Bradley Beach, New Jersey

{{short description|Borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, US}} {{Use American English|date=March 2020}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2020}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Bradley Beach, New Jersey | settlement_type = Borough | nickname = | motto = "New Jersey's Family Resort"<ref>Pallone Jr., Frank. [http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CREC-2008-06-11/html/CREC-2008-06-11-pt1-PgE1201-4.htm "In Honor of Stephen G. Schueler"], ''Congressional Record'', Volume 154, Number 96, June 11, 2008. Accessed August 28, 2013. "Located on the Jersey Shore, Bradley Beach is ''New Jersey's Family Resort'' with a year round population of 5,000 that swells to 30,000 in the summer months as families come to enjoy the sand, surf, and bustling downtown."</ref>

| image_map = Monmouth_County_New_Jersey_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Bradley_Beach_Highlighted.svg | mapsize = 250x200px | map_caption = Location of Bradley Beach in Monmouth County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Monmouth County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right). | image_map1 = Census_Bureau_map_of_Bradley_Beach,_New_Jersey.png | mapsize1 = 250x200px | map_caption1 = Census Bureau map of Bradley Beach, New Jersey | pushpin_map = USA New Jersey Monmouth County#USA New Jersey#USA | pushpin_label = Bradley Beach | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Monmouth County##Location in New Jersey##Location in the United States | pushpin_relief = yes

| subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{nowrap|{{flag|United States}}}} | subdivision_type1 = State | subdivision_name1 = {{flag|New Jersey}} | subdivision_type2 = County | subdivision_name2 = Monmouth | government_footnotes = <ref name=DataBook/> | government_type = Faulkner Act (small municipality) | governing_body = Borough Council | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Alan Gubitosi (term ends December 31, 2028)<ref name=BoroughCouncil/> | leader_title1 = Administrator | leader_name1 = Matthew Doherty (acting)<ref>[https://www.bradleybeachnj.gov/borough-administrator Borough Administrator], Borough of Bradley Beach. Accessed January 23, 2025.</ref> | leader_title2 = Municipal clerk | leader_name2 = Erica Kostyz<ref>[https://www.bradleybeachnj.gov/borough-clerk-office Borough Clerk Office], Borough of Bradley Beach. Accessed January 23, 2025.</ref> | established_title = Incorporated | established_date = March 13, 1893 | named_for = James A. Bradley

| unit_pref = Imperial | area_footnotes = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web|title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory|url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer/5/query?where=STATE='34'&outFields=NAME,STATE,PLACE,AREALAND,AREAWATER,LSADC,CENTLAT,CENTLON&orderByFields=PLACE&returnGeometry=false&returnTrueCurves=false&f=json|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 11, 2022}}</ref> | area_magnitude = | area_total_km2 = 1.64 | area_land_km2 = 1.58 | area_water_km2 = 0.05 | area_total_sq_mi = 0.63 | area_land_sq_mi = 0.61 | area_water_sq_mi = 0.02 | area_water_percent = 3.33 | area_rank = 535th of 565 in state 44th of 53 in county<ref name=CensusArea>[https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_cousubs_34.txt 2019 Census Gazetteer Files: New Jersey Places], United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 1, 2020.</ref>

|population_as_of = 2020 |population_footnotes = <ref name=LWD2020/> |population_total = 4282 |population_rank = 404th of 565 in state 37th of 53 in county<ref name=LWD2020Density>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/dmograph/est/mcd/density.xlsx Population Density by County and Municipality: New Jersey, 2020 and 2021], New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed March 1, 2023.</ref> |population_density_km2 = auto |population_density_sq_mi = 7014.4 |population_density_rank = 66th of 565 in state 5th of 53 in county<ref name=LWD2020Density/> |population_est = 4219 |pop_est_as_of = 2023 |pop_est_footnotes = <ref name=PopEst/>

| timezone = Eastern (EST) | utc_offset = −05:00 | timezone_DST = Eastern (EDT) | utc_offset_DST = −04:00 | elevation_footnotes = <ref>{{Gnis|885167|Borough of Bradley Beach}}, Geographic Names Information System. Accessed March 4, 2013.</ref> | elevation_m = | elevation_ft = 16 | coordinates_footnotes = <ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR1">[https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990], United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref> | coordinates = {{coord|40.201604|-74.012056|region:US-NJ_type:city|display=inline,title}} | postal_code_type = ZIP Code | postal_code = 07720<ref>[http://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupResultsAction!input.action?resultMode=0&city=bradley%20beach&state=NJ Look Up a ZIP Code for Bradley Beach, NJ], United States Postal Service. Accessed July 28, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/infobank/njzips.htm ZIP Codes], State of New Jersey. Accessed August 28, 2013.</ref> | area_code = 732<ref>[http://www.area-codes.com/search.asp?frmNPA=&frmNXX=&frmState=NJ&frmCity=Bradley+Beach Area Code Lookup - NPA NXX for Bradley Beach, NJ], Area-Codes.com. Accessed September 17, 2013.</ref>{{force singular}} | blank_name = FIPS code | blank_info = 3402506970<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR2">[https://www.census.gov U.S. Census website], United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref><ref>[https://mcdc.missouri.edu/applications/geocodes/?state=34 Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey], Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed April 1, 2022.</ref> | blank1_name = GNIS feature ID | blank1_info = 0885167<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name="GR3">[http://geonames.usgs.gov US Board on Geographic Names], United States Geological Survey. Accessed September 4, 2014.</ref> | website = {{nowrap|{{URL|https://www.bradleybeachnj.gov}}}} | footnotes = }} '''Bradley Beach''' is a borough in Monmouth County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 4,282,<ref name=LWD2020/> a decrease of 16 (−0.4%) from the 2010 census count of 4,298,<ref name=Census2010/><ref name=LWD2010/> which in turn had reflected a decrease of 495 (−10.3%) from the 4,793 counted at the 2000 census.<ref>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2010/2010data/table7cm.xls Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010], New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref> The summer population can reach 30,000.<ref>[http://www.bradley-beach.com/ A Brief History on Bradley Beach, NJ], accessed May 1, 2007. "Today, the year-round population is 5,000 - but it soars to 30,000 during the summer months."</ref><ref name=NYTHavens/>

==History== Bradley Beach was named for James A. Bradley, the developer responsible for the creation of the Bradley Beach and Asbury Park.<ref>Hutchinson, Viola L. [http://mapmaker.rutgers.edu/356/nj_place_names_origin.pdf#page=8 ''The Origin of New Jersey Place Names''], New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed August 27, 2015.</ref><ref>Gannett, Henry. [https://books.google.com/books?id=9V1IAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA54 ''The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States''], p. 54. United States Government Printing Office, 1905. Accessed August 27, 2015.</ref> In 1871, William B. Bradner, with James A. Bradley as an investor, acquired {{convert|54|acre}} of land north of Avon-by-the-Sea, and south of Ocean Grove.<ref name=History>[https://www.bradleybeachnj.gov/about/ About], Bradley Beach. Accessed January 23, 2025. "The next piece of historical information occurs almost two centuries later, in 1871, when William B. Bradner purchased fifty-four acres of land south of Ocean Grove. James A. Bradley, a wealthy New York manufacturer, was also in the investment. The land was part of Ocean Township at the time and subsequently became part of Neptune Township under the name of Ocean Park. However, the post office informed Bradner that the community would have to change its name due to its similarity to Ocean Port. William Bradner did not want to suggest his own name, so one of the post office officials said, 'You have a man down here by the name of Bradley. Why don't you call it Bradley Beach?'"</ref> At the time the area where they had purchased their land was known informally as Ocean Park and was part of Ocean Township and later became part of Neptune Township.<ref>[http://www.bradley-beach.com/ ''A Brief History on Bradley Beach''], Bradley-Beach.com. Accessed August 19, 2007.</ref>

Citizens appealed to the New Jersey Legislature for a referendum to separate Bradley Beach from Neptune Township, and on March 13, 1893, Bradley Beach was incorporated, based on the results of a referendum held on March 6, 1893. The borough's incorporation was confirmed on March 13, 1925.<ref name=Story>Snyder, John P. [https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/njgws/techincal-publications-and-reports/bulletins-and-reports/bulletins/bulletin67.pdf ''The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968''], Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. Accessed May 1, 2026.</ref>{{Rp|178}}

The borough was the first place in the United States to charge sea bathers for beach access when it began minting its own tin badges starting in 1929.<ref>Bowman, Bill. [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120742852/beach-tags-developed-at-bradley-beach/ "Beach tags, N.J. novelty, turn 75; Badges Were A Bradley Beach Brainchild"], ''Asbury Park Press'', June 26, 2004. Accessed March 12, 2023, via Newspapers.com. "Bradley Beach is generally acknowledged as the first town to institute a beach badge system The town began requiring the badges in 1929."</ref> In the mid-20th century, Bradley Beach became known as "Chinatown by the Sea", in reference to the significant number of Chinese people who migrated to the borough from Chinatown, Manhattan.<ref name=BradleyBeachChinatownByTheSea>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2024/08/it-was-chinatown-by-the-sea-inside-a-jersey-shore-towns-unknown-history.html|title=It was 'Chinatown by the Sea.' Inside a Jersey Shore town's unknown history|author=Lauren Musni|publisher=NJ Advance Media|date=August 29, 2024|access-date=August 29, 2024}}</ref>

Sand dunes were constructed on the borough's beaches in 2000 at a cost of $10,000, using snow fences and discarded Christmas trees to build a base of wind-driven sand that rose {{convert|15|ft}}, atop which dune grass was planted. These dunes did little to provide protection from the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Damage in the borough to beach areas and homes near the shore was more than $3 million, while some neighboring communities that hadn't constructed such dunes also suffered similar damage.<ref>Navarro, Mireya; and Nuwer, Rachel. [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/04/science/earth/after-hurricane-sandy-dunes-prove-they-blunt-storms.html "Resisted for Blocking the View, Dunes Prove They Blunt Storms"], ''The New York Times'', December 3, 2012. Accessed December 4, 2012. "Richard T. Bianchi Jr., public works supervisor in New Jersey's Bradley Beach, said the town began building its 15-foot-high dune barrier along the mile-long waterfront in the 1990s by laying 25,000 feet of snow fencing in a saw-tooth pattern down the beach and later adding 20,000 recycled Christmas trees as traps for drifting sand. After wind pushed sand over the structure, shoots of dune grass were planted to further stabilize the barrier. When Hurricane Sandy came, the force of the waves flattened the dunes but left the town's Boardwalk and the houses just 75 feet from it intact."</ref>

The borough had gone into decline after World War II, with growth returning around 2000 as seasonal visitors and new residents purchased properties, which borough regulations require that they must be renovated on the same footprint as the original home.<ref name=NYTHavens>Kirby, David. [https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/11/travel/havens-weekender-bradley-beach-nj.html "Havens; Weekender | Bradley Beach, N.J."], ''The New York Times'', June 11, 2004. Accessed August 28, 2013. "It fell into a decline, despite the continuing presence of a loyal corps of year-rounders, and then, six or seven years ago, more weekenders began fixing up old houses.... The population swells from 5,000 to 30,000 in season as parents bring their children for old-fashioned summers by the sea. Renovations are the norm because zoning ordinances require that rebuilding be done on the original footprint."</ref>

==Geography== thumb|left|300px|The beach and boardwalk of Bradley Beach According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 0.63 square miles (1.64 km2), including 0.61 square miles (1.58 km2) of land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2) of water (3.33%).<ref name=CensusArea/><ref name=GR1 />

The borough borders the Monmouth County municipalities of Avon-by-the-Sea, Neptune City and Neptune Township.<ref>[https://global.mapit.mysociety.org/area/837889/touches.html Areas touching Bradley Beach], MapIt. Accessed March 20, 2020.</ref><ref>[http://co.monmouth.nj.us/documents/24/Figure%201.1__.png Regional Location Map], Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed March 20, 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/gis/maps/polnoroads.pdf New Jersey Municipal Boundaries], New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.</ref>

==Demographics== {{US Census population |1900= 982 |1910= 1807 |1920= 2307 |1930= 3306 |1940= 3468 |1950= 3911 |1960= 4204 |1970= 4163 |1980= 4772 |1990= 4475 |2000= 4793 |2010= 4298 |2020= 4282 | estimate=4219 | estyear=2023 | estref=<ref name=PopEst>[https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2023/mcds/totals/SUB-MCD-EST2023-POP-34.xlsx Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Minor Civil Divisions in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023], United States Census Bureau, released May 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024.</ref> {{decrease}} |footnote=Population sources:1900–1920<ref>[https://dspace.njstatelib.org/xmlui/handle/10929/25218?show=full ''Compendium of censuses 1726-1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905''], New Jersey Department of State, 1906. Accessed August 28, 2013.</ref> 1900–1910<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=T9HrAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA337 ''Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890''], United States Census Bureau, p. 337. Accessed July 27, 2012.</ref> 1910–1930<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=kifRAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA717 ''Fifteenth Census of the United States : 1930 - Population Volume I''], United States Census Bureau, p. 717. Accessed July 27, 2012.</ref> 1940–2000<ref>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2kpub/njsdcp3.pdf#page=27 Table 6: New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1940 - 2000], Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, August 2001. Accessed May 1, 2023.</ref> 2000<ref name=Census2000>[http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/1603406970.pdf Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Bradley Beach borough, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815105001/http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/1603406970.pdf |date=2013-08-15 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 28, 2012.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>[https://archive.today/20200212095115/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3402506970 DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Bradley Beach borough, Monmouth County, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 28, 2012.</ref> 2010<ref name=Census2010>[https://archive.today/20200212100959/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0600000US3402506970 DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for Bradley Beach borough, Monmouth County, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 28, 2012.</ref><ref name=LWD2010>[http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_mon/bradleybeach1.pdf Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for Bradley Beach borough] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815210718/http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/census/2010/dp/dp1_mon/bradleybeach1.pdf |date=2013-08-15 }}, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed July 28, 2012.</ref> 2020<ref name=LWD2020>[https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/census/2020/2020%20pl94%20Tables/2020_Mun/MCD%200_All.pdf Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities], New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.</ref> | align = right | align-fn = center }}

