Pine Beach, NJ

Pine Beach is a small town located in Ocean County, New Jersey. The population was 2,906 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Toms River-Lacey Township- Freehold Borough Statistical Area.

The town of Pine Beach was founded in 1892 by George A. Smith and his brother-in-law, John W. Haines. The two men had purchased a tract of land on the north side of Toms River from the heirs of Colonel John Stevens II for $5,000. They named their new settlement Pine Beach after a pine tree that grew near their property.

Smith and Haines built a general store and post office on their property and began to attract other settlers to their community. By 1898, there were enough people living in Pine Beach to form a town council and elect officers.

The early years of Pine Beach were difficult due to the fact that there was no road connecting it to any other settlements nearby. In order to get goods into town, Smith and Haines had to transport them by wagon over rough terrain or by boat across Toms River Bay.

Despite these challenges, the town continued to grow steadily over the next several decades thanks largely to its natural resources – including abundant pine trees – as well as its location close to major transportation routes such as Route 35 and Route 37 (now known as Garden State Parkway).

In 1938, Pine Beach became home to one of America's first nuclear power plants when General Electric opened its plant here manufacturing light bulbs and other products using radioactive materials.. Despite this economic boost for the community, however, it would be another half century before Pine Beach would experience another period of sustained growth due to factors such as suburbanization and increased access to affordable housing outside of town limits..

Today, Pine Beach remains an important community in Ocean County with many residents commuting into Toms River or Freehold for work each day.. The town's main businesses include restaurants (including two seafood restaurants), banks (including two national banks), grocery stores (including a large chain store), hardware stores, gas stations/convenience stores/car wash facilities ,and several medical offices . There are also several churches ,a public library ,and three schools – one elementary school ,one middle school ,and one high school .

While much has changed since George A Smith first settled in Pine Beach more than 100 years ago – including the development of suburbs outside of town limits – much about this smalltown community remains unchanged .. including its love affair with real estate