About Margate City, NJ

History

Margate City has a long and rich history. Originally known as South Atlantic City, in 1869 the State Legislature paved the way for Margate to be chartered as a municipality.

The extension of a railroad line through the City and the building of a restaurant-hotel in 1881 in the shape of an elephant named “Lucy” began to shape the growth of Margate. To learn more about the history of the City of Margate, contact the Margate Historical Society at 609.823.6546, or read about our history on the Margate Library web page.

Geography

The city stretches approximately eight blocks from the Atlantic Ocean to the bay at most points in town and is roughly 2 miles long.  Margate is 60 miles from Philadelphia, 88 miles from Wilmington, DE, 125 miles from New York City, and 154 miles from Baltimore, MD

Population

Margate currently has 6800 listings on the City tax rolls, with a full-time population (based on the 2000 Census) of 8500.

Government

Margate City operates under a commission form of municipal government with 3 elected officials seated in an at-large non-partisan election. The commissioners then vote for the position of mayor between themselves and assigned the office by resolution. These officials serve a four -year concurrent term.  www.margate-nj.com

Current officials are:

Michael Becker – Mayor and Commissioner of Public Works, Parks & Property
Maury Blumberg – Commissioner of Revenue & Finance
John Amodeo – Commissioner of Public Safety & Public Affairs

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Beaches

Margate’s 2 miles of pristine, white sand beaches attract sun worshippers, surfers, and kayak and hobie cat enthusiasts in a family friendly environment. Several beaches provide rest rooms for beachgoers.  Margate City Beach Patrol operates lifeguard stands and beach patrol operations for the Margate beaches. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months from 10 am to 6 pm, with more limited hours in the late spring and early autumn months. Beach tags are required during season except during the Thrilling Thursday Family program where the beaches are free every Thursday.  No pets are permitted on the beach during the summer season.  Margate City Police patrol all beaches regularly.  Beach Patrol headquarters is located on Decatur Ave.

Bay & Ocean Activities

Margate is host to many bayside docks providing boaters and fishermen hours of enjoyment and relaxation. Local charter boats offer sport and deep-sea fishing. Margate’s marinas offer docks for lease, equipment and rentals. Surf and stand up paddle board lessons are available.  In addition, yoga on the beach is offered through several local businesses.

Shopping & Dining

There are two active business districts in Margate offering a wide variety of options for retail shopping. The restaurant community offers everything from world-class cuisine to the best after-beach and bar food on the Jersey Shore. Many restaurants convert after dinner hour to entertainment and dancing, giving Margate City a great reputation for a wide variety of lively nightlife.

Lodging

Margate becomes a very popular destination in the summer months; however, Margate has no hotel lodging. Many houses in Margate are second homes used during the summer, and a considerable number are available for rentals on a weekly, monthly, seasonal, or annual basis. There are a number of Real Estate offices in town, each one with listings for short and long-term rentals, as well as homes for