Though it shares its name with another township nearby, Ocean County’s Ocean Township has a distinct difference from its Monmouth County counterpart – namely, the fact that the ocean is within view. More commonly known to residents as Waretown and extending a dozen miles off the New Jersey coast, the township offers tucked-away, tree-lined neighborhood streets and views of Barnegat Bay. “For what it offers – the waterfront, peace and quiet, access to urban areas – you’d think it would be a more well-known spot,” says Christine Bender, Realtor with Weichert Realtors. “Most people don’t know about the area, though – it really is sort of a hidden secret.”
Waterfront houses and boat docks are the run of the mill in Ocean.
Many neighborhoods in Ocean Township have waterfront real estate.
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Enjoy the beauty of the waterfront or the Pine Barrens
Offering more opportunity for outdoor recreation than its urban neighbors, residents can visit spots such as Sands Point Park – which sits right along Oyster Creek and is a favorite fishing spot among locals. Additionally, the park offers basketball courts, tennis courts, and a playground. West Mills County Park features more than 900 acres of forestry, known as the Pine Barrens and miles of hiking trails. A hiking and biking trail along an abandoned rail line stretches from nearby Barnegat and Lacey Townships through Ocean Township. Though the town itself does not feature a beachfront, residents can still take advantage of abundant boating opportunities along with beach access just 3 miles away at Barnegat Beach. Those looking to hit the links can do so at Ocean County’s two public golf courses – Atlantis and Forge Pond – which are both within 25 miles of the township.
Wells Mills County Park has many trails for hikers to enjoy.
Sands Point Park has a boat launch that residents can use to get out on the water.
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Homes offer scenic views and classic style
Cape Cods and ranch-style homes are common throughout Ocean Township, along with a fair amount of modern contemporary homes. “One of the best parts about the area is that it isn’t overdeveloped,” says Bender. “It’s growing, but it retains its old-school feel.” Homes on the waterfront feature neighborhood streets out front and canal waterways out back, allowing residents to get out onto their boat as easily as they get into their cars. Farther west, larger homes have bigger lots away from the water. These homes range from Colonial Revivals to custom homes. Prices in the area typically start at around $300,000 for Cape Cods and ranch styles and reach $900,000 for modern contemporary waterfront homes. Large custom estates can occasionally exceed $1 million.
Larger colonial style homes are located in various neighborhoods in Ocean Township.
Colonial style homes are a popular option in Ocean Township.
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Events celebrate the New Jersey coast
Residents of the area are privy to several local events and festivals, with the variety celebrating some of the more unique aspects of life in coastal New Jersey. Nearby Barnegat puts on a yearly Pirate’s Day Parade, while Manahawkin’s lake area is home to the Fall Harvest & Wine Festival. Long Beach Island, less than 15 miles off the coast, is home to the island-wide 18 Mile Run. One particularly popular event is the Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy and Gunning Show, which features contests in duck calling, skeet shooting and decoy carving while also featuring food, live music and local vendors.
Shopping and dining in Ocean Township
The Waterfront restaurant features nightly special menus, while Pete and Elda’s Bar/Carmen’s Pizzeria serves classic Italian favorites and has been a staple of the community for over 50 years. Clemmy’s serves elevated New American cuisine on a rotating seasonal menu. Caribbean Pete’s Island Grille has a BYOB policy and is a go-to spot for meeting up with friends, with live music and fresh seafood. The nearby ShopRite is the primary option for groceries, while retail shopping is mostly found in surrounding townships such as Manahawkin.
There are many shops, restaurants and strip malls on the I-9 of Ocean.
Stop by Clemmy's in Ocean Township for delicious food, drink and a cozy atmosphere.
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Clubs and scholarships at Southern Regional High
Students in the area can begin at Waretown Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through second grade and earns a score of B-minus from Niche. Frederic A. Priff School, which earns a C-plus, serves third through sixth grades. Students can then move on to the B-rated Southern Regional Middle and finish up at Southern Regional High, which earns a B-plus. Southern Regional High offers over three dozen clubs in areas such as photography, jewelry making and esports. The community contributes nearly $1 million in scholarships to graduating seniors each year.
Welcome to Southern Regional Middle School in New Jersey.
Welcome to Southern Regional High School in Stafford Townships, NJ.
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Commuting on Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway
“As far as suburbs go, it’s an excellent one for those that work nearby and have to commute,” says Lisa Lopez, broker/owner of Home Alliance Realty. “There’s two major highways, the Route 9 corridor, you can even boat from marina to marina.” U.S. Route 9 and Garden State Parkway are both easily accessible, and NJ Transit provides bus service to and from Atlantic City. For times when a more urban setting is desired, residents are less than 100 miles from New York City and less than 60 miles from Philadelphia.
Shopping centers and restaurants congregate around the main I-9 roadway.
The bus on the I-9 takes people out of town to as far as Atlantic City.
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Written By
Gerald Withers
Photography Contributed By
Josue Johnson
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Justin Calderon,
an experienced agent in this area.
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William HelfrichtUnited Real Estate of North Jersey
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