Today, the Causeway is the way most people reach Long Beach Island and the only way onto the island without a boat. A few of these areas grew up around the Life Saving Stations situated on the beach. Beach Haven and Barnegat Light were planned and developed as resort towns, and other communities were founded simply to provide a restful and quiet area to vacation. From the very beginning of settlement on Long Beach Island, people have enjoyed its cool ocean breezes, white beaches and quiet personality. The calm and quiet atmosphere promotes relaxation and a great way to escape the cares of everyday life.
Long Beach is a little more civilized and more populated then in earlier times.
Yet, it has not lost its charm or its appeal. It never seems too crowded or too stressful. There are only about 20,000 people who live on the island year round. Some folks spend the Summer season in their own cottage or condo, while most who visit are there for a week or two at a time. The Island is only a quarter to a half of a mile wide in most areas, so one is never far from the sea.