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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Located in the exclusive gated 55+ community of Paramount Escapes at Ocean Breeze, this stunning 2022 detached home offers nearly 3,000 sq. ft. of luxury living with premium upgrades throughout. The open concept layout features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, upgraded granite countertops, and generous table space, flowing seamlessly into the spacious family room—perfect for
Judi GiordanoColdwell Banker Home Connection Realty
Featured Listing!Welcome to this private 4-bedroom Colonial with saltwater pool, nestled in a family-friendly neighborhood just minutes from the Garden State Parkway! Meticulously maintained and move-in ready, this home is perfectly designed for summer living and year-round enjoyment.Step outside to your own backyard oasis featuring a newly lined in-ground pool, expansive concrete patio,
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath ranch in highly desirable Ocean Acres! From the moment you arrive, the professional landscaping creates an eye-catching first impression and sets the tone for what awaits inside. Step through the door into a bright, open-concept living space highlighted by soaring vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, and an inviting flow that makes the
This home is situated in the heart of Stafford Township. Situated minutes to Long Beach Island, this property offers the ideal blend of year round living and costal lifestyle. The sought after dual owner suites makes this house suitable for extended family , live in assistants and guests.The inviting floor plan is designed form everyday living and entertaining. Sun filled living spaces create
Gorgeous expanded Monte Carlo model featuring over 3000 sqft in Paramount Escapes Ocean Breeze. Set on one of the largest lots, this home had over $150,000 upgrades when built and $50,000+ in 2017. First floor features hardwood floors, office, formal dining room, great room w/ vaulted ceilings, spacious eat-in kitchen w/ quartz countertops, double ovens, center island and large pantry,
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled in the heart of Barnegat, NJ. The interior is newly painted and filled with natural light, enhanced by updated fixtures and a brand new front bay window. The kitchen is a standout with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, custom tile backsplash, and sliders that lead to an oversized deck, perfect for entertaining.
Welcome to Fawn Lakes, an active adult community! This beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect combination of comfort, style, and low-maintenance living. Recent renovations in 2026 include new flooring, a new roof, a new HVAC system, gas heat, and a new stainless steel appliance package, giving you peace of mind for years to come. Every room has been tastefully updated
58 Nautilus Drive offers the kind of space that is getting harder to find. It is set on a 100 x 150 corner lot. The kitchen features granite countertops and a sunny dining nook that gives everyday meals their own comfortable spot. A fireplace adds warmth to the main living area, while the full basement provides plenty of room for storage, hobbies, or future plans. Upstairs, the primary bedroom
Welcome to Fawn Lakes, an active adult community! This beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect combination of comfort, style, and low-maintenance living. Recent renovations in 2026 include new flooring, a new roof, a new HVAC system, gas heat, and a new stainless steel appliance package, giving you peace of mind for years to come. Every room has been tastefully updated
Welcome to Fawn Lakes, one of the area's most desirable and affordable 55+ communities! This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a bright, open floor plan with a welcoming sunroom/den that flows into the combined living and dining area. Enjoy an active lifestyle with outstanding community amenities, including a clubhouse, inground pool, billiards, bocce, shuffleboard, and a variety of social
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.
Build your vision in the heart of Barnegat Township with this vacant lot offering a range of possibilities. Ideal for builders, investors, or buyers seeking land, the property is situated in a well-located area close to shopping, schools, and everyday conveniences. Enjoy quick access to the Garden State Parkway and a short drive to Long Beach Island. All zoning, approvals, and permitted uses to
Home Sweet Home! Charming 3 Bed 2.5 Bath Ranch with Master Suite and Finished Basement in the sought after Ocean Acres section of thriving Little Egg Harbor could be the one for you! Lovingly owned and maintained, ready and waiting for its new owners to make it their very own. Tiled foyer entry welcomes you in to find a spacious interior with generous room sizes, tons of natural light, and a
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.
***SEASONAL RENTAL ONLY***** $3000 Per week June-Sept. Seasonal Rental Sat Check in Saturday Check out Linens and Towels additional Cost*** Dream Home for rent in Ocean Acres Direct Lake Access! 3800/Monthly Oct-May No gas powered crafts on water. Boats included at tenants own risk.
This charming coastal retreat is located approximately 10 minutes from the beautiful beaches in LBI. With 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bath ranch in the desirable Ocean Acres community of Manahawkin. A spacious family room with a fireplace creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the thoughtfully designed kitchen offers ample cabinet space for everyday living. The bright sunroom opens to a large, fenced
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