I think the narrow streets like Long Branch with few/no apartments because of the small lot sizes have the maximum small town charm going for them. I can’t think of another place where so many fat domestic cats are lounging next to the sidewalk and walk up to people. In “bad” areas a cat would have a few bad experiences and no longer walk up to strangers.
As for price, there seems to be an usually large number of old 2-bedroom cottages on the market right now. That might hold the price down.
Here’s a flip of a house on a smaller lot/louder street nearby:
