Fair Haven, New Jersey
FAQ
What are property taxes like in Fair Haven, NJ?
The median annual property tax bill in Fair Haven is about $14,128, based on an effective tax rate of roughly 1.66% (2026); higher-value homes can see bills of $18,000 or more. Fair Haven's rate is higher than neighboring Rumson's, but its lower home prices often keep the total bill more moderate.
How much do homes cost in Fair Haven, NJ?
The median home sale price in Fair Haven is about $1.4 million as of early 2026. Entry-level homes generally run $780,000 to $1.1 million, mid-range homes $1.1 to $1.7 million, and new-construction or luxury properties $2 million to $3 million or more.
What schools are in Fair Haven, NJ?
Fair Haven's public school district includes Viola L. Sickles School (grades K–3) and Knollwood School (grades 4–8). Students then attend Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, shared with Rumson and regularly ranked among New Jersey's top public high schools.
Is Fair Haven, NJ a good place to live?
Fair Haven is a small, family-friendly borough of about 6,000 residents spanning roughly two square miles along the Navesink River. It's prized for its walkable downtown, strong schools, and close-knit community feel, all within a short drive of the beaches and about an hour from New York City.
Is Fair Haven a buyer's or seller's market right now?
As of 2026, Fair Haven is a seller's market, especially in the entry and mid-price tiers. Well-priced homes typically sell quickly, and active inventory often sits in the single digits, so prepared buyers who move quickly have a real advantage. (Market conditions shift, confirm the latest with a local agent.)
How far is Fair Haven from New York City?
Fair Haven is roughly 45 miles from Manhattan. The most popular commute is the Seastreak ferry from nearby Atlantic Highlands (about 45 minutes to Wall Street or Midtown), with NJ Transit rail from Red Bank and driving (about 1 to 1.5 hours) as alternatives.
Fair Haven is nestled between the towns of Rumson and Red Bank, with Little Silver to the south and the Navesink River to the north in Monmouth County NJ. Spanning just 1.5 square miles, it is a wonderful, quaint and tight-knit community where children still ride their bikes to top-rated schools. Homes ranging from spectacular waterfront properties to classic cedar-shake homes on oak-lined streets, as well as historic homes with white picket-fences. Fair Haven is also a popular home for commuters to New York City who find its Monmouth County location convenient for both work and play.
Though primarily residential, Fair Haven has a charming downtown with many unique boutiques, small businesses and a handful of wonderful restaurants. Fair Haven also has woodland hiking trails and its own dock on the Navesink River, where outdoor events and fishing are commonplace. Residents can also frequent the many fine restaurants and boutiques in nearby Red Bank and Rumson or the upscale mix of local specialty and national retailers at The Grove in Shrewsbury.
What to Love
- Quiet, coastal location
- Charming, small-town feel
- Lovely downtown with restaurants, parks and mom-and-pop shops
People & Lifestyle
Fair Haven is a quiet community with a charming downtown. The area is warm, and welcoming and provides a community-oriented lifestyle with all the perks of being next to the beach.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Strolling through the downtown, you’ll find many stores and restaurants. Grab a sandwich or salad at
Tavolo Pronto. Get some ice cream at
Nicolas Creamery or buy a book at one of the only independent book stores around,
River Road Books. Are you vegan? No problem in Fair Haven!
Seed to Sprout is open for breakfast and lunch.
In the evening it's a treat to have dinner at the
Nauvoo Grill Club, a lodge-inspired restaurant and bar serving American cuisine. If you are looking for Asian fare,
Sansu Japanese Steak House serves up both sushi and hibachi. These are just a few of great restaurants that call Fair Haven home.
Things to Do
For a small town Fair Haven has quite a lot to do! If you like being on the water, Fair Haven is home to a public boat ramp to launch small boats, kayaks or SUP's as well as a private marinas.
You can learn to sail with the all volunteer River Rats organization. They have been teaching children and adult to sail since 1955. There are a number of neighborhood parks, basketball courts, trails and playgrounds in town. The town has great recreation programs for children as well as a summer camp.
Right over the Sea Bright bridge you will find beautiful public beaches and Beach clubs dotting Ocean Ave to fill your summer schedule. Fair Haven is well-known for the annual Fireman's Fair that takes place in the last week of August and rounds out the Summer. Fair Haven is sometimes knick-named as "Mayberry" and is truly a special place to call home! Schools
- PUBLIC
- Viola L. Sickles School, Pre-K-3
- Knollwood School, 4-8
- Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School, 9-12
- PRIVATE