Today, the towns of North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest make up the "Wildwoods", a collective of shore towns. Wildwood Crest, or as the locals affectionately say "the Crest," has over 3,000 year-round residents but that number swells considerably once the warm weather arrives and vacation homeowners head towards the coast. Three commissioners govern the borough, serving four-year concurrent terms. Following each election, the commission gathers to elect one of their own to serve as mayor. Each commissioner oversees and operates a specific department (i.e. public affairs, public safety, public works, etc.). Wildwood Crest is located in the 2nd Congressional District and the 1st state legislative district. It is located in Cape May County and sits just south of Wildwood. Children residing in Wildwood Crest are served by the borough's school district from prekindergarten through the eighth grade. After that, they attend Wildwood High School. A variety of different activities are available to residents and tourists including summer basketball (for boys and girls in fifth through 12th grades), Zumba and yoga classes, fitness classes for seniors, mahjong and card games for adults, an indoor pool, tennis courts, fishing, baseball and softball fields, and a one-mile bike path. Just like North Wildwood and Wildwood, Wildwood Crest's expansive beaches are free to the public and overseen by a beach patrol of lifeguards. Throughout the summer months, free concerts are held in the borough's Centennial Park at Fern Road and Ocean Avenue. The large boardwalk stretches through all of the Wildwoods providing scenic views of the sea as well as the opportunity to stroll along and enjoy the ocean breezes. Also, restaurants, coffee shops, and other eateries are close by -- some within walking distance of local homes -- making dining options plentiful.Unlike many other beach towns that clear out on Labor Day, Wildwood Crest enjoys activities and happenings in the fall and early springtime months, making it a lively place to reside. This isn't a ghost town in September. The weather is still gorgeous and enjoyable, which is why some people prefer to hit the beaches after the summer traffic moves north up the Garden State Parkway. Many people who now live or own vacation homes in Wildwood Crest recall weeklong summer trips of their youth to the coastal town. Today, a whole new generation is enjoying all that Wildwood Crest has to offer.