===2020 census===

As of the 2020 census, Bradley Beach had a population of 4,282. The median age was 47.7 years. 12.9% of residents were under the age of 18 and 22.1% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 92.6 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 91.0 males age 18 and over.<ref name="Census2020DP">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME,DP1_0021P,DP1_0024P,DP1_0025C,DP1_0049C,DP1_0045C,DP1_0069C,DP1_0073C,DP1_0125P,DP1_0126P,DP1_0129P,DP1_0133P,DP1_0137P,DP1_0138P,DP1_0139P,DP1_0141P,DP1_0142P,DP1_0143P,DP1_0145P,DP1_0146P,DP1_0147C,DP1_0148C,DP1_0149C,DP1_0156C,DP1_0157C,DP1_0158C,DP1_0159P,DP1_0160P&for=place%3A06970&in=state%3A34|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=April 28, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref><ref name="Census2020PL">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME,P1_001N,P1_003N,P1_004N,P1_005N,P1_006N,P1_007N,P1_008N,P1_009N,P2_001N,P2_002N,H1_001N,H1_002N&for=place%3A06970&in=state%3A34|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=April 28, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref>

100.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.0% lived in rural areas.<ref name="Census2020DHC">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME,P2_002N,P2_003N&for=place%3A06970&in=state%3A34|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2023|access-date=April 28, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref>

There were 2,157 households in Bradley Beach, of which 15.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 32.0% were married-couple households, 26.9% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 33.7% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 44.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

There were 3,221 housing units, of which 33.0% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.6% and the rental vacancy rate was 7.5%.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

{| class="wikitable" |+ Racial composition as of the 2020 census<ref name="Census2020PL"/> ! Race !! Number !! Percent |- | White || 3,235 || 75.5% |- | Black or African American || 84 || 2.0% |- | American Indian and Alaska Native || 39 || 0.9% |- | Asian || 57 || 1.3% |- | Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander || 1 || 0.0% |- | Some other race || 500 || 11.7% |- | Two or more races || 366 || 8.5% |- | ''Hispanic or Latino (of any race)'' || 880 || 20.6% |}

===2010 census===

The 2010 United States census counted 4,298 people, 2,098 households, and 980 families in the borough. The population density was {{convert|7023.6|/sqmi}}. There were 3,180 housing units at an average density of {{convert|5196.6|/sqmi}}. The racial makeup was 85.06% (3,656) White, 4.96% (213) Black or African American, 0.42% (18) Native American, 1.81% (78) Asian, 0.02% (1) Pacific Islander, 5.21% (224) from other races, and 2.51% (108) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.54% (840) of the population.<ref name=Census2010/>

Of the 2,098 households, 17.0% had children under the age of 18; 32.0% were married couples living together; 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present and 53.3% were non-families. Of all households, 42.2% were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.80.<ref name=Census2010/>

14.8% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 31.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 98.6 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 99.9 males.<ref name=Census2010/>

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $59,792 (with a margin of error of +/− $10,658) and the median family income was $75,575 (+/− $7,930). Males had a median income of $51,250 (+/− $12,410) versus $39,902 (+/− $12,133) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $35,446 (+/− $4,420). About 2.5% of families and 14.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.<ref>[https://archive.today/20200212082919/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0600000US3402506970 DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for Bradley Beach borough, Monmouth County, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 28, 2012.</ref>

===2000 census=== As of the 2000 United States census<ref name="GR2" /> there were 4,793 people, 2,297 households, and 1,086 families residing in the borough. The population density was {{convert|8,097.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 3,132 housing units at an average density of {{convert|5,291.4|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the borough was 88.15% White, 3.86% African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.46% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 4.01% from other races, and 2.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.83% of the population.<ref name=Census2000>[http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/1603406970.pdf Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for Bradley Beach borough, New Jersey] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815105001/http://censtats.census.gov/data/NJ/1603406970.pdf |date=2013-08-15 }}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 28, 2012.</ref><ref name=Census2000SF1>[https://archive.today/20200212095115/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/00_SF1/DP1/0600000US3402506970 DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for Bradley Beach borough, Monmouth County, New Jersey], United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 28, 2012.</ref>

There were 2,297 households, out of which 18.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.4% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 52.7% were non-families. 42.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.91.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

In the borough the population was spread out, with 18.0% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 38.6% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

The median income for a household in the borough was $40,878, and the median income for a family was $49,688. Males had a median income of $37,164 versus $31,276 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $25,438. About 5.7% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.9% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.<ref name=Census2000/><ref name=Census2000SF1/>

