Manalapan is a growing commuter hub in suburban Monmouth County
Once a Central Jersey farming community, Manalapan Township has since become a fast-growing bedroom community for New York and North Jersey. The name “Manalapan” loosely means “a great place to live” in the Lenape language, and that phrase has since become the township’s motto. “I think Manalapan – whether you’re going to a restaurant, the food store, the gyms…the pulse is that people are friendly, they engage, but you also have different personalities and cultures," says Kenneth Baldo, a Realtor with Christie’s International Real Estate who has lived in Manalapan for over 40 years. "It keeps things interesting and lively." Since the 1960s, Manalapan’s population has multiplied tenfold to more than 41,000. “The population continues to grow, because we get people who are moving from Staten Island, from New York or even North Jersey down to this area,” Baldo says. U.S. Route 9 keeps commuters connected to New York and shoppers to both local and Freehold retail.
The Manalapan Township Flea Market is a bustling weekend hub for Clarks Mills' locals.
Millbrook Tavern, located at the Englishtown Auction Flea Market is a great place to relax with with a cold drink and quick bite between shopping.
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Parks and country clubs offer venues for hiking, golfing and more
Most of the Monmouth Battlefield State Park is located within Manalapan, and its annual reenactments of the 1778 Revolutionary War battle draw tens of thousands of visitors every June. When cannons and muskets aren’t firing, the park is a popular venue for class trips and hiking. Next to the park, the private Battleground Country Club includes an 18-hole championship golf course, a pool and tennis courts. Several other local courses, like the Pine Brook Golf Course, are open to the public. Beyond Manalapan’s western border, the James Monroe Memorial Park includes four baseball fields and a playground. “If you’re active, and you like walking or running, there’s a lot of charity events that are put on in the surrounding area,” says Baldo, who has himself run more than 50 marathons. “If you like to walk or run, you can definitely get involved in those different events to give back and exercise.” When the weather is unfavorable, MultiSports Kingdom offers an indoor venue for sports, including a football field and tennis and basketball courts.
Grab a snack and a drink on the turn at Knob Hill Golf Course in Manalapan Township.
The Manalapan Recreation Center eatures a variety of sports courts and fields, many of which are lighted for night use.
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Manalapan offers a blend of home styles, sizes and prices
Manalapan includes expansive suburban development in the north and east, plus preserved farmland in the southwest. “There’s definitely more inventory than in other towns in New Jersey,” Baldo says. While a handful of properties sit along rural roads, most fill subdivisions where sidewalks, front gardens and trees are common. Colonial Revival homes mix with more contemporary styles. Condos typically sell for $170,000 to $700,000, while townhouses go for $350,000 to $950,000 and co-ops from $880,000 to $950,000. Detached properties below 2,250 square feet tend to sell for $300,000 to $970,000, while those between 2,250 and 3,500 square feet go for $580,000 to $1,550,000. Larger homes have sold for $1,050,000 to $2,000,000. Manalapan’s median sale price of $742,450 is much higher than Englishtown’s $516,000 and Freehold Borough’s $562,500. Manalapan has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Variations on the traditional layout having a garage on the entry-level, the Manalapan Township neighborhood has a variety of splt-level houses with wonderful views.
Manalapan Township blends newer, spacious single-family homes, ranch-style options, and semi-custom construction in leafy, family-focused neighborhoods.
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A-rated schools offer strong athletics and extracurriculars
Students can attend Manalapan-Englishtown Regional Schools, given an A-minus rating by Niche, from kindergarten through eighth grade. Depending on their street address, students can go on to attend Manalapan High School or Freehold Township High School, which also score A-minus. Freehold offers competitive athletics, including state championship-winning gymnastics and bowling teams. Manalapan High School has a mission statement of pursuing “the Brave Way,” reflected in its rigorous STEM and magnet programs and in its 60 student clubs.
Manalapan High School has an A-minus grade from Niche.
Freehold Township High School is part of the Freehold Regional High School District.
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Manalapan has a diverse dining scene and easy access to Freehold malls
U.S. Route 9 serves as Manalapan’s main destination for restaurants and retail. “Manalapan wasn’t known for a lot of good restaurants, but that’s changed,” Baldo says. “Manalapan has a great Italian steakhouse called La Lupa that’s been open two to three years now.” The Manalapan Diner serves diner classics in an Art Deco atmosphere, while the family-owned Brooklyn Square Pizza uses recipes from the southern Italian town of Caggiano. The Manalapan EpiCentre shopping mall hosts a Wegmans and Target, while the neighboring Manalapan Commons includes big-box franchises. The Freehold Raceway Mall, a regional shopping hub, is three miles down Route 9.
