Manchester Township combines rural and suburban living
Located 15 miles west of the Jersey Shore, Manchester Township is a secluded neighborhood that combines rural and suburban living close to major city hubs and coastal amenities. In the northwest corner of this mostly residential town sits Joint Base McGuire – Dix – Lakehurst, the largest military base in New Jersey and the site of the 1937 Hindenburg disaster. Residents are close to shopping, dining and recreation ranging from community lakes to one of the largest amusement parks in the country. “It’s a little bit more in the west side of Ocean County, however, the location is still very close to all the shopping, beaches and the boardwalk,” says Louisa Sagarese, broker for RE/MAX Revolution, who’s been selling homes in the area since 1985.
Ranch-style homes from the $300,000s
Homes are in subdivisions and gated communities with curving streets and cul-de-sacs, lending some privacy from the faster pace of life along the major corridors. Clusters of homes are separated by park space, helping Manchester feel expansive. Modest ranch-style homes and cottages are set back from the street with well-kept lawns and ornamental bushes. Many of these are from the 1970s and '80s and can largely be found for $300,000 to $500,000. Renaissance at Manchester is a 55+ gated community with an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse and sports courts. Two- and three-bedroom Tivoli-style homes here sell for $400,000 to $600,000. “There’s also a section called Roosevelt City, which is very rural. You can buy a house on an acre of land there. People are attracted to that,” says Sagarese. Homes in this area usually go for $500,000 to $800,000. The CAP Index gives Manchester a crime score of 2 out of 10. The national average is 4.
Rows of ranch homes located in Cedar Glen Lakes neighborhood in Manchester.
Newer homes in well-planned communities are located throughout Manchester.
1/2
Specialized academies at Manchester Township High
Students may attend Manchester Township Elementary, which gets a B from Niche, before going to Manchester Township Middle, which earns a B-minus. Manchester Township High also earns a B and offers specialized academies in bio-medical, business, communications and music fields.
Manchester High School serves students living in the Manchester neighborhood.
Welcome all young learners in grades 6-8 to the Manchester Township Middle School.
1/2
Commuting via Routes 70 and 37
The neighborhood is heavily car-dependent, with residents taking state Routes 70 and 37 to connect to surrounding areas like Seaside Heights and Brick Township. Trenton is 30 miles north of Manchester, while Philadelphia is 40 miles west.
Shopping and dining along Route 37
Locals head to Route 37 for retailers like Walmart and Aldi. There’s also dining and entertainment, including Gregory’s with locally sourced seafood, Tom’s River Brewing with a full calendar of musical acts alongside its brews and Charlie’s Pizza, which has been in business for over 20 years. In the north end of town, residents can shop at ShopRite and Manko Kosher Market. Nearby, Donovan’s is a local restaurant and bar that serves traditional Irish dishes.
ShopRite is a Manchester residents one-stop destination for household needs.
Charlie’s Pizza in Manchester, NJ has been in business for over 20 years.
1/2
Manchester residents flock to Harry Wright Lake to swim or lie on the sand.
Swimming at Harry Wright Lake
In the southern end of town, locals flock to Harry Wright Lake to swim in the water, lie on the sand and let kids run around the playground. “It’s absolutely gorgeous,” says Sagarese. That’s probably the biggest draw to Manchester right now.” Paintballers can play at Cousins Paintball, a rugged, outdoor facility with authentic military-style equipment. Golfers can head to Manchester Family Golf Center to practice on the driving range or play the 18-hole miniature course. Those wanting to head to the ocean can drive 15 miles east to Seaside Heights’ boardwalk and beaches. Six Flags Great Adventure is also just 10 miles north with 510 acres of amusement park rides, including the tallest roller coaster in the world, as of 2024.
Free summer concert by Harry Wright Lake
A summer concert series takes place at Harry Wright Lake twice a month in July and August. The concerts are free to the public, and drinks and food are available for purchase. In June, thousands of locals head to the lake for Manchester Day, which features free amusement rides, live entertainment, local vendors and a fireworks display. The township provides a free bus service throughout the area to and from both events.
Important to Know
In the center of the township is the former Heritage Minerals site and Crystal Lake. The mine ceased operation in 1989, and radioactive materials were removed in the early 2000s. While the site poses no risks to the community today, the mine and the lake are off-limits. Depending on location, the neighborhood’s proximity to Joint Base McGuire – Dix – Lakehurst may also result in ambient jet noise.
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
On average, homes in Manchester Township, Manchester sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Manchester Township, Manchester over the last 12 months is $258,950, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This freshly painted 2018 Martin Ray is one of the most sought out models in River Pointe. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an office, Sunroom and a Generac Generator! The kitchen has an abundance of cabinets and drawers with granite counters, pull outs, countertop range providing large drawers for pots and pans, a gorgeous breakfast center island, wall oven/microwave and an amazing butlers
Wow this home shows like a model from the upgrades to the interior design, located in the serene community of Leisure Village West. Nothing to do here but unpack and enjoy! Sit on the paver patio and relax or take a look at the surrounding golf course. A beautiful eat in kitchen with granite counter tops, soft close cabinets, and stylish pulls. Entertain your family and friends in the dining
Beautiful 2018, 2 bedroom/2 bath Abbeyville with Office, located on a premium lot features a stunning white kitchen with an abundance of 42'' cabinets, beautiful granite counters, breakfast center island, countertop range, wall oven/microwave, kitchen pantry and additional walk-in pantry. The primary suite has a large walk-in closet in bath with beautiful granite vanity with double sinks. Some
Welcome to 636 Petunia in the desirable Whiting Station 55+ community. This updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features a brand-new roof, cathedral ceilings that enhance the open feel, a modern kitchen with quartz counters, new cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, plus a primary suite with a double vanity. It sits on a quiet cul-de-sac with a private tree-lined backyard, perfect for morning
Nestled in the desirable Golf Course community at Leisure Village West, this spacious 1,600 sq. ft. home offers 2/3 bed 2 baths, and an office that doubles as a guest room. Enjoy the charm of French doors leading to a bright sunroom and a private fenced patio. The updated kitchen and baths, along with gleaming hardwood floors, add modern elegance. An attached garage provides convenience and
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1.1-bath co-op duplex located in the desirable Crestwood Village 3 adult community in Whiting, NJ. Perfectly situated near the Jersey Shore's famous beaches, array of shopping and recreation destinations, this home offers both comfort and convenience. Step inside to discover brand-new vinyl plank flooring and freshly painted main living areas,
ALL APPLICATION AND LEASE FEES WAIVED! Contact Leasing Office for Details. Welcome to Presidential Gardens at Manchester, where modern luxury meets comfort in the heart of Manchester Township, NJ. Nestled in a prime location, our apartment community offers a distinctive living experience, with thoughtfully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residences that seamlessly blend style and
Beautiful updated 3 Bedroom ranch in sought after Pine Lake Park neighborhood. Lovingly maintained! Light and bright! Newer kitchen with granite counters and white cabinets. Large bedrooms, Updated bathroom, Wood floor throughout. Fenced in yard and beautiful and spacious patio complete this lovely home!
Fitness Center, Dog Park, BBQ Area and Tot Lot are now open! Please inquire about our newly renovated units. Luxury and space has never been this convenient! Suncrest Village is nestled in a quiet, wooded, country-like setting, features oversized one and two bedroom apartments with approximately 950 to 1,150 square feet of living space. We are just 15 minutes from the Jersey shore and convenient
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