===Chinese community=== In the 1920s, ethnic Chinese began to vacation in Bradley Beach.<ref name=NBCChinese>{{cite news|last=Yam|first=Kimmy|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/chinatown-sea-celebrated-escape-tenement-life-early-nyc-chinese-famili-rcna104441|title='Chinatown by the Sea' celebrated as escape from tenement life for early NYC Chinese families|publisher=NBC News|date=2023-09-12|access-date=2025-05-12}}</ref> Circa 1941 a woman of Chinese ancestry bought a house in Bradley Beach, and other followed her.<ref name=ChinatownSeaNJ>{{cite news|url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2025/05/it-was-chinatown-by-the-sea-inside-a-jersey-shore-towns-unknown-history.html|title=It was 'Chinatown by the Sea.' Inside a Jersey Shore town's unknown history.|publisher=Nj.com|date=2025-05-09|access-date=2025-05-12}}</ref> Bradley Beach became known as a vacation community for ethnic Chinese.<ref name=NBCChinese/> They preferred eating non-Chinese foods while in Bradley Beach.<ref name=ChinatownSeaNJ/> This community became known as "Chinatown by the Sea", and a portion of it was formally recognized as such in 2023.<ref name=NBCChinese/> They did not open Chinese businesses in the community as they instead had their businesses in New York City.<ref name=ChinatownSeaNJ/> ==Government== ===Local government=== Bradley Beach has been governed within the Faulkner Act system of New Jersey municipal government under the Small Municipality plan 5, as implemented on July 1, 1992, based on the recommendations of a Charter Study Commission.<ref>[http://www.dudley-2010.com/Faulkner Act 46pages.pdf "The Faulkner Act: New Jersey's Optional Municipal Charter Law"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002334/http://www.dudley-2010.com/Faulkner |date=2016-03-04 }}, New Jersey State League of Municipalities, July 2007. Accessed September 17, 2013.</ref><ref>[http://ecode360.com/7041526 Borough Code], Borough of Bradley Beach, NJ. Accessed August 27, 2013. "Small Municipality Plan Of The Optional Municipal Charter Law: Chapter 465 of the Laws of the State of New Jersey of 1981, as amended and supplemented, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:69A-26 through 40A:69A-30; 40:69A-115 through 40:69A-117.3; 40:69A-120 through 40:69A-132; 40:69A-150; 40:69A-152; 40:69A-162 through 40:69A-167; 40:69A-168 through 40:69A-196; 40:69A-205 through 40:69A-210 and any and all general laws as therein defined which are or may be applicable to the Borough."</ref> The borough is one of 18 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government, which is only available to municipalities with a population less than 12,000 at the time of adoption.<ref>[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/inventory_of_municipal_forms_of_government_in_new_jersey.pdf ''Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey''], Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the four-member borough council, whose members are elected at-large in nonpartisan elections. The mayor is elected to a four-year term of office and the four council members are chosen to serve three-year terms on a concurrent basis.<ref name=DataBook>''2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book'', Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 58.</ref><ref name=BoroughCouncil/><ref>[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=14 "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey"], p. 14. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref> As of 2010, the borough's nonpartisan elections were shifted from May to the November general election as part of an effort to reduce costs and increase voter participation.<ref>[https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/city/nj/Bradley%20Beach.html Borough Code § 5-2. Membership of Council; terms of office of Council and Mayor.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814011831/https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/city/nj/Bradley%20Beach.html |date=2013-08-14 }}, Borough of Bradley Beach. Accessed October 29, 2013. "[Amended 12-30-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-15] The Council shall consist of the Mayor and four Councilpersons. Members of the Council shall be elected at large by the voters of the municipality on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, or such other day that the general election in November may be held as provided by law, in the years in which municipal officers are to be elected, and shall serve for a term of three years beginning on the first day of January next following their election. The Mayor shall be elected, however, for a term of four years beginning on the first day of January next following his or her election."</ref><ref>[http://clerks.govsoft.com/documents/borough-of-bradley-beach-nj-borough-council-regular-meeting-12-14-2010-ordinance-ordinance-2010-15-uniform-nonpartisan-november-law-5993.pdf Ordinance 2010-15] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815152019/http://clerks.govsoft.com/documents/borough-of-bradley-beach-nj-borough-council-regular-meeting-12-14-2010-ordinance-ordinance-2010-15-uniform-nonpartisan-november-law-5993.pdf |date=August 15, 2014 }}, Borough of Bradley Beach. Accessed October 29, 2013. "Whereas the Mayor and Council find that by changing the date of the election from May to November that they may achieve cost savings for the Borough and otherwise gain for the Borough the benefits and efficiencies associated with participating in the larger November general election process"</ref> The borough had previously operated under the Walsh Act form of New Jersey municipal government starting in 1915, and used a five-member commission, with one member selected to serve as mayor.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150605155532/http://www.njstatelib.org/slic_files/imported/NJ_Information/Digital_Collections/MFMG/MFMGCH4.PDF "The Commission Form of Municipal Government"], p. 53. Accessed June 3, 2015.</ref><ref>[https://njdatabook.rutgers.edu/sites/njdatabook.rutgers.edu/files/documents/forms_of_municipal_government_in_new_jersey_9220.pdf#page=8 "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey"], p. 8. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.</ref>

{{As of|2025}}, the mayor of Bradley Beach is Alan N. Gubitosi, whose term of office ends on December 31, 2028. Members of the Borough Council are Council President Jane DeNoble, Shana Greenblatt (elected to serve an unexpired term), Paul Nowicki and John Weber, all serving concurrent terms ending December 31, 2025.<ref name=BoroughCouncil>[https://www.bradleybeachnj.gov/mayor-council Borough Council], Borough of Bradley Beach. Accessed January 23, 2025.</ref><ref>[https://www.bradleybeachnj.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-Adopted-Budget-1.pdf#page=16 2024 Municipal Data Sheet], Borough of Bradley Beach. Accessed January 23, 2025.</ref><ref name=Monmouth2024>[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Monmouth/122857/web.345435/#/summary November 5, 2024 General Election Official Results], Monmouth County, New Jersey, updated December 16, 2024. Accessed January 1, 2025.</ref><ref name=Monmouth2022>[https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NJ/Monmouth/116246/web.307039/#/summary General Election November 8, 2022 Official Results], Monmouth County, New Jersey Clerk, updated December 27, 2022. Accessed January 1, 2023.</ref>

The five members of a Charter Study Commission began meetings in December 2024 to consider possible changes to the borough's form of government. The commission will report, having been allocated $50,000 for its work. A report will be produced by August and if a charter change is recommended, the voters will make the choice to accept the change as part of the November 2025 general election.<ref>Walton, Pete. [https://thecoaster.net/2024/12/11/in-bradley-beach-new-charter-commission-meets-selects-officers/ "In Bradley Beach New Charter Commission Meets, Selects Officers"], ''The Coaster'', December 11, 2024. Accessed January 23, 2025. "The new Bradley Beach Charter Study Commission held its organizational meeting earlier this week. The five-member panel will submit a report no later than Aug. 10 after deciding whether or not to recommend a change of government in the borough.... The commission voted to request a sum from the Borough Council not to exceed $50,000 for expenses. The largest share of the cost will be for legal counsel.... If the commission recommends a change of government, voters would be presented with a ballot referendum at the November 2025 general election."</ref>

===Federal, state, and county representation=== Bradley Beach is located in the 6th Congressional District<ref name=PCR2022>[https://www.njredistrictingcommission.org/documents/2021/Data2021/Plan%20Components.pdf 2022 Redistricting Plan], New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 8, 2022.</ref> and is part of New Jersey's 11th state legislative district.<ref>[https://nj1015.com/whats-your-new-nj-legislative-district-20-moved-on-new-map/ Districts by Number for 2023-2031], New Jersey Legislature. Accessed September 18, 2023.</ref>

===Politics=== {{PresHead|place=Bradley Beach|source=<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJ DOS - Division of Elections - Election Results Archive |url=https://nj.gov/state/elections/election-information-results.shtml |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=nj.gov}}</ref>}}  {{PresRow|2024|Democratic|1,004|1,283|53|New Jersey}} {{PresRow|2020|Democratic|918|1,358|43|New Jersey}} {{PresRow|2016|Democratic|835|999|101|New Jersey}} {{PresRow|2012|Democratic|783|1,026|25|New Jersey}} {{PresRow|2008|Democratic|814|1,152|43|New Jersey}} {{PresRow|2004|Democratic|912|1,133|24|New Jersey}} {{PresRow|2000|Democratic|712|1,060|176|New Jersey}}{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|561|964|197|New Jersey}}{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|763|832|382|New Jersey}} |} As of March 2011, there were a total of 2,514 registered voters in Bradley Beach, of which 763 (30.4%) were registered as Democrats, 468 (18.6%) were registered as Republicans and 1,279 (50.9%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 4 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2011-monmouth-co-summary-report.pdf Voter Registration Summary - Monmouth], New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref>

{{U.S. GovHead|place=Bradley Beach|source=<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJ DOS - Division of Elections - Election Results Archive |url=https://nj.gov/state/elections/election-information-results.shtml |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=nj.gov}}</ref>}}  {{U.S. GovRow|2025|Democratic|846|1,155|17|New Jersey}} {{U.S. GovRow|2021|Democratic|761|777|12|New Jersey}} {{U.S. GovRow|2017|Democratic|547|630|25|New Jersey}} {{U.S. GovRow|2013|Republican|784|423|20|New Jersey}} {{U.S. GovRow|2009|Republican|667|515|100|New Jersey}} {{U.S. GovRow|2005|Democratic|575|767|74|New Jersey}} {{U.S. GovFoot}}

In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 55.9% of the vote (1,026 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 42.7% (783 votes), and other candidates with 1.4% (25 votes), among the 1,856 ballots cast by the borough's 2,681 registered voters (22 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 69.2%.<ref name=2012Elections>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-presidential-monmouth.pdf |title=Presidential General Election Results - November 6, 2012 - Monmouth County |date=March 15, 2013 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref><ref name=2012VoterReg>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2012-results/2012-ballotscast-monmouth.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 6, 2012 - General Election Results - Monmouth County|date=March 15, 2013 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref> In the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 56.2% of the vote (1,152 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 39.7% (814 votes) and other candidates with 2.1% (43 votes), among the 2,050 ballots cast by the borough's 2,803 registered voters, for a turnout of 73.1%.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2008-gen-elect-presidential-results-monmouth.pdf 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Monmouth County], New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref> In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 54.5% of the vote (1,133 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush with 43.9% (912 votes) and other candidates with 0.8% (24 votes), among the 2,078 ballots cast by the borough's 2,964 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 70.1.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/election-results/2004-presidential_monmouth_co_2004.pdf 2004 Presidential Election: Monmouth County], New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref>

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 63.9% of the vote (784 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 34.5% (423 votes), and other candidates with 1.6% (20 votes), among the 1,240 ballots cast by the borough's 2,721 registered voters (13 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 45.6%.<ref name=2013Elections>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-results-governor-monmouth.pdf |title=Governor - Monmouth County |date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref><ref name=2013VoterReg>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/2013-results/2013-general-election-ballotscast-monmouth.pdf |title=Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Monmouth County|date=January 29, 2014 |publisher=New Jersey Department of Elections |access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref> In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 51.8% of the vote (667 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 40.0% (515 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 6.8% (87 votes) and other candidates with 1.0% (13 votes), among the 1,287 ballots cast by the borough's 2,641 registered voters, yielding a 48.7% turnout.<ref>[http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-monmouth.pdf 2009 Governor: Monmouth County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017230351/http://www.njelections.org/election-results/2009-governor_results-monmouth.pdf |date=2012-10-17 }}, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed December 3, 2012.</ref>

{{U.S. SenHead|place=Bradley Beach|Seat=1|source=<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJ DOS - Division of Elections - Election Results Archive |url=https://nj.gov/state/elections/election-information-results.shtml |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=nj.gov}}</ref>}}  {{U.S. SenRow|2024|Democratic|916|1,302|63|New Jersey}} {{U.S. SenRow|2018|Democratic|714|855|70|New Jersey}} {{U.S. SenRow|2012|Democratic|754|898|40|New Jersey}} {{U.S. SenRow|2006|Democratic|460|670|31|New Jersey}} {{U.S. SenFoot}} {{U.S. SenHead|place=Bradley Beach|Seat=2|source=<ref>{{Cite web |title=NJ DOS - Division of Elections - Election Results Archive |url=https://nj.gov/state/elections/election-information-results.shtml |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=nj.gov}}</ref>}}  {{U.S. SenRow|2020|Democratic|931|1,295|67|New Jersey}} {{U.S. SenRow|2014|Democratic|398|516|31|New Jersey}} {{U.S. SenRow|2013|Democratic|349|408|8|New Jersey}} {{U.S. SenRow|2008|Democratic|711|999|78|New Jersey}} {{U.S. SenFoot}} {{clear}}

==Education== The Bradley Beach School District serves public school students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade at Bradley Beach Elementary School.<ref>[https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=0110&id=1cbe8cefbbef47db860e5009f26ec728 Bradley Beach Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification], Bradley Beach Public Schools. Accessed October 12, 2022. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades Pre-K through eight in the Bradley Beach School District. Composition: The Bradley Beach School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of the Borough of Bradley Beach."</ref><ref>[https://www.nj.gov/education/sprreports/202324/District-Detail/25-0500.pdf School Performance Reports for the Bradley Beach School District], New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed September 1, 2025.</ref> As of the 2020–21 school year, the district, comprised of one school, had an enrollment of 263 students and 37.8 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 7.0:1.<ref name=NCES>[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3402130&DistrictID=3402130 District information for Bradley Beach School District], National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022.</ref>

For public school students in ninth through twelfth grades, the school district maintains sending/receiving relationships with the Asbury Park Public Schools and Neptune Township Schools under which 93% of Bradley Beach students are sent to Asbury Park High School and the other 7% are sent to Neptune High School.<ref>[https://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=5120.1&id=1cbe8cefbbef47db860e5009f26ec728 Bradley Beach Board of Education Policy 5120.1 High School Assignments], Bradley Beach School District. Accessed October 12, 2022. "The 93% Asbury Park High School and 7% Neptune High School attendance shall be based upon: (a.) The number of students in Grade 8 at Bradley Beach School on March 1 of each year, plus (b.) The number of Bradley Beach students attending other elementary schools."</ref><ref name=APP2005>Mullen, Shannon; Shields, Nancy; and Matheson, Kathy. [http://www.app.com/article/20050127/NEWS/70827048/Crime-school-solutions-costly-city-seeks-rebirth "Crime, school solutions costly as city seeks rebirth; High school improving, but not enough, many say"], ''Asbury Park Press'', January 27, 2005. Accessed September 18, 2014. "It was the day of the charter school's annual lottery, when names of applicants are drawn at random to fill the last remaining slots in next fall's freshman class. Academy Charter, now in its seventh year, is free to students in Asbury Park and the seven nearby towns that are sending districts for Asbury Park High School: Allenhurst, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Deal, Interlaken and Lake Como, formerly South Belmar."</ref> As of the 2020–21 school year, Asbury Park High school had an enrollment of 682 students and 54.5 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.5:1 and<ref>[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3400930&ID=340093003732 School data for Asbury Park High School], National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022.</ref> Neptune High School had an enrollment of 1,270 students and 115.0 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 11.0:1.<ref>[https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3411160&ID=341116004032 School data for Neptune High School], National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 15, 2022.</ref>