Kids in Manalapan Township love cooling off with delicious ice cream treats on hot summer days, enjoying flavors from local ice cream shops and neighborhood stands.
Gus's Diner offers a diverse menu featuring classic American diner fare with a touch of Greek and Mediterranean influences.
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New York and Philadelphia are accessible by highway or train
Access to the New Jersey Turnpike via Route 9 puts Manalapan a 45-mile drive from Midtown Manhattan. NJ Transit’s 139 bus runs from Taylors Mill Road to New York City’s Port Authority within just over an hour’s journey. “You’re about 30 minutes to the trains in Matawan and Hazlet if you want to take the train into the city,” Baldo says. “It’s also about a 35-minute ride to the ferry as well if you’re going into the financial, downtown area.” While New York is the main destination for local commuters, Philadelphia is also a 60-mile drive away. The nearest hospital is the CentraState Healthcare System campus, five miles away in West Freehold.
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Suzi Schirm
Video By
David Strayer
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On average, homes in Manalapan, NJ sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Manalapan, NJ over the last 12 months is $735,720, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous townhouse in Manalapan Grove is brand new construction and never before lived in! 3 beds, 3.5 baths on 3 levels. Attached 2-car garage provides interior access. Large rec room and full bathroom on the main level of the home. As you head upstairs, there is a great open floor plan w/kitchen, family room, dining room & powder room. On the top floor, there is a large primary bedroom
Built in October 2025, this Florham Farmhouse at Regency at Manalapan invites you to experience refined, best-in-class living in one of the area's premier active-adult communities. Retreat to a first-rate lifestyle where your architectural and design options need not be compromised. With over 3,000 square feet of living space and an approximately 5,000-square-foot clubhouse, the time has come to
Welcome to 35 Chesapeake Road, a bi-level 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Manalapan, New Jersey, where the in-ground pool is waiting for you to enjoy the rest of your summer! Inside, hardwood floors run through the main living areas. The kitchen is finished in granite and stainless steel appliances. Three bedrooms upstairs and a renovated full bathroom laid in imported Italian tile complete the upper
Nicole RabbatHeritage House Sotheby's International Realty
The Village Grande at Battleground an adult community perfectly blends an active country club lifestyle with the convenience of a prime Manalapan Township location. This beautifully maintained expanded Brighton model with loft and full basement offers 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths and a private office/library. The dramatic living and dining room combination showcases soaring vaulted ceilings, recessed
Highly desirable community of Oak Knolls in Manalapan Township. This beautifully maintained townhouse offers two spacious levels of comfortable living. Level 1 features a bright eat-in kitchen with newer appliances flowing seamlessly into the elegant dining room and expansive living room. The living room showcases a soaring vaulted ceiling, skylights, recessed lighting and a sliding glass door
Experience refined living in the Haverford Model, a nearly new luxury townhome in prestigious Manalapan Landing. Offering approximately 2,500 square feet, this elegant residence features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, soaring ceilings, sophisticated finishes, and an open-concept layout designed for effortless entertaining. The beautifully appointed kitchen flows into expansive dining and living areas,
Welcome to Four Seasons at Manalapan Township a prestigious private gated enclave of elegant single family homes centered around a magnificent 29,000 sq ft 2 story clubhouse offering resort style living at its finest. This expanded Sanibel ranch with over 2400 sq ft of living space is one of the largest models built in the community. Gleaming hardwood flooring through out most of the home and
Beautiful, light-filled upper-floor 2-bedroom, 2 full bath unit in the highly desirable Covered Bridge community! This updated home features new windows BRAND-NEW easy-care vinyl flooring in both bedrooms and an open layout. Primary bedroom features a large walk-in closet and an attached bath. Enjoy a private balcony with an additional storage closet. Plenty of storage with another large storage
Welcome to the beautiful Temple model in the desirable Meadow Creek community! This immaculately maintained home offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, a full finished basement, and a 2-car garage. Hardwood floors and recessed lighting flow throughout the home, complemented by an inviting open floor plan and an abundance of natural light. The spacious two-story living room features soaring windows and a
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE AT $824,000! Nearly new EAST-FACING END UNIT in desirable Manalapan Landing, BUILT IN 2025. Approx. 3,185 SQ. FT. TOTAL FINISHED LIVING SPACE INCLUDING FINISHED BASEMENT, featuring 3 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHS, LOFT & 2-CAR GARAGE. Modern farmhouse design showcases a striking BLACK-AND-WHITE PALETTE, stylish doors, faucets, fixtures & baths. ABUNDANT NATURAL LIGHT fills the spacious
Buyer Financing Fell Thru! Welcome to the highly desirable Oak Knolls community in Manalapan! This great 2 Bedroom, 2 & 1/2 bath townhome comes with a full finished basement and attached garage! The first floor boasts a beautiful, updated kitchen w/tile backsplash & granite counters. The spacious dining room steps down to a spacious light and bright living room w/ skylights & sliding door leading
Welcome to the beautiful Temple model in the desirable Meadow Creek community! This immaculately maintained home offers 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, a full finished basement, and a 2-car garage. Hardwood floors and recessed lighting flow throughout the home, complemented by an inviting open floor plan and an abundance of natural light.The spacious two-story living room features soaring windows
Welcome to Battleground Estates, where elegance, privacy, and exceptional entertaining come together on a prestigious cul-de-sac! Offered for the first time by the original owners, this stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bath home has been thoughtfully upgraded inside and out. A grand two story foyer and Great Room create an impressive first grand effect, while the spacious kitchen and private office offer
Rare opportunity to own an affordable townhome in desirable Monmouth County! This two-story home features 1 bedroom and 1 full bath with an open-concept layout ideal for comfortable living. The updated kitchen offers white cabinetry, a tiled backsplash, ceramic tile flooring, and a breakfast island overlooking the spacious living room. Upstairs, you'll find a generously sized bedroom with a
Beautiful 2 Bed 1 Full Bath Apartment in Covered Bridge I, 55+ Community in the heart of Manalapan. This unit features spacious LR/DR. Updated Eat in Kitchen w/plenty of cabinet space and tiled back splash. Brand New SS Appliances. Updated Bathroom with shower. Freshly painted throughout. Parking in front of the entrance, with plenty of visitors parking. Enjoy the many activities offered by an
The Place at Manalapan is an income-restricted community offering brand-new, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The Place at Manalapan offers it all – a great location, a fabulous community and an unbeatable value that makes it all affordable.
Beautiful 2 BR 1 Full BA Apartment in Covered Bridge, 55+ Community in the heart of Manalapan. This unit features spacious LR/DR. Updated Eat in Kitchen w/plenty of cabinet space, tiled backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Updated Bathroom with shower. Parking in front of the entrance, with plenty of visitors parking. Enjoy the many activities offered by an active association incl. bocce,
Brand new flexible and elevated apartments in the heart Manalapan and Marlboro. Experience Life Like You Mean It in one of our 1-, 2- & 3-Bedroom Apartment Homes!
The Stamford Square is not just a place to live, it’s a place to make your home. The amenities and spaciousness of the apartments provide the best value you can get in the area. Best luxury living in the heart of New Jersey!
WE HAVE AN ACTIVE WAITING LIST AND ARE ALWAYS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - Please contact us for availability!! Visit the community website to download an application. This charming community of 100 residential apartments is located just off of Route 33 on Woodward Road, and close to shopping, services and transportation. Spend an afternoon at the Township of Manalapan Senior Center, taking a session
Now Leasing: 2 Bedrooms from $1,418/mo*Located in a picturesque setting in desirable Manalapan, NJ, The Willows at Manalapan is an 80-unit affordable* apartment community. The Willows at Manalapan features one, two and three bedroom apartments with spacious floorplans, modern kitchens with premium appliances, large closets, washers & dryers in-unit, central air, energy efficient
Welcome to your new home in Manalapan Township, NJ! This charming property is perfect for anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient living space in a vibrant community. Whether you're a family, a professional, or a couple, you will love the proximity to various amenities and attractions nearby. Key property features include central heating and cooling to ensure your comfort year-round,
Welcome to your next home in the heart of Manalapan Township, NJ! This inviting property is conveniently located near a variety of dining options and department stores, making everyday living enjoyable and accessible. Just a short drive away, you'll find Metro Vein Centers and Game Time Apparel, offering easy access to essential services. This property features central heating and cooling,
Requires at least one occupant be 55 or older. Owner will pay the tenants registration fee Freshly painted 2 bedroom 1 bathroom upper Level condo in the Community of Covered bridge. Enclosed porch. Brand new washer and dryer, brand new ceiling lights/fans. Brand new floors. New A/C in each room. new appliances . Surrounded by beautiful tree lined, golf course. Wonderful community activities
Covered Bridge an exclusive for those aged 55 and older. Unit: 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom. Bright and sunny end unit on the second floor. Spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet. Airy floor plan with ceiling fans and A/C. Renovated kitchen with brand-new appliances. Nearby public transportation to NYC. Close to Pine Brook Golf Course. Come and enjoy all the amenities the Covered Bridge community
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