Between the Forked River Mountains and Barnegat Bay is Lacey, a Jersey township with abundant amenities and attractive waterfront homes. The area caters to those seeking a suburban, coastal lifestyle while staying close to shopping centers and plenty of recreation. "People love Lacey," says Christine Bender, a Realtor with Weichert Realtors-Forked River, who’s been selling homes in the area for over 15 years. "It's close to everything and has a great waterfront lifestyle. Boaters can literally take their boat to a waterside restaurant. A lot of people tell me that they can't wait to hurry up and retire there."
Tide's End Marina houses many boats in Lacey.
The Waterfront restaurant offers great food, drinks and live music to the people of Lacey.
1/2
20,000 acres to explore in Forked River Mountains
The Forked River Mountains occupy a 20,000-acre wilderness area in the west end of Lacey Township. Hikers and off-road vehicles can explore unmarked trails through forests dotted with Atlantic white cedar and sour gum trees while looking out for local gray foxes and Pine Barrens tree frogs. For recreation closer to home, Forked River Beach Bay Front Park sits on the waterfront with its sweeping ocean views, two nautical-themed play areas, paved walking trails and exercise equipment. There's also Gille Park, 28 acres of green space in the center of town with nearly a dozen sports fields. With its location near the waters of the Forked River and Barnegat Bay, boaters can park at their own private dock or rent one of 35 boat slips at Tide's End Marina and be out on the water in minutes.
Lacey families travel to Forked River Park which has a lot of amenities for kids.
Locals from Lacey can ride their bikes past a decommissioned nuclear power plant.
1/2
Waterfront colonial-style homes start in the $800,000s
Inland homes sit on gridded streets and include mid-20th-century Cape Cod-style and ranch-style homes with two to four bedrooms. Most properties come with driveways, and many come with attached garages, usually selling for $300,000 to $600,000. Colonial-style and contemporary-style waterfront homes have expansive windows to maximize views of Barnegat Bay. These houses come with three to five bedrooms and sell for $800,000 up to $3 million. "You can get more bang for your buck in Lacey," says Bender. "The home prices and taxes are less than other waterfront communities, but the homes still hold their value, especially the waterfront homes. You're not going to see those prices go down." The CAP Index gives Lacey a crime score of 2, with the national average being 4.
Modern colonial style homes are popular in Lacey.
There is quite a selection of ranch style homes in Lacey.
1/2
Shopping along State Route 9
Lacey Township has a variety of locally owned restaurants, including Captain's Inn, a 40-year-old mainstay with a dockside tiki bar. At The Waterfront, residents can get brunch and dinner or enjoy drinks and live entertainment in the outdoor waterside lounge. Along State Route 9, there’s a Walmart Supercenter and ShopRite for the essentials, as well as other chains like The Home Depot and Kohl’s.
Lacey locals drop by the Captain's Inn waterfront bar for great drinks and views.
At The Waterfront, near Lacey, has ample space for dancing, dining and events.
1/2
College academy at Lacey Township High
Students may start at Forked River Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche, for kindergarten through fourth grade before going to Mill Pond Elementary, which also gets a C, for grades five and six. Seventh and eighth graders may then attend Lacey Township Middle with a C-plus before moving on to Lacey Township High, which earns a B-plus rating and offers a college academy where students can earn up to 60 credits in their junior and senior years.
C-plus rated Forked River Elementary School serves the students of Lacey.
Lacey Township Middle School is a fine learning institution in Lacey.
The Lacey Township High School is a grade A learning institution.
1/3
Events at Gille Park
Gille Park is the site of several community events throughout the year, like a Haunted Trail and Halloween party, and Lacey Day, where the township celebrates with food trucks, local vendors, activities for kids and more.
Many Lacey residents can be seen walking through Gille Park.
Gille Park, near Lacey, has many features including a baseball field and playground.
1/2
Bordered by Garden State Parkway
Lacey is bordered by the Garden State Parkway, which runs from Paterson in northern Jersey all the way down the shore to Cape May. The 559 bus line can be accessed from State Route 9 with daily service to the Lakewood Bus Terminal, which provides another bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.
The garden state parkway allows Lacey residents to effortlessly drive throughout NJ.
The bus in Lacey helps commuters get to places like Atlantic City.
1/2
Important to Know
Along Oyster Creek in the southern part of the neighborhood, there’s a large nuclear power plant that was decommissioned in 2018. The plant is still being dismantled and is on track to be fully removed by 2029. In May 2024, the township proposed using the space for a ‘green energy park’ in the future, but no plans have been solidified yet.
Photography Contributed By
Josue Johnson
Video By
GL Moses
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Valerie Dickson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Welcome to this exceptional home in a sought-after Toll Brothers 55+ active adult community, offering elegance, comfort, and a unique floor plan rarely available. This residence boasts a rare finished, fully permitted basement featuring a spacious bedroom, large living area, half bath (plumbed for a shower or a tub), a cedar closet, and tons of storage space--ideal for guests, hobbies, or
Experience Lanoka Harbor luxury living by the shore in this expertly renovated 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offering exceptional space, style, and true move-in-ready convenience. This is the one you've been waiting for—there is nothing left to do but unpack. The meticulous homeowners have thoughtfully upgraded every detail with quality finishes throughout. Enjoy a bright open-concept layout,
Welcome to Paradise Point! This Brand-New Waterfront Community of 24 Homes is located in the heart of Forked River, NJ by a local/reputable Builder. NEW CONSTRUCTION on a 0.528 Acre Lot features the Madison A Model which includes 4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2 Car Garage, Walkup Finished Attic is 558sf Additional Living Space, Open Floorplan layout, Engineered Flooring on 1st Flr/2nd Flr Hallway, Custom
Welcome to this exceptional home in a sought-after Toll Brothers 55+ active adult community, offering elegance, comfort, and a unique floor plan rarely available. This residence boasts a rare finished, fully permitted basement featuring a spacious bedroom, large living area, half bath (plumbed for a shower or a tub), a cedar closet, and tons of storage space--ideal for guests, hobbies, or
The Home You've Been Waiting For — A True Multi-Generational Retreat! Designed for today's modern households, this exceptional 7-bedroom, 4.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of space, privacy, and flexibility for multi-generational living. With room for everyone to live comfortably under one roof, this move-in ready property is truly one of a kind. The heart of the home is a gourmet kitchen
Experience Lanoka Harbor luxury living by the shore in this expertly renovated 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home offering exceptional space, style, and true move-in-ready convenience. This is the one you've been waiting for—there is nothing left to do but unpack. The meticulous homeowners have thoughtfully upgraded every detail with quality finishes throughout. Enjoy a bright open-concept layout,
Spacious waterfront home offering 7 bedrooms, 3 full baths and over 3,300 sq ft, ideally located on a quiet cul-de-sac just minutes to the open bay. The flexible layout features two bedrooms on the main level and five upstairs, perfect for guests or multi generational living. A huge kitchen with abundant workspace opens to generous living and dining areas designed for gathering and entertaining.
Welcome to Paradise Point! This Brand-New Waterfront Community of 24 Homes is located in the heart of Forked River, NJ by a local/reputable Builder. FINISHED NEW CONSTRUCTION! This Waterfront Lot (0.447 Acres) features the Madison A Model which has some of the best views of the community and includes 4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2 Car Garage, 3532 Square Feet, Walkup Finished Attic with 558sf with private
Welcome to Paradise Point! This Brand-New Waterfront Community of 24 Homes is located in the heart of Forked River, NJ by a local/reputable Builder. Riverfront Lot (0.483 Acres) with APPROVED 55 ft T-Dock features the Nautilus Model (Projected Spring 2026 Completion) which includes 4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2 Car Garage, Walkup Finished Attic is 558sf Additional Living Space w/Huge Covered Balcony, Open
Welcome to Paradise Point! This Brand-New Waterfront Community of 24 Homes is located in the heart of Forked River, NJ by a local/reputable Builder. NEW CONSTRUCTION on a 0.528 Acre Lot features the Madison A Model which includes 4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2 Car Garage, Walkup Finished Attic is 558sf Additional Living Space, Open Floorplan layout, Engineered Flooring on 1st Flr/2nd Flr Hallway, Custom
This 100' x 40' lot is situated on a paper street and will require utility installation, offering a great opportunity to design and build according to your needs. Be sure to consult with the township for specific building requirements and approvals. The location provides quick access to the Garden State Parkway, as well as nearby shopping, beaches, and popular local restaurants. With two
Wooded lot on a paper street next to Walters development of Lacey Road. Lots 4, 5, 6 - 80 x 100. Property will require the installation of road and utilities. Buyer to conduct their own due diligence. Possibly join with other lot owners to pool funds for road and utilities. Several lots in that area.
Tara GallagherBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate Murphy & Co
Updated 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial offering an open floor plan and modern finishes throughout. Features include a gourmet kitchen, new flooring, and a spacious primary bedroom suite. The fully finished basement is ideal for entertaining, complete with a wet bar and pool table. Step outside to a beautiful backyard designed for gatherings, featuring a deck, gazebo, pool, firepit, and outdoor
Jaime La SassoCrossroads Realty Ocean Cty Regional Office
This 100' x 40' lot is situated on a paper street and will require utility installation, offering a great opportunity to design and build according to your needs. Be sure to consult with the township for specific building requirements and approvals. The location provides quick access to the Garden State Parkway, as well as nearby shopping, beaches, and popular local restaurants. With two
Come check out this move-in ready home down at the Jersey Shore. This property features a detached oversized garage for storage or projects, a beautiful new privacy fence for outdoor enjoyment, and a roof only 2 years old! Ideal for that home buyer looking for comfort, functionality, and a prime location near beaches, parks, and local amenities. Don't miss your chance to enjoy the Forked River
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom rental in the highly desirable Sunrise Beach community. Nestled on a peaceful lagoon, this home offers the perfect balance of comfort and tranquility. Inside, you'll find a cozy atmosphere ideal for relaxing after a day on the water. Outside, enjoy the true perks of waterfront living—whether it's sipping your morning coffee with serene views,
Heritage Village at Seabreeze is an apartment community in scenic Forked River (Lacey Township) open to income-eligible 55+ Active Adults. Our 1 and 2 bedroom residences offer maintenance-free living, modern amenities, balconies, and a secure entry system with elevator access.
Newly renovated home. 4 Bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. Only 1 block from the water and park! New appliances. 3 entrances into the home. Washer and dryer hookup available.
The advertised rate of $4,601/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of April 17, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Beautifully Renovated 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Lanoka Harbor Home - close to Water! This light and bright home has been recently updated with a Brand-New Kitchen, Bathrooms, and Floors through-out! A fenced in yard, storage shed for tenant use, and a short distance to the water make this home and location perfect for coastal family living. Garage Not Available for tenant use.
For Rent – Luxury Fully Furnished Townhouse1001 Cyprus Ct, Forked River, NJ 08731Welcome to this brand-new, luxury 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhouse in a newly developed Forked River community—just minutes from the bay, waterfront dining, and local shops. Designed for modern living, this three-story home offers elegant finishes, open-concept spaces, and complete comfort.Move
Annual rental now available in Forked River Beach! This home sits on a corner lot & features 3 bedrooms, 1 updated bathroom & open living space equipped w/ newer vinyl flooring and update kitchen! Stackable washer & dryer. Enclosed front porch to sit and enjoy. Large driveway. Close proximity to Route 9 and Lacey Township shopping centers! Don't miss out on this opportunity! *Tenant insurance
Patricia CeglieRE/MAX at Barnegat Bay - Toms River
Come experience waterfront living on the Forked River! This beautifully appointed rental offers breathtaking river views that you'll never get tired of. Conveniently located just minutes from the Garden State Parkway, the home features soaring ceilings and a wide-open living space filled with natural light, a cozy gas fireplace, and an oversized primary bedroom with a walk-in closet. The stunning
Welcome home to this spacious and well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom rental offering 1,456 square feet of comfortable one-level living. This home features an updated kitchen and an open layout that creates a bright, inviting space ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy great closet space throughout and the convenience of driveway parking. Step outside to a private yard with a
Renee AstacioTown & Country Real Estate Consultants
Cute, tastefully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home with surprisingly spacious bedrooms and true pride of ownership throughout. Enjoy a fully fenced yard—easy to maintain plus a great location close to everything you need. Clean, well-maintained, and available immediately!
Alyssa GiglioKeller Williams Preferred Properties,Bayville
*ANNUAL or MULTI-YEAR RENTAL*NO PETS*NO SMOKING* Big 5BR 2BA Bi-level situated in the quiet neighborhoods of Lanoka Harbor. 3 bedrooms and full bath on upper level, with beautiful bow window and hardwood floors in the living room. 2 spacious bedrooms and full bath on lower level with additional den/office and brand new kitchen with eat-in area. Easy access to major highways and shopping. 1.5
Your new beginnings start in Pheasant Run! Tucked away on a peaceful cul-de-sac, this newly remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch offers comfort, style, and truly low-maintenance living. This open concept home features a brand NEW kitchen w/ quartz countertops, bathroom, roof, flooring, & ss appliances! Enjoy an active 55+ community offering a pool, clubhouse, tennis, bocce, cards, bingo, trips, and
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
