About 10 miles inland from New Jersey's Long Beach Island, Ocean Acres is an unincorporated community of almost 20,000 residents with quiet tree-lined streets and ample outdoor recreation. "Ocean Acres offers the best of both worlds—residents can enjoy living inland while being just 15 minutes from the beach," says local resident Brendan McLoughlin. "Once you cross the bridge, it's only vacation homes. In Ocean Acres, you get to avoid the beach traffic, live in a year-round community and have access to infrastructure that isn't in a seasonal town."
Planned subdivisions feature roomy single-family homes, neighborhood parks and nearby amenities. The community is one of several dense residential developments alongside the Garden State Parkway encircled by wildlife management areas and nature preserves, offering residents a convenient suburban lifestyle down the road from rural wooded landscapes and beachfront retreats.
About 55 miles east of Philadelphia and approximately 90 miles south of Manhattan, the Jersey Shore draws in seasonal summer tourists. It has since the 19th century, when the Pennsylvania Railroad built a line connecting to Long Beach Island. In addition to the region's tourism, large industries span the retail trade, education, healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
Ocean Acres residents enjoy quiet streets with plenty of privacy.
Many areas of Ocean Acres are under new development leading to a rise in population.
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Planned subdivisions and active adult communities
Ocean Acres' landscape features quiet residential subdivisions, including traditional suburban neighborhoods, active adult communities and several condominiums. "Most people in Jersey live close to either Philadelphia or New York for work, but when they retire, they move close to the shore," McLoughlin says. Single-family dwellings range from 20th-century Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes to 21st-century New Traditionals and modern designs with Craftsman-style influences, with median home prices that hover around $480,000.
New development in Ocean Acres serves the growing population of people looking for a slower pace of life near the beach.
Newer planned communities are popping up in and around Ocean Acres.
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Neighborhood parks, nature preserves and LBI
Ocean Acres residents are surrounded by green spaces. On the north side of town, Cloverdale Farm County Park is a former cranberry and tree farm with a visitor center and hiking trails. In the heart of the community, Nautilus Park's two parking lots cater to athletic leagues and playground-goers, while the local recreation center is across the street. Less than 2 miles away, Ocean Acres Lake Park offers tranquil waterfront views and a small sandy shoreline for anglers. Additional amenities include a large playground and sports courts. The adjacent Ocean Acres Country Club features a public 18-hole course around Holiday Lake, a clubhouse and a restaurant.
Nature preserves, state forests and wetlands encircle the community. "There's a lot of outdoor recreation that includes well-maintained parks, scenic bayside trails and paths through the pine barrens," McLoughlin says. New Jersey's Pinelands National Reserve includes several state forests and parks, such as the nearby Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, which spans over 38,000 acres for bikers, hikers, hunters and campers. Eight miles north of Ocean Acres, Wells Mills County Park features trails, a playground, picnic areas, nature trails through the pine barrens and a large reservoir for anglers, canoeists and kayakers. Boaters can explore the Barnegat Bay's calm waters, while a 10-mile drive leads to Long Beach Island's white sand beaches.
Nautilus Park is a located in the heart of Ocean Acres.
Ocean Acres Park is a wonderful place to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
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Shopping and dining on Margaret Street
Ocean Acres is home to Barnegat 67, a mixed-use shopping center with residential units above. A couple of blocks away, several restaurants, businesses and an ACME Markets line West Bay Avenue. Farther south, numerous shopping plazas line New Jersey State Route 72, or Barnegat Road. Establishments include big-box stores, national grocers, car dealerships, fast-food chains and locally owned restaurants that range from Italian to Japanese.
The fresh food is always accompanied by the service at the Stafford Diner.
Discover the latest trends at Target in Stafford Park Mall located near Eagleswood, NJ.
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Township and neighborhood events
Ocean Acres is split between both Stafford and Barnegat Township. Both townships host seasonal farmers markets, summer concert series, holiday craft markets, National Night Out events, and other annual festivities. However, Ocean Acres has its own community events as well. "On the second Sunday in December, Santa drives around the neighborhood and hands out candy to kids," McLoughlin says, along with trick-or-treating in October and community fireworks in July. "There's also a lot of recreation centers with activities like pickleball or knitting classes."
Three school districts, one community
Barnegat Township School District serves a small section of subdivisions along the north side of Ocean Acres. Barnegat earns an overall B-minus rating from Niche and includes four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The B-rated Stafford Township School District serves most Ocean Acres residents and includes two preschools and three elementary schools. Stafford Township residents may then attend the B-plus-rated Southern Regional School District's middle and high schools.
Ocean Acres Elementary School is centrally located within the community for easy access.
Welcome to Southern Regional High School in Stafford Townships, NJ.
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Garden State Parkway commutes
Quiet roads and sidewalks cater to strolls around the block, but Ocean Acres is a car-dependent community HMH Southern Ocean Medical Center sits at the southern corner of the community, and Atlantic City International Airport is about 35 miles south via U.S. Route 9. Manhattan is about 90 miles north via the Garden State Parkway. Other nearby thoroughfares include New Jersey State Route 72, which leads straight to the Long Beach Island.
Bayside flooding
With its proximity to the coast and low-lying terrain, Ocean Acres is susceptible to flooding during heavy rains and hurricanes. Protected wetlands serve as natural floodplains, but nearby streams can overflow into local neighborhoods. Ocean Acres offers all four seasons, with warm and humid summers and cold and sometimes snowy winters.
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Ocean Acres' violent crime rates increased by 22% between 2022 and 2023, while property crimes decreased by 31%. However, the community's overall crime rate historically trends well below the national average.
Written By
Lillie Duston
Video By
Luke Mancari
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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.
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On average, homes in Ocean Acres, NJ sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocean Acres, NJ over the last 12 months is $550,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into Coastal Woods, an exclusive community tailored for active adults aged 55 and above, where contemporary living takes on a fresh perspective. Nestled in the captivating landscapes of Barnegat, NJ, Coastal Woods offers a haven of sophistication and charm. Elevate your lifestyle by owning one of our 148 exceptional 1 and 2-bedroom condominiums, each designed to redefine not just your living
Joy BeardenKeller Williams Preferred Properties,Ship Bottom
Step into Coastal Woods, an exclusive community tailored for active adults aged 55 and above, where contemporary living takes on a fresh perspective. Nestled in the captivating landscapes of Barnegat, NJ, Coastal Woods offers a haven of sophistication and charm. Elevate your lifestyle by owning one of our 148 exceptional 1 and 2-bedroom condominiums, each designed to redefine not just your living
Joy BeardenKeller Williams Preferred Properties,Ship Bottom
Discover charm and convenience in this private, standalone single-unit condo. This inviting ranch-style home features 2 bedrooms (spacious master with private bath), 2 full baths, a spacious living room, and a functional kitchen with a serving window for effortless entertaining. Generous closet space, laundry room, attached garage with direct entry, and a standout four-season sunroom bathed in
Rare opportunity to purchase up to SIX vacant lots on Breakers Drive in the Ocean acres section of Barnegat! Located in Pinelands Conservation Area. Buyer to check with The Pinelands Commission for information about Pinelands credits.
Vacant lot located in desirable Ocean Acres. Build your dream home here on this 72 x 193 ft lot with gas, electric, public water and public sewer all available at the street for convenient hookup. On a paved residential street, this treed lot sits between two established homes. Neighborhood boasts sidewalks, underground electric and consists of newer 2-story colonials with 2000-3000+ sq ft and 2
Rare opportunity to purchase up to SIX vacant lots on Breakers Drive in the Ocean Acres section of Barnegat! Located in Pinelands Conservation Area. Buyer to check with The Pinelands Commission for information about Pinelands credits.
Non-buildable lot available in Ocean Acres. Potential opportunity for Pinelands credits. Buyer is responsible for all due diligence with the township and applicable agencies.
Inviting Open floor plan upgraded ranch with new roof & full finished basement. Center Island, granite counter tops on upgraded cabinetry. Freshly painted with Crown molding through out. 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths on main level PLUS Huge finished basement has bedrooms, full tiled bath, tiled laundry room, family room with custom wet bar & storage. Sliding glass doors off dining area & primary
Rare opportunity to purchase up to SIX vacant lots on Breakers Drive in the Ocean Acres section of Barnegat! Located in Pinelands Conservation Area. Buyer to check with The Pinelands Commission for information about Pinelands credits.
Rare opportunity to purchase up to SIX vacant lots on Breakers Drive in the Ocean Acres section of Barnegat! Located in Pinelands Conservation Area. Buyer to check with The Pinelands Commission for information about Pinelands credits.
Welcome to a Neighborhood that will WELCOME you The Home Overlooks the protected Pine Barrens Conservatory, providing lasting Privacy and Natural Views with no future development. Neighborhood offers sidewalks and a complete dog walking/ running path. From the moment you enter the home you will sense the Love and the Family atmosphere. Home has an open floor plan, is very comfortable and spacious
Patricia HornerColdwell Banker Riviera Realty, Inc.
This charming two-story home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and functionality. Featuring four spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a convenient half bath, it is well-suited for families or those who love to entertain. Enter to find a warm and inviting interior with central air conditioning and forced-air heating, ensuring year-round comfort. The main floor includes a bright and
Rare opportunity to purchase up to SIX vacant lots on Breakers Drive in the Ocean Acres section of Barnegat! Located in Pinelands Conservation Area. Buyer to check with The Pinelands Commission for information about Pinelands credits.
Step into Coastal Woods, an exclusive community tailored for active adults aged 55 and above, where contemporary living takes on a fresh perspective. Nestled in the captivating landscapes of Barnegat, NJ, Coastal Woods offers a haven of sophistication and charm. Elevate your lifestyle by owning one of our 148 exceptional 1 and 2-bedroom condominiums, each designed to redefine not just your living
Joy BeardenKeller Williams Preferred Properties,Ship Bottom
The Eastover by D.R. Horton is a stunning new construction home plan featuring 2,169 square feet of living space, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage. The Eastover is everything you’re looking for, without compromise. Off the foyer is the flex room, use this space as a dining room, home office or children’s play area! The kitchen with a modern island opens up to the dining area and great
Fully Furnished 4 bedroom home for rent immediately. 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom Colonial home in the desirable Ocean Acres community! Brand-new kitchen, recently painted, brand-new heating and cooling system, new water heater, and natural gas utilities. large two-car garage and an extended driveway, huge backyard, fully enclosed with vinyl fencing, in-ground pool, and enclosed sunroom.
Keith WeidenhofKeller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore
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