Middle Township

With a location in the central portion of Cape May peninsula and bounded by the Atlantic
Ocean and Delaware Bay, Middle Township is an area of approximately 75 square miles
and a population of about 19,000 in 15 communities. Those communities include
Burleigh, Rio Grande, Whitesboro, Dias Creek, Green Creek and Cape May Court House,
which is the county seat of Cape May County. With significant frontage along the
Delaware Bay, the township features extensive salt marshes and wetlands that have long
been a stopping place for migratory and shore birds. Many tourists are drawn to the area
each year to witness the annual migration of shore birds to feed on horseshoe crab eggs
in the latter part of May and first part of June. Established in 1989, the Cape May National
Wildlife Refuge works to ensure that the critical habitat these birds and other wildlife
depend on is protected and totals about 11,500 acres. Other nearby wildlife refuges
include the Beaver Swamp and Lizard Tail preserves.

With a population of about 5,200, Cape May Courthouse is both the county seat and
commercial center of the township. Laid out in 1703, it features a number of historic
buildings and sites. Most communities in this area of Cape May County began as fishing
settlements. And while fishing remains important to the area’s economy, those early
settlements are now residential communities. Because of the township’s size and
diversity, single-­family detached homes can be found in some areas for under $50K,
particularly manufactured housing. Other properties, including some prime waterfront lots,
command price tags of $1 million and more. For potential homebuyers interested in
getting to know the area, there are a number of first­rate camping resorts that offer
complete RV services and rentals of fully equipped cabins. Other attractions include two
public golf courses, the Cape May County Park and Zoo, Middle Township Performing
Arts Center and an expansive shopping district. One of the East Coast’s favorite
playgrounds, The Wildwoods on the Jersey Shore, are just 10 miles from Cape May Court
House and Atlantic City is about a 45­minute drive away.