Seaside Heights, NJ

Seaside Heights is a seaside town located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town's population was 10,851,[1] reflecting an increase of 1,721 (+27.5%) from the 6,902 counted in the 2000 Census. Seaside Heights is a resort town on the Atlantic Ocean and has been known for its luxury hotels and casinos since its early days as a resort community.

The first permanent settlers arrived in 1873 when developers built cottages along what is now Route 35. The area soon became popular with wealthy New Yorkers who came to escape summer heat and enjoy the ocean breezes. In 1884, developer George F. Post erected one of America's earliest amusement parks - Luna Park - on what is now Post Avenue near where Pier A stands today. The park featured a roller coaster called "The Cyclone" which was said to be so dangerous that it had to be closed after just one day of operation because two riders were killed while riding it!

In 1916, developer Harry Helmsley purchased 1,000 acres (4 km2) of land on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and began construction on what would become Helmsley Park - now known as Helmsley Beach State Park - which quickly became one of America's most popular resorts with celebrities such as Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire frequenting its casino and restaurants. In 1927, Helmsley built his famous hotel - The Helmsley Palace Hotel - which still stands today and remains one of Seaside Heights' most iconic landmarks. In 1936 he opened Sands Casino which quickly became one of New Jersey's most successful casinos attracting high-rollers from all over the world including gangsters like Lucky Luciano who made regular visits to play blackjack at Sands' poker room!

In 1954 developer William Levitt Jr purchased 2,000 acres (8 km2) of land adjacent to Helmsley Park and began construction on what would become Levittown - now known as Long Branch - which quickly became one of America's largest suburban communities with more than 100,000 residents by 1962. Levittown was an instant success thanks in part to innovative marketing that highlighted its low prices compared to other suburban areas at the time including features such as weekly home delivery of groceries via tractor-trailer!