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 sizeable 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, pub 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 Restaurant Week to promote the diverse culinary options in the different business districts. Other plans include car and motorcycle shows and food competitions.

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; a CVS, restaurants, indoor pickleball courts, 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 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.

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. Also on the boardwalk, the iconic Ventnor City fishing pier is the longest fishing pier in New Jersey, stretching over 1,000 feet. The pier boasts 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 in Ventnor prior to World War 2. The Ventnor Boat Works was famous for building speedboats, including custom boats which won races and set world speed records. For boaters, there is a full-service marina and a municipal boat ramp at “Ski Beach,” which is at the end of Dorset Avenue.

Ventnor has a designated surfing beach, and even a beach for catamarans. Kayaks also have their own designated beach, and kayakers, paddleboarders and even a dragon boat can often be seen paddling in the Intercoastal Waterway. The Viking Rowing Club is located on the Intercoastal Waterway and is home to several high school crew teams.

 

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
• Phone Number: 609-823-7900