s popular holiday parade.

Ventnor has five unique business districts:

• Central Business District, which features many restaurants, Walgreen’s, and office and retail space.
• North Beach, with a movie theater, restaurants, liquor store, and specialty shops.
• Gateway along Dorset Avenue, home to a CVS, restaurants, Ventnor Produce and Deli, and other retail.
• Central Downtown, coffee shops, many restaurants, retail shops, salons, and Dunkin.
• Wellington Shopping District, a large shopping center with an ACME, fitness center, a restaurant and event center, fast food, and other retail.

To promote development, the city offers an exemption program for commercial properties that phase in taxes over a five-year period, with no tax due in the first year, and an additional 20% of taxes due in the following five years.

Many visitors own second homes in Ventnor, while others spend weekends at rental properties to enjoy the local nightlife in Atlantic City, Margate, and elsewhere.

Ventnor has several residential sections, each with its own unique character: North Beach, Ventnor Heights, Ventnor West, Ventnor Gardens, and the St. Leonard’s Tract. For those looking to live or stay in Ventnor, there are many choices, such as the stately homes in historic St. Leonard’s Tract; oceanfront homes and luxury high-rise condominiums in North Beach; single-family homes in the neighborhoods of Ventnor Heights; and waterfront homes on the bay and the Intercoastal Waterway. The city also features a selection of bed and breakfasts and the Surrey Beach House, a 15-room boutique hotel.

The city currently offers tax abatements with a 30% reduction in the amount of taxes due on new residential construction for five years. Abatements do not exempt taxes due for the value of the land.

Ventnor Facts

Ventnor was incorporated in 1903, but homes and cottages dotted the town as late as 1896. Named after Ventnor, England, the city is less than an hour’s drive from Philadelphia and convenient to the New York City metropolitan area.

Ventnor operates under the commission form of government, led by three commissioners: Mayor Tim Kriebel, Deputy Mayor Maria K. Mento, and Commissioner Lance Landgraf.

Residents and visitors enjoy Ventnor’s boardwalk, which connects to Atlantic City’s famed boardwalk, for a bike ride or jog along the Atlantic Ocean and Absecon Inlet. The iconic Ventnor City Fishing Pier is the longest ocean fishing pier in New Jersey, stretching over 1,000 feet, and offers benches, cleaning tables, and lighting for nighttime fishing.

Ventnor’s Ski Beach Park, located on the bayfront, is host to concerts, the Atlantic City Seafood Festival, and Philadelphia Eagles viewing parties on a jumbo TV screen. On the beach, activities include a Summer Concert Series, South Jersey Lifeguard Races, and the Atlantic City Air Show.

Boating has always been a part of life in Ventnor. Boat building thrived here prior to World War II, with Ventnor Boat Works earning fame for custom speedboats that won races and set world speed records. For boaters, there is a full-service marina and a municipal boat ramp at Ski Beach, located at the end of Dorset Avenue.

Ventnor has a designated surfing beach, a beach for catamarans, and a separate area for kayaks and paddleboards. The Viking Rowing Club, based on the Intercoastal Waterway, is home to several high school crew teams.

Recreational Amenities

Ventnor City offers an exceptional range of recreational amenities for residents and visitors alike. In addition to its scenic beaches and boardwalk, the city provides tennis and volleyball courts along the beach, pickleball at the Wellington Plaza, and football and baseball fields for local teams and youth programs. Recreation programs and summer camps are held throughout the year, offering activities for all ages.

The community features a wonderful public library, paid fire and police services, and solar charging stations for guests. Ventnor also boasts an active business association that supports local merchants and hosts popular annual events such as the Polar Bear Plunge. The city’s lively restaurant scene continues to grow, supported by three establishments with liquor licenses and a variety of unique dining experiences. With its balance of seaside leisure, active living, and community engagement, Ventnor is informally becoming known as the “restaurant town” of the Downbeach area.

Business Contact

Mayor Tim Kriebel
[email protected]
609-823-7963

Deputy Mayor/Commissioner Maria K. Mento
[email protected]
609-823-7903

Commissioner Lance Landgraf
[email protected]
609-823-7903

Are there any financial/tax benefits to developing in this municipality?

Local Small Business Loan Programs from the Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA)

For Atlantic County Businesses | ACIA Business Loans May be Combined with Small Business Administration Loans for Maximum Impact

Click here for details

 

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Business Loan and Incentives Programs

For New Jersey Businesses | Various Loans and Incentives | Click here for details

 

For tax and other financial benefits of development, contact the Ventnor City Administrator:

Tom Ciccarone

[email protected]

609-823-7900

Primary Contact

• Name: Councilwoman Maria Mento
• Title: Deputy Mayor/Commissioner
• Phone Number: 609-823-7900
• Email: [email protected]