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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amy Faherty,
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
Move-in ready Fawn Lakes home offers modern upgrades & easy living! Enjoy the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and low‐maintenance living in this beautifully maintained home located in the sought-after Fawn Lakes community. Set within a safe and serene neighborhood, 27 Magnolia Road offers modern upgrades, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to major routes connecting you to New York
Kathleen RiesKeller Williams Realty Preferred Properties
Welcome to the Escapes at Ocean Breeze! This beautifully appointed 3,389 sq. ft. home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 4 full baths, a loft, a study & a fully finished basement with its own full bath - offering endless possibilities for personalization. The first floor boasts two bedrooms & two bathrooms offer added convenience. The upgraded kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances flow seamlessly into
Welcome to this charming ranch-style home offering comfort, convenience, and easy single-level living. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, this home sits on a beautiful lot with a patio perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or summer barbecues. A two-car garage provides ample storage and parking, and the home is enhanced by a newer roof, offering peace of mind for years to come.
LBI Beaches less than 15 Minutes away! Private Backyard Retreat in Manahawkin with this level of privacy and outdoor space at this price are rarely available. This 3BR/2BA home offers a peaceful backyard with mature landscaping and a custom fire pit perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Inside features a wood-burning fireplace, formal dining, and a bright eat-in kitchen. Finished basement adds
Tastefully updated Colonial in desirable Ocean Acres of Manahawkin featuring over 2400 sqft with 4 bedrooms & 2.5 baths. Some of the numerous features and amenities include dramatic two-story foyer; formal living room; family room with fireplace & built-in cabinetry; laundry room with W/D; owners suite with WIC, spacious bath & jetted tub; gas heat & central air; ceiling fans; recessed & pendant
Newly renovated custom 4-bedroom Colonial in desirable Manahawkin! This move-in ready home features brand-new finishes thruout, a beautiful updated kitchen w/ a pot-filler, dining area, and back door leading to the deck & fenced yard--perfect for everyday living and & entertaining. The inviting living rm offers a wood-burning fplc, while the circular driveway adds curb appeal & convenience. The
Welcome to 13B! Move in ready - everything has been updated for you! Beautifully landscaped, with a lush green grass yard. Pull into a driveway that can accommodate 3+ cars. Enter the sun drenched sun room, with custom plantation shutters. Next is the bright living room w/ custom plantation shutters & open to the dining room. The new modern kitchen has white cabinets, quartz countertops,
Introducing 59 Holloway Ave in the Stafford Park community of Manahawkin. This five-year-old Hadley Model features fantastic curb appeal with numerous upgrades. The open-concept living space, perfect for entertaining, features a gourmet kitchen with large center island, stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, and pantry. The layout includes four bedrooms (including one on the 1st floor) and
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Center Hall Colonial, where classic charm meets modern upgrades and everyday comfort. Arrive to the White picket fenced front yard and walk into This meticulously maintained home featuring a newer, stylish kitchen complete with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a cozy eat-in breakfast nook overlooking the private backyard.
Welcome to this meticulously maintained 5 bdrm, 3-bath home located in the desirable Ocean Acres. This house offers a versatile layout, including a partially finished walk-out basement complete with two bedrooms and a full bath-perfect for extended living, guests, or additional storage. The bright and inviting living and dining room combo features a cozy fireplace and sliding doors that lead to a
Presenting this lovely Capri in the prestigious Paramount Escapes Ocean Breeze over 55 community in Manahawkin. (lower taxes) Home has 2 bedrooms & 2 baths. Wood floors thru out except in kitchen & baths, As you step thru the front door, you can see the sunlit Dining Room. There is a seamless flow between the living areas which provides a perfect setting for entertaining or spending time with
Completely reimagined from the ground up, this home delivers the look and feel of new construction--without the wait. Nearly everything is brand new, offering modern design, efficiency, and peace of mind in one of the most desirable sections of Ocean Acres. The open-concept main level features a dramatic two-story foyer, spacious living room with electric fireplace, formal dining area with its
Welcome to 43A Magnolia Rd. This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is bright, inviting, and completely move-in ready. Step inside to find a newly updated kitchen featuring quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and plenty of space to cook and entertain. The home offers stylish LVP flooring throughout, central air, and an updated bathroom with a convenient walk-in shower,
This Highly sought-after Hampton Model in the especially desirable Atlantic Hills 55+ Community is a Must See! This Expanded & Beautifully maintained home offers 1,720 sq ft of comfortable, spacious living in a private & peaceful setting. The location is superb! This immaculate & inviting home features 2 Bedrooms & 2 Full Baths, including an Expanded Primary Suite with Walk in Closet, Stall
Move-in ready Fawn Lakes home offers modern upgrades & easy living! Enjoy the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and low‐maintenance living in this beautifully maintained home located in the sought-after Fawn Lakes community. Set within a safe and serene neighborhood, 27 Magnolia Road offers modern upgrades, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to major routes connecting you to New York
Kathleen RiesKeller Williams Realty Preferred Properties
Unfurnished, month to month rental located in ocean acres area- fenced in backyard, detached garage, new interior, hardwood floors throughout the house.
***SEASONAL RENTAL ONLY***** $3000 Per week June-Sept. Seasonal Rental Sat Check in Saturday Check outLinens and Towels additional Cost*** Dream Home for rent in Ocean Acres Direct Lake Access! 3500/Monthly For rentals 3 Months or Longer Oct-April No gas powered crafts on water. Boats included and tenants own risk.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
