Stafford
Active or relaxing waterfront recreation
Whether it’s boating, crabbing or fishing, Stafford offers easy access to waterfront recreation. Those looking for a more relaxing kind of waterfront fun can enjoy a day on the beach at Paul King Park or Manahawkin Lake Park, both bordering Manahawkin Lake and offering sandy beaches. Manahawkin Lake Park is also home to a series of summer concerts, festivals and farmers markets. The Doc Cramer Sports Complex features over a dozen fields for play, and active types can find even more fields at Nautilus Park. “I think we all realized during the pandemic that people really need to get out and get active just as a basic need,” says Bergin. “The number of options provided by the sports complex and the local parks has really increased since then as a result.” Route 72 Waverunner and Kayak lets visitors rent out jet skis, kayaks or paddleboards.Large lots, many with waterfront access
Cape Cods and Colonial Revivals are common throughout Stafford, especially in communities such as Beach Haven West – one of several to feature saltwater lagoons and some homes with their own docks. Homes near the waterfront typically start at just under $1 million and reach up to $2 million, with some custom estates going for as high as $3.5 million. Further inland, residents can still find Colonial Revivals – along with ranch-style, modern contemporary, and even Victorian-inspired traditional homes. Though lacking direct waterfront access, homes like these (in communities such as Cedar Run, Mayetta or Ocean Acres) typically sit on large plots of land and offer plenty of space for landscaping, front porches and driveways. Prices for ranch-style and Colonial Revival homes range from $350,000 to $550,000, while modern contemporary and Victorian-style homes sell for between $575,000 and $850,000.Shopping and dining in Stafford
Residents have a mix of local establishments and well-known chains. The Stafford Park shopping mall features a Best Buy, Costco and PetSmart, while Barnegat Road is home to the township’s two main grocery stores – ALDI and ShopRite. Mud City Crab House is a beloved local institution that serves fresh seafood and cocktails on its outdoor patio. The restaurant also features an attached fish market, allowing visitors to take home the catch of the day. The Stafford Diner serves classic diner fare and has neon accents.Athletics at Southern Regional High
Students in Stafford can begin at Ocean Acres Elementary, which serves kindergarten through second grade and earns a B from Niche. From there, students can attend McKinley Avenue Elementary, which earns a B for grades three and four. Stafford Intermediate earns a B-minus and teaches fifth and sixth grade. Southern Regional Middle School earns a B. Southern Regional High School receives a B-plus and is known for its athletics program, which has produced current NFL football players Mike Gesicki and Clark Harris. Every year, the high school receives nearly $1 million in scholarships and donations from the local community.Commuting to Atlantic City, Philadelphia and NYC
Residents of Stafford have easy access to the Garden State Parkway, U.S. Route 9 and U.S. Route 72. As a result, commuting to nearby Atlantic City, Philadelphia or even New York City is a straightforward affair. “There are a number of reasons for commuters to come to Stafford,” says Smaraga “Smaggie” Ng, Realtor with EXIT Realty and longtime resident of the area. “You’re close to the beach, it feels rural and you’re right near Long Beach Island, so plenty of people are willing to make the commute if it means living in the area.”Risk of flooding
Due to proximity to the water, which includes natural and manufactured lagoons as well as the ocean, Stafford is under risk for flooding – a fact that’s become more apparent in recent years. Hurricane Sandy hit the community particularly hard in 2012 and led to more awareness regarding elevated housing and other measures to minimize damage. Stafford Township has received grants to assist homeowners with elevating their homes and help with the increased insurance premiums that come with flood risks.

Agents Specializing in this Area
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Abram Covella
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX Revolution
(732) 226-1263
109 Total Sales
2 in Stafford
$425K - $680K Price Range
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Anthony Ballina
Responds QuicklyFathom Realty NJ, LLC
(844) 850-1175
23 Total Sales
3 in Stafford
$495K - $705K Price Range
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Amy Faherty
Signature Realty NJ
(551) 214-2084
27 Total Sales
1 in Stafford
$490,000 Price
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Lori Donnelly
Weichert Realtors - Forked River
(888) 354-2434
191 Total Sales
7 in Stafford
$127K - $911K Price Range
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Robert Cecchini
Keller Williams Shore Properties
(848) 279-8726
60 Total Sales
1 in Stafford
$320,000 Price
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Sharon Miranda
Responds QuicklyEXIT REALTY JERSEY SHORE
(848) 277-0597
66 Total Sales
2 in Stafford
$590K - $1.1M Price Range
Schools
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Stafford | US |
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Homicide | 2 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 2 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
Robbery | 2 | 4 |
Burglary | 3 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 4 |
Larceny | 3 | 4 |
Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Stafford Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Stafford, NJ sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Stafford, NJ over the last 12 months is $407,450, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Open Houses
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Saturday, Aug 211am - 1pm
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Sunday, Aug 312 - 3pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods

Small-town atmosphere with beach access and urban amenities

A coastal community of boaters and seniors enjoying a more leisurely lifestyle

Second-home community near NYC and Philadelphia within walking distance to beaches

Rural atmosphere along the New Jersey coastline

Waterfront community that maintains urban access despite its serene landscape

This historic borough on the Jersey Shore is surrounded by nature