Torn between Fair Haven and Little Silver for your next move? You are looking at two beloved Monmouth County river towns with different strengths, from commute convenience to lot sizes and waterfront access. In this guide, you will see a clear, side-by-side breakdown of housing, amenities, outdoor life, and commuting so you can match each town to your priorities. Let’s dive in.
Housing and pricing
Fair Haven sits at the higher end of local pricing, while Little Silver shows a wider spread of home sizes and price points. Recent MLS aggregator snapshots place Fair Haven’s median sale price around $1.61M and Little Silver’s near $855K for early 2026, but both towns have small monthly sample sizes, so short-term swings are common. Always confirm with recent street-level comps before you bid.
In Fair Haven, you will find a compact borough with many single-family homes, renovated cottages and colonials, and select riverfront properties along the Navesink corridor. The housing stock trends heavily single family with limited multifamily options, and a village feel that many buyers value for its scale and setting. For general context on the borough, review the Fair Haven overview.
Little Silver offers a broader mix, including historic homes, ranches, capes, mid-century residences, and larger waterfront estates near Little Silver Point and along tributaries off the Shrewsbury. There are more pockets with larger lots than you typically see in Fair Haven, which can stretch your budget on land and interior space. Explore the Little Silver overview for a high-level look at the borough’s layout.
Town centers and daily life
Fair Haven’s commercial life clusters along River Road with local boutiques, salons, and eateries. The business corridor is tight and convenient, and many residents pair it with quick trips to Red Bank for larger shopping or entertainment. Get a feel for the vibe with the Fair Haven Business Association listings.
Little Silver describes Prospect Avenue as its Main Street, with small shops, restaurants, and community-focused businesses near Church Street and Markham Place. The downtown core is small, walkable in the center, and hosts seasonal events. For the borough’s snapshot of its downtown, see the About Little Silver page.
Both towns are minutes from Red Bank, a regional hub for dining, arts, and theater, plus larger grocery and medical options. If you want frequent restaurant and show nights, you will likely plan regular Red Bank outings from either town. For county-level visitor highlights, browse Visit Monmouth.
Waterfront and recreation
Fair Haven offers a renovated public dock and boat ramp with a borough pass system, plus well-used parks and athletic fields like Fair Haven Fields, Memorial Park, and McCarter Park. The town also benefits from nearby private boat clubs and marinas along the Navesink. Review current facilities and pass details on the Fair Haven parks and facilities page.
Little Silver highlights Dominick F. Santelle Park and its public boat ramp on the Shrewsbury River, including kayak racks and seasonal access. You will also find neighborhood parks and athletic fields spread across town. The Little Silver overview notes the prominence of river access and waterfront homes.
If you plan to launch or store a boat, confirm the latest ramp rules, borough permits, and parking before you buy. Policies and fees can change, and slip availability varies by season. Fair Haven publishes current pass information, and Little Silver cites the public ramp at Santelle Park.
Commuting and transport
Rail is the key difference. Little Silver has an in-town NJ Transit station on the North Jersey Coast Line with commuter parking and daily service. If a walk-to-train lifestyle matters, that is a practical advantage. Check current schedules and parking rules at the NJ Transit Little Silver Station page.
Fair Haven does not have its own station. Most residents drive, bike, or take a short bus ride to Red Bank or Little Silver to board the North Jersey Coast Line. Trip times to New York Penn Station vary by express versus local patterns, transfer needs, and time of day. Learn more about the corridor on the North Jersey Coast Line overview.
Ferries to Manhattan do not depart from Fair Haven or Little Silver. Many two-river peninsula commuters drive to Seastreak terminals in Highlands or Atlantic Highlands for a fast ferry alternative. See the regional ferry option via this Seastreak listing, and confirm parking and sailing schedules before you plan around it.
Lifestyle tradeoffs
- Need an in-town train, a classic Main Street, and a wider mix of lot sizes? Little Silver often has the edge, thanks to the station and Prospect Avenue’s core.
- Want a compact, river-focused village with a high concentration of river-view properties and a tight local corridor? Fair Haven tends to fit that preference.
- Prioritizing more land or interior square footage per dollar? Little Silver generally offers more neighborhoods with larger lots. Always verify with current comps.
- Prefer a smaller, concentrated downtown and quick jumps to Red Bank? Fair Haven aligns well with that routine.
On-the-ground checklist
- Commute trial. Ride or drive your full morning route on a weekday, including walk time or parking. Confirm permit rules and lot capacity at the Little Silver station.
- Downtown walk test. Spend 45 to 90 minutes on River Road in Fair Haven and Prospect Avenue in Little Silver at lunch and dinner to gauge energy and options. The Fair Haven Business Association is a helpful preview.
- Waterfront access check. Review borough boat-ramp rules, pass costs, and seasonal restrictions. Fair Haven publishes details on its parks and facilities page.
- Inventory reality check. Request 90 to 180 days of recent MLS comps for the exact streets you like. Small boroughs see volatile medians, so block-level data matters.
- Day-to-day errands. Map your grocery, medical, and childcare routines. Some buyers choose based on everyday convenience more than scenery.
Common buyer paths
- I want the simplest rail commute to NYC. Favor Little Silver for the in-town station and North Jersey Coast Line access.
- I want a quiet, river-focused neighborhood with a strong small-town identity. Fair Haven’s compact village and river setting fit that profile.
- I want more yard or interior space for the price. Little Silver often provides larger lots and a wider range of mid-size homes. Confirm with recent comps.
Your next step
Choosing between two great river towns is about tradeoffs that match your lifestyle. If you want help pressure-testing commute times, comparing block-by-block comps, or evaluating waterfront access, reach out to the Suzanne Veninata Team for a complimentary consultation. Our team blends finance-forward pricing advice with boutique, local guidance so you can buy with confidence.
FAQs
What is the biggest commuting difference between Fair Haven and Little Silver?
- Little Silver has an in-town NJ Transit station on the North Jersey Coast Line, while Fair Haven residents usually travel to Red Bank or Little Silver to board; check schedules and parking on the NJ Transit station page.
How do early 2026 home prices compare between the two towns?
- MLS aggregator snapshots show Fair Haven around $1.61M and Little Silver near $855K for recent medians, but small sample sizes can swing numbers, so request current, street-level comps before making an offer.
Where can you find public boat ramps near these towns?
- Fair Haven lists its public dock and boat-ramp pass details on the borough parks page, and Little Silver highlights the Dominick F. Santelle Park boat ramp on the Shrewsbury River.
Is there a ferry to Manhattan from Fair Haven or Little Silver?
- Ferries do not depart from either town; many residents drive to Seastreak terminals in Highlands or Atlantic Highlands for fast service to Manhattan, as noted in this regional listing.
Which town has a more traditional Main Street feel for errands and coffee?
- Little Silver centers on Prospect Avenue, which the borough calls its Main Street, while Fair Haven’s River Road offers a compact corridor of local businesses; preview each via About Little Silver and the Fair Haven Business Association.
