Behind Asbury Park at the north end of the Jersey Shore is Wanamassa. Homes in this suburban neighborhood are more affordable than in adjoining beach towns, but residents can still bike or walk to the Atlantic Ocean and beachfront boardwalk. Local grocery stores, a well-rated school district and proximity to major highways add convenience and accessibility that make Wanamassa much more than a summer shore town. “I would say 80% of residents are year-round and 20% are second-home buyers,” says Joe Baumann, a real estate agent with 30 years of experience who lives nearby. “People want to move to Asbury Park because it’s quite the hip town, and Wanamassa is a lot more affordable. I always saw how cool Wanamassa was, and now people are realizing the value of the area.”
Wanamassa offers residents quick access to the Atlantic Ocean
Tree lined streets
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Surfable beaches and dog-friendly nature trails
Less than 2 miles east, Asbury Park Beach is easy to reach and doesn’t require fighting for a parking spot. “The streets have good bike lanes, so you always see people biking over to the beach,” Baumann says. At the south end of Wanamassa, David Dahrouge Park has a baseball diamond and playground, and east of there, Deal Lake supports kayaking and boating. Joe Palaia Park, just north of the neighborhood, has nature trails, soccer fields and dog-friendly green space. According to Baumann, biking 15 miles along the shore up to Sandy Hook Beach and the Highlands hiking area is also popular.
Dave Dahrough Park Tennis Courts
Asbury Park Beach
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Suburban ranches starting at $500,000 and lakeside living
Homes farther east by Deal Lake or Interlaken are generally more expensive, and some streets on this side of the neighborhood — especially the gated Milwin Farm community — have room for spacious, estate-like properties. In the middle, more modest ranches, Craftsman and split-levels are common, and heading north, there’s a mix of new traditional-lined cul-de-sacs and townhouse developments. Single-family home prices range from $500,000 to $1.5 million, although lakeside properties can surpass $2 million. “When you’re on the lake and look in the backyard, you would think you’re in Upstate New York,” Baumann says. “But you’re just a mile from the beach.”
National Style Homes
Lakeside homes in Wanamassa are located right on Deal Lake.
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Carnival rides and summer concerts
Since 1976, Ocean Township’s Italian American Association has held a festival in Joe Palaia Park with carnival rides, games and food stands. “But the biggest thing going on every summer is the Sea Hear Now music festival in Asbury Park,” Baumann says. “This is a big music area, so I do find a lot of people here are either into surfing or music.” Bruce Springsteen, who got his start in Asbury, has performed for the festival’s more than 35,000 attendees.
Locally owned restaurants and a convenient mini mall
Route 35, the main road running north and south through Wanamassa, has a mix of restaurants, grocery stores and strip-mall businesses. Wickapecko Drive, in the southeast corner, has a Main-Street-style strip of local shops and eateries that include an ice cream parlor and a Sichuan restaurant. In the southwest corner, the Seaview Square Shopping Center has a Target, Costco, Marshalls and PetSmart for convenient kitchen and home essentials. For a night out, Asbury Park’s live music, bar and dining scene is less than 2 miles east.
Stop by Sweet N Joe in Wanamassa for delicious ice cream and baked goods.
The famous Stone Pony music venue
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Above average schools locally and nearby
Of the neighborhood’s three elementary schools, Baumann says Wanamassa Elementary, which has a B grade from Niche, is the favorite among parents. Kids in preschool through fourth grade can go there, then head north to Ocean Township Intermediate School, which has a B grade. Just down the street, Ocean Township High School has a B-plus.
Welcome to Ocean Township High School in New Jersey.
Wanamassa Elementary School
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Between the Garden State Parkway and NJ Transit
New Jersey’s longest road, the Garden State Parkway, is 4 miles west and can take residents north to Newark Airport and New York City. Trains from the closest NJ Transit station in neighboring Allenhurst reach Penn Station in 2 hours, making commuting possible but time-consuming.
The Allenhurst train station offers Wanamassa residents service to New York City.
New York City is just over an hour from Wanamassa via the Garden State Parkway.
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Written By
Christina Norwood
Video By
Scott Wiggins
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lara Krall,
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
On average, homes in Wanamassa, NJ sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Wanamassa, NJ over the last 12 months is $656,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome Home to this charming 4-Bedroom Home with Saltwater Pool, Solar Panels- Just 2 Minutes to the Park and Major Highways! This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2 full bath home offers the perfect mix of comfort, upgrades, and outdoor living and a nearby park, ideal for strolls, playtime, or peaceful morning coffee. Inside, you'll find a traditional layout with spacious, light-filled rooms.
Welcome to 1006 Beverly Ave., in the heart of sought after Ocean Twp! Spacious split level offers 4 bedrooms & 2.5 baths! Large foyer w/slate flooring & closet opens to enormous living room with cathedral ceiling; perfect for entertaining and large gatherings! Living room opens to bright dining room. Eat-in kitchen off the dining room w/plenty of counter space and access to side porch. Hardwood
Experience the best of coastal living in this beautifully updated 3 bed 2 full & 2 1/2 bath townhome, perfectly situated in the heart of Asbury Park. Offering breathtaking water views of Wesley Lake from your private rooftop balcony, this home seamlessly blends modern amenities w/ an unbeatable location—just steps from the city's renowned restaurants, boutique shops, vibrant bars, and the iconic
Welcome Home to Wanamassa! Located in one of Ocean Township's most desirable neighborhoods, this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath Cape Cod offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience; just minutes from the beach and the vibrant energy of Asbury Park.The home features a bright, open-concept layout with hardwood floors throughout, a new redesigned kitchen and beautifully
Welcome Home to this charