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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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Opportunity is knocking! With over 3,300 square feet, 7 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and waterfront living, this spacious home offers incredible potential for the right buyer. The flexible layout features 2 bedrooms and a full bath on the first floor, plus 5 generously sized bedrooms and 2 full baths upstairs, providing plenty of space for family, guests, a home office, or hobbies. Large rooms
This large 101x64 lot, with the MOST amazing 180-degree waterfront views you will ever see won't last long. This cul-de-sac colonial is being sold ''as is''. The original cottage with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath was built in 1958. The home was then raised in the early 90s and an addition of a second floor living room and screened in porch plus a new 3rd floor with 2 additional beds and 1 bath was
New and Improved listing!!! Welcome to the desirable Sunrise Beach community! This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and coastal lifestyle. Step inside to airy vaulted ceilings that fill the home with natural light and create an open feel throughout. The open-concept layout seamlessly connects the living room, dining area, and kitchen--ideal for everyday
Welcome home to this incredible, fully updated expanded ranch in the highly desirable community of Lanoka Harbor. Situated on an exceptionally wide, oversized lot with an expanded driveway for extra parking, this property blends generous outdoor space with sophisticated interior design. Every inch of this home was thoughtfully modernized in 2021, featuring rich hardwood floors, six-panel doors
Beautifully updated 3-bedroom ranch on approximately 1/3 acre backing to protected land for lasting privacy! Move-in ready, this well-maintained home features oak hardwood floors, crown and custom moldings, a beautifully renovated full tile bath, and spacious closets throughout. The updated kitchen offers quartz countertops, a peninsula, and stainless steel appliances--perfect for everyday living
Opportunity is knocking! With over 3,300 square feet, 7 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and waterfront living, this spacious home offers incredible potential for the right buyer. The flexible layout features 2 bedrooms and a full bath on the first floor, plus 5 generously sized bedrooms and 2 full baths upstairs, providing plenty of space for family, guests, a home office, or hobbies. Large rooms
Newer Construction 3 bed 2 baths with sliders off kitchen that lead to deck and back up to woods. Master bedroom has walk in closet and attached master bath. New appliances and washer dryer. Family room/ office on ground level has access to patio. This convenient location is adjacent to Rt 9. 3.5 miles to the Parkway. Welcome to Preserver at Barnegat Bay. 1.3 miles to public bay access and
Why rent when you can own? Charming 2 bedroom 1 bath ranch offers comfortable living on an oversized lot. Spacious backyard provides plenty of room for outdoor enjoyment with an oversized driveway offers ample off-street parking. Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, Aldi and the GSP. This home is full of potential and ready for its next chapter!
.**RARE opportunity! This home is currently used as a 5-BEDROOM (3BR upstairs/2BR Downstairs). One of the 3 full bathrooms in the basement, making it the perfect setup for large or multi-generational households needing private space! A lovely classic country style kitchen centers the home with custom cabinetry with a step saver flow. A large family room has sliders overlooking generous sized
Welcome to an exceptional custom residence in the premier 55+ community of Sea Breeze at Lacey, perfectly situated on a premium lot location in Forked River. Thoughtfully designed for comfortable main-level living, this impressive home features a luxurious first-floor primary suite & approximately 3,168 square feet of beautifully appointed living space, including a versatile second-level loft
Welcome to this beautifully updated waterfront home offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and coastal living. Freshly painted throughout with gorgeous new flooring, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is truly move-in ready. The updated bathrooms provide a modern touch, while the spacious layout is ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen shines with all-new stainless steel
This large 101x64 lot, with the MOST amazing 180-degree waterfront views you will ever see won't last long. This cul-de-sac colonial is being sold ''as is''. The original cottage with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath was built in 1958. The home was then raised in the early 90s and an addition of a second floor living room and screened in porch plus a new 3rd floor with 2 additional beds and 1 bath was
New and Improved listing!!! Welcome to the desirable Sunrise Beach community! This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and coastal lifestyle. Step inside to airy vaulted ceilings that fill the home with natural light and create an open feel throughout. The open-concept layout seamlessly connects the living room, dining area, and kitchen--ideal for everyday
Welcome to 1210 Taylor Lane. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a functional layout with great features, including a garage, fireplace, and a rear den addition complete with a mini-split system for year-round comfort. The kitchen features granite countertops, and the backyard offers plenty of space to enjoy with a vinyl privacy fence, deck, gazebo, and storage shed. Located in a well-established
Spectacular bay views set the stage for this exceptional to-be-built waterfront residence, where luxury, design, and coastal living come together seamlessly. This thoughtfully designed new construction will feature 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 full baths, and an open, light-filled layout crafted to maximize breathtaking water views from multiple vantage points. Designed for both entertaining and
Summer 2026 Weekly Rental (1 Block to Beach / 2 to Boardwalk / 3 to Bay) 3 Bed 2.5 Bath - 2 Level Duplex- PARKING INCLUDED for 4 Cars - Sleep 6/7 Comfortably -Washer / Dryer - Private Backyard Patio Area w/ BBQ - WIFI Included - (No Pets/ Smoking within 150ft of home)Handicap access
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.
The advertised rate of $4,276/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 9, 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
Waterfront home. 5 minute boat ride to the bay. New bulkhead and dock. Open floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. New washer/dryer, refrigerator, stove/oven, central air unit and dishwasher. Friendly neighborhood and great schools.
OPEN SHOWINGS ON SUNDAY 6/21 BETWEEN 9AM-11AM. NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED BETWEEN THOSE HOURS JUST STOP IN!! COMPLETELY RENOVATED Pluming, Electric, Appliances, and Ductless mini heat/AC systems newly installed 3 years ago! This delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers comfort and convenience in a cozy package. Perfect for small families, couples, or roommates, this home features an open concept
*ANNUAL or MULTI-YEAR RENTAL* 2 full bedrooms and 2 full baths with a 3rd room that could be used as an office or 3rd bedroom. Perfect single family home with two decks and an attached garage. 7 mins from the Garden State Parkway. The tenant is required to pay all utilities and maintain the yard. The Landlord requires a good credit score , 2 months of income stubs, and all interested applicants
*ANNUAL or MULTI-YEAR RENTAL* 3BR 2BA completely renovated ranch located a quick walk to the water! Brand new kitchen, all new floors throughout. Waterfront community, marina right near by. NO PETS, NO SMOKING. 1.5 months security deposit, credit report, proof of income required.
Welcome to this charming home,featuring an inviting and spacious layout. magnificent dining /living room with beautiful gleaming hard wood flooring throughout. THREE Large,beautiful bedrooms with hard wood flooring . Updated white shaker kitchen with beautiful decor. Gorgeous, GRANITE counter tops and ample cabinet space. excellent garage for all your storage needs . A fantastic yard to
Summer rental in Lanoka Harbor! This 3BR, 2BA bi-level offers the perfect blend of comfort and entertainment. Features a newer kitchen with granite counters and S/S appliances, open to dining and living areas. The lower level includes a spacious family room and a game room with a 6-8 person jacuzzi. Enjoy a large raised deck, fire pit, and fully fenced yard. Driveway parking and a garage are
YEARLY RENTAL AVAILABLE! 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, plus a bonus room. This single family home is on an oversized corner lot featuring updated bathrooms, two-zone central AC & heating, first floor in-law suite, oversized garage, driveway, rooftop deck that connects to the lower level deck, and a fenced-in yard. The first-floor in-law suite includes its own full bath and separate outdoor access.
*READY FOR OCCUPANCY AUGUST 15TH** Annual Rental*** 2 Bedrooms and 1 full Bath with a tub FULLY renovated. This beautifully finished single-family home with off-street parking and plenty of storage is available for rent. The tenant is required to pay all utilities and maintain the yard. The Landlord requires a minimum credit score of 650, 2 months of income stubs, and all Interested applicants
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