An application program with Red Bank Regional High School or the schools in the Monmouth County Vocational School District are alternatives available for students from the borough attending public high school.<ref>Harris, Courtenay. [https://www.proquest.com/docview/437297758 "Personal attention is district's specialty"], ''Asbury Park Press'', March 29, 2000. Accessed September 18, 2014. "Several parents interviewed said they are uneasy about the fact that 98 percent of graduating eighth-graders have to go to Asbury Park High School, unless they get into a specialty school run by the Monmouth County Vocational School District. About 2 percent are allowed to go to Neptune High School."</ref>

Public school students also have the option to attend Academy Charter High School in Lake Como, which accepts students on a lottery basis from the communities of Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Avon-by-the-Sea, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Deal, Interlaken and Lake Como.<ref name=APP2005/><ref>[http://www.academycharterhs.org/pages/academycharterhs/Design_Resources/EDT051_Template/Main_Nav/About_Us About Us]{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Academy Charter High School. Accessed August 27, 2013. "Academy Charter High School is a free public high school for residents of Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Avon, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Deal, Interlaken, and Lake Como."</ref>

Public high school students may also apply to attend one of the magnet schools in the Monmouth County Vocational School District—Marine Academy of Science and Technology, Academy of Allied Health & Science, High Technology High School, Biotechnology High School, and Communications High School.<ref>[http://www.mcvsd.org/career-academy-policy.html Career Academy Admissions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022033648/http://www.mcvsd.org/career-academy-policy.html |date=October 22, 2013 }}, Monmouth County Vocational School District. Accessed October 29, 2013.</ref>

The Bradley Beach Public Library is located at 511 Fourth Avenue, on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Hammond Avenue. In early 2017, a building expansion was added to the south elevation of the circa 1927 built library building. The structural design was performed by the Structural Engineering department of French Parrello Associates (FPA). There are many activities at the library for people of all ages including various story times, a writing group and weekly Overeaters Anonymous meetings.<ref>[http://www.bradleybeachlibrary.org/ Home page], Bradley Beach Public Library. Accessed September 18, 2014.</ref> In the spring of 2014 the library introduced a book bike which a librarian or volunteer rides around town and on the boardwalk to give books and to tell residents about the opportunities and activities coming up at the library and around the borough.<ref>Herschel, Denise. [http://thecoaster.net/wordpress/bradley-beach-book-bike-to-bring-books-to-residents/ "Bradley Beach Book Bike to Bring Books to Residents"], ''The Coaster'', May 22, 2014. Accessed September 18, 2014. "Manned in the parade by Sharlene Edwards, library program coordinator, the 'Book Bike' may very well be the talk of the town as it will be the first time residents will be able to have access to the library on a 'roaming basis.'"</ref>

==Transportation== [[File:2018-05-25 17 32 49 View south along New Jersey State Route 71 (Main Street) at Monmouth County Route 2 (Brinley Avenue) in Bradley Beach, Monmouth County, New Jersey.jpg|thumb|300px|Route 71 (Main Street), the main highway in Bradley Beach]]

===Roads and highways=== {{As of|2010|5}}, the borough had a total of {{convert|14.31|mi}} of roadways, of which {{convert|10.90|mi}} were maintained by the municipality, {{convert|2.56|mi}} by Monmouth County and {{convert|0.85|mi}} by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/mileage_Monmouth.pdf Monmouth County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction], New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed July 14, 2014.</ref>

Route 71 (Main Street) is the main road that runs through the town. Route 18 is in neighboring Neptune Township, and both the Garden State Parkway and Interstate 195 are within a 10 to 15 minute drive.

thumb|left|300px|Bradley Beach station, which is served by NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line

===Public transportation=== NJ Transit provides rail service at the Bradley Beach station.<ref>[https://www.njtransit.com/station/bradley-beach-station Bradley Beach station], NJ Transit. Accessed April 29, 2023.</ref> Commuter service connects the borough to Hoboken Terminal, Newark Penn Station, Secaucus Junction and New York Penn Station on the North Jersey Coast Line.<ref>[https://www.visitmonmouth.com/Page.aspx?Id=5128 Transportation Map - Rail Service], Monmouth County, New Jersey. Accessed April 29, 2023.</ref><ref>[https://content.njtransit.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/rail/2023/04/230004/njcl.pdf North Jersey Coast Line schedule], NJ Transit, updated April 23, 2023. Accessed April 29, 2023.</ref>

NJ Transit bus service is available between the borough and Philadelphia on the 317 route, with local service offered on the 830 route.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100726183326/http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=BusRoutesMonmouthCountyTo Monmouth County Bus / Rail Connections], NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 26, 2010. Accessed October 29, 2013.</ref>

==Climate==

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Bradley Beach has a humid subtropical climate (''Cfa''). ''Cfa'' climates are characterized by all months having an average temperature above {{convert|32.0|F|1}}, at least four months with an average temperature greater than or equal {{convert|50.0|F|1}}, at least one month with an average temperature greater than or equal {{convert|71.6|F|1}} and no significant precipitation difference between seasons. Although most summer days are slightly humid with a cooling afternoon sea breeze in Bradley Beach, episodes of heat and high humidity can occur with heat index values greater than {{convert|103|F|0}}. Since 1981, the highest air temperature was {{convert|100.3|F|1}} on August 9, 2001, and the highest daily average mean dew point was {{convert|77.3|F|1}} on August 13, 2016. The average wettest month is July which correlates with the peak in thunderstorm activity. Since 1981, the wettest calendar day was {{convert|5.60|in|mm|0}} on August 27, 2011. During the winter months, the average annual extreme minimum air temperature is {{convert|3.8|F|1}}.<ref name="USDA">{{cite web|url=https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/|publisher=United States Department of Agriculture|access-date=July 22, 2020|title=USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704214427/https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/phzmweb/interactivemap.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 1981, the coldest air temperature was {{convert|-5.7|F|1}} on January 22, 1984. Episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values below {{convert|-6|F|0}}. The average seasonal (November–April) snowfall total is {{convert|18|to|24|in|cm|0}} and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in nor'easter activity.

