Riverfront Estate in Toms River Listed for $3.5 Million

The longtime home of a WWII Navy diver who helped lay the first transatlantic fiber-optic cable is on the market.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:21am

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An impressionistic, blurred landscape of a riverfront property, with the water and sky blending together in a hazy, dreamlike composition of warm, golden tones.The sale of a historic riverfront estate in Toms River highlights the continued demand for luxury waterfront properties in the region.Neptune City Today

The longtime Toms River home of Jim Caldwell, a Navy diver who helped lay the first transatlantic fiber-optic cable during World War II, is now for sale with an asking price of $3.5 million.

Why it matters

The sale of Caldwell's riverfront estate highlights the continued demand for high-end luxury properties in the Toms River area, which has seen a surge of interest from wealthy buyers seeking scenic waterfront retreats.

The details

Caldwell's 5,000-square-foot home sits on 2 acres of prime riverfront property and features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a private dock, and panoramic views of the Toms River. The property has been in Caldwell's family for decades since he purchased it after returning from his wartime service.

  • Caldwell purchased the Toms River property after World War II.
  • The home has been in Caldwell's family for decades.
  • The property is now listed for sale in April 2026.

The players

Jim Caldwell

A Navy diver during World War II who helped lay the first transatlantic fiber-optic cable and has owned the Toms River riverfront estate for decades.

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What’s next

The property is expected to generate significant interest from luxury homebuyers in the region, and the final sale price will likely set a new high-water mark for the Toms River real estate market.

The takeaway

Caldwell's riverfront estate represents a unique piece of New Jersey history, combining wartime service with the development of critical communications infrastructure. Its high-profile listing underscores the continued appeal of scenic waterfront properties for affluent buyers seeking private retreats.