{{Weather box | width = auto | single line = Y | location = Bradley Beach, 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1981–2019 | Jan record high F = 71.6 | Feb record high F = 78.8 | Mar record high F = 82.1 | Apr record high F = 88.9 | May record high F = 94.9 | Jun record high F = 96.8 | Jul record high F = 99.8 | Aug record high F = 100.3 | Sep record high F = 97.5 | Oct record high F = 93.9 | Nov record high F = 80.6 | Dec record high F = 75.0 | year record high F = 100.3 | Jan high F = 40.1 | Feb high F = 42.7 | Mar high F = 49.2 | Apr high F = 58.7 | May high F = 68.2 | Jun high F = 77.5 | Jul high F = 82.8 | Aug high F = 81.7 | Sep high F = 75.5 | Oct high F = 65.1 | Nov high F = 55.3 | Dec high F = 45.2 | year high F = 61.9 | Jan mean F = 32.4 | Feb mean F = 34.8 | Mar mean F = 40.9 | Apr mean F = 50.3 | May mean F = 59.9 | Jun mean F = 69.4 | Jul mean F = 74.9 | Aug mean F = 73.9 | Sep mean F = 67.3 | Oct mean F = 56.4 | Nov mean F = 47.3 | Dec mean F = 37.7 | year mean F = 53.9 | Jan low F = 24.8 | Feb low F = 26.8 | Mar low F = 32.7 | Apr low F = 41.9 | May low F = 51.5 | Jun low F = 61.2 | Jul low F = 67.0 | Aug low F = 66.0 | Sep low F = 59.1 | Oct low F = 47.6 | Nov low F = 39.2 | Dec low F = 30.1 | year low F = 45.7 | Jan record low F = -5.7 | Feb record low F = 1.0 | Mar record low F = 6.0 | Apr record low F = 18.3 | May record low F = 35.5 | Jun record low F = 44.9 | Jul record low F = 49.0 | Aug record low F = 45.5 | Sep record low F = 39.5 | Oct record low F = 26.8 | Nov record low F = 15.1 | Dec record low F = -0.1 | year record low F = -5.7 | precipitation colour = green | Jan precipitation inch = 3.62 | Feb precipitation inch = 3.07 | Mar precipitation inch = 3.97 | Apr precipitation inch = 4.12 | May precipitation inch = 3.75 | Jun precipitation inch = 3.61 | Jul precipitation inch = 4.70 | Aug precipitation inch = 4.66 | Sep precipitation inch = 3.59 | Oct precipitation inch = 3.90 | Nov precipitation inch = 3.88 | Dec precipitation inch = 4.02 | year precipitation inch = 46.89 | humidity colour = green | Jan humidity = 64.6 | Feb humidity = 61.7 | Mar humidity = 60.3 | Apr humidity = 61.8 | May humidity = 65.7 | Jun humidity = 70.0 | Jul humidity = 69.6 | Aug humidity = 71.2 | Sep humidity = 71.3 | Oct humidity = 69.4 | Nov humidity = 67.3 | Dec humidity = 65.3 | year humidity = 66.5 | Jan dew point F = 21.8 | Feb dew point F = 23.0 | Mar dew point F = 28.2 | Apr dew point F = 37.7 | May dew point F = 48.4 | Jun dew point F = 59.2 | Jul dew point F = 64.3 | Aug dew point F = 64.0 | Sep dew point F = 57.7 | Oct dew point F = 46.5 | Nov dew point F = 37.0 | Dec dew point F = 27.1 | year dew point F = 43.0 | source = PRISM<ref name=prism>[http://prism.oregonstate.edu/explorer/ Time Series Values for Individual Locations], PRISM Climate Group Oregon State University. Accessed March 18, 2020.</ref>}}

{{Weather box | width = auto | single line = Y | location = Sandy Hook, NJ Ocean Water Temperature (18 N Bradley Beach) | Jan mean F = 37 | Feb mean F = 36 | Mar mean F = 40 | Apr mean F = 46 | May mean F = 55 | Jun mean F = 62 | Jul mean F = 69 | Aug mean F = 72 | Sep mean F = 68 | Oct mean F = 59 | Nov mean F = 51 | Dec mean F = 43 | year mean F = 53 |source 1 = NOAA<ref name=NOAA>[https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/all_meanT.html Water Temperature Table of All Coastal Regions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905202557/https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/all_meanT.html |date=September 5, 2017 }}, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Accessed March 18, 2020.</ref>}}

==Ecology==

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Bradley Beach would have a dominant vegetation type of Appalachian Oak (''104'') with a dominant vegetation form of Eastern Hardwood Forest (''25'').<ref name="Conservation Biology Institute">[https://databasin.org/datasets/1c7a301c8e6843f2b4fe63fdb3a9fe39 U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)], Data Basin. Accessed March 18, 2020.</ref> The plant hardiness zone is 7a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of {{convert|3.8|F|1}}.<ref name="USDA"/> The average date of first spring leaf-out is March 24<ref name="National Phenology Network">{{cite web|url=https://www.usanpn.org/data/visualizations|access-date= July 22, 2020|title=Phenology Visualization Tool}}</ref> and fall color typically peaks in early-November.

==Chess== In 1929, Bradley Beach hosted an international chess tournament at Hotel La Reine. Alexander Alekhine, the reigning world chess champion at the time, won the tournament with an impressive score of 8.5/9.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tom (ths2)|title=Bradley Beach 1929 International Chess Tournament, Part 1 of 3|url=https://www.chess.com/blog/ths2/bradley-beach-1929-international-chess-tournament-part-1-of-3|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Chess.com|date=October 14, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Notable people== {{Category see also|People from Bradley Beach, New Jersey}} People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Bradley Beach include:

* James A. Bradley (1830–1921), New Jersey State Senator, philanthropist and real estate developer, who developed Asbury Park and was the namesake of Bradley Beach<ref name=History/> * Linda Deutsch (1943–2024), journalist who worked for the Associated Press<ref>[https://www.monmouth.edu/commencement/2023-graduate-commencement-program/ 2023 Graduate Commencement Program], Monmouth University. Accessed September 2, 2024. "Honorary Degree Linda Deutsch ’65... Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, she was raised in the seaside town of Bradley Beach, graduated from Asbury Park High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Monmouth in 1965."</ref> * TJ Lubinsky (born 1972), radio host<ref>Fensom, Michael J. [http://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/index.ssf/2014/04/5_questions_for_producer_of_oldies_music_specials_for_public_tv.html "5 questions: NJ native produces oldies music specials for public TV"], ''The Star-Ledger'', April 18, 2014. Accessed November 7, 2016. "TJ Lubinsky was born in Bradley Beach and though he moved away from New Jersey when he was 10 years old, he returned to the Shore each summer."</ref> * James D. Melville Jr. (born 1957), diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Estonia<ref>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/195389.htm James D. Melville, Jr.], United States Department of State. Accessed July 2, 2018. "He is originally from Bradley Beach, New Jersey."</ref> * Jeannette Mirsky (1903–1987), author who was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1947 for her biographical writings on the history of exploration<ref>McDowell, Edwin. [https://www.nytimes.com/1987/03/20/arts/jeannette-m-ginsburg-83-author-and-editor.html "Jeannette M. Ginsburg, 83, Author and Editor"], ''The New York Times'', March 20, 1987. Accessed November 7, 2016. "Born in Bradley Beach, N.J., and raised in New York City, Mrs. Ginsburg graduated from Barnard College in 1924. After her marriage to Edward B. Ginsburg, an industrial engineer in the clothing industry, she lived in South Carolina, moving to Princeton in 1950."</ref> * Pat Pacillo (born 1963), former Major League Baseball player who pitched for the Cincinnati Reds in 1987 and 1988<ref>Iseman, Chris. [http://www.northjersey.com/sports/baseball/wide-eyed-and-appreciative-1.1409829?page=all "Where are they now? Rutherford native and Cincinnati Red Pat Pacillo"], ''The Record'', September 15, 2015. Accessed September 21, 2015. "Now a financial adviser for Wells Fargo, Pacillo lives in Bradley Beach with his wife, Karen."</ref> * Christine Quinn (born 1966), Speaker of the New York City Council<ref>Chen, David W. [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/26/nyregion/on-weekends-christine-quinn-embraces-life-as-a-jersey-girl.html "For Council Speaker, Home on Weekends Is at Jersey Shore"], ''The New York Times'', July 25, 2012. Accessed July 28, 2012. "Christine C. Quinn, the New York City Council speaker, in the weekend home in Bradley Beach, N.J., that she and her spouse, Kim M. Catullo, bought in 2004."</ref> * Cesar Romero (1907–1994), actor<ref>Pike, Helen-Chantal (2005). ''Asbury Park's Glory Days: The Story of an American Resort.'' Rutgers University Press, p. 152 {{ISBN|0-8135-3547-6}} "One teenage clerk was Cesar Romero, who lived in nearby Bradley Beach."</ref><ref>Ayres, Shirley; Craword, Gary S. [https://books.google.com/books?id=zxYXWNnCK1oC&pg=PA64 ''Bradley Beach''], p. 64. Arcadia Publishing, 2002. {{ISBN|9780738510255}}. Accessed September 18, 2014. "When movie actor Cesar Romero was a boy, he and his family moved from Manhattan to this home in Bradley Beach."</ref> * Philip Roth (1933–2018), author of ''Goodbye, Columbus'' and ''Portnoy's Complaint''<ref>Cooper, Alan. [https://books.google.com/books?id=ImxNVioCqNEC&pg=PA10 ''Philip Roth and the Jews''], p. 10. SUNY Press, 2012. {{ISBN|9780791499641}}. Accessed September 28, 2016. "The young Philip Roth spent his summers at Bradley Beach, sharing summer houses, refrigerators, and the sense of an extended family with other Jewish households, where the accents, including those of immigrant generation grandparents, were stereotypically Jewish."</ref> * Isaac Schlossbach (1891–1984), polar explorer, submariner and aviation pioneer<ref>Staff. [https://www.jta.org/1931/07/30/archive/three-jews-on-board-as-nautilus-sails-for-pole "Three Jews on Board As Nautilus Sails for Pole"], Jewish Telegraphic Agency, July 30, 1931. Accessed September 18, 2014. "When the submarine Nautilus under the command of Sir Hubert Wilkins left Plymouth yesterday for its undersea voyage to the North Pole, three American Jews, all members of the crew, were on board. The three Jews who are taking the epochal journey are Oscar Blumberg, chief engineer, of New York; Harry Rothschild, familiarly known as 'Baron' Rothschild, steward, of the Bronx, and Isaac Schlossbach, chief officer, of Bradley Beach, New Jersey."</ref> * Bruce Springsteen (born 1949), musician<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121103041452/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,904073-2,00.html "Along Pinball Way], ''Time'', April 1, 1974. Accessed April 23, 2009. "A loner, Springsteen's lifestyle is music. 'I love traveling and performing, love being on the road. The thing I don't like is the business side.' Home is a rented apartment in Bradley Beach, N.J."</ref> * Thomas Vezzetti (1928–1988), 33rd Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey<ref>via Associated Press. [https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/03/obituaries/thomas-vezzetti-59-hoboken-mayor-dies.html "Thomas Vezzetti, 59, Hoboken Mayor, Dies"], ''The New York Times'', March 3, 1988. Accessed August 10, 2012. "Mr. Vezzetti was born in Bradley Beach, N.J., in 1928, along with a twin sister, Louise, who now lives in Puerto Rico."</ref> * Tommy West (1942–2021, born as Thomas Picardo), singer-songwriter and record producer<ref>Staff. [https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/143906321/ "Making Music Pay Feels Good"], ''Asbury Park Press'', September 14, 1972. Accessed September 28, 2016. "Tom Picardo, known professionally as T. P. West of Cashman and West recording artists and Blendingwell Music, Inc., New York, relaxes during a break in a recording session where he is acting as producer. Mr. Picardo is formerly of Bradley Beach."</ref> * Murray A. Wiener (born 1909), polar explorer<ref>Staff. [https://www.nytimes.com/1955/01/24/archives/kainan-bay-arrival-the-atka-failed-to-reach-the-plateau-on-first.html "Kainan Bay Arrival; The Atka Failed to Reach the Plateau on First Day There"], ''The New York Times'', January 24, 1955. Accessed August 10, 2012. "The leader of the group was Maj. Murray A. Wiener, Air Force representative, whose home is Bradley Beach, N. J.</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://www.bradleybeachnj.gov/ Bradley Beach website] * [https://www.bbesnj.org/bbes/ Bradley Beach Elementary School] * {{NJReportCard|25|0500|0|Bradley Beach Elementary School}} * [https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=3402130 School Data for the Bradley Beach Elementary School], National Center for Education Statistics

{{S-start}} {{Succession box | title = Beaches of New Jersey | years = | with = | before = Ocean Grove | after = Avon-by-the-Sea }} {{S-end}}

{{Geographic Location (8-way) | Centre =Borough of Bradley Beach | North = Neptune Township | Northeast = | East = Atlantic Ocean | Southeast = | South = Avon-by-the-Sea | Southwest = | West = Neptune City | Northwest = | image = }} {{Jersey Shore region}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Bradley Beach, New Jersey Category:1893 establishments in New Jersey Category:Boroughs in New Jersey Category:Boroughs in Monmouth County, New Jersey Category:Faulkner Act (small municipality) Category:Jersey Shore communities in Monmouth County Category:Populated places in the United States established in 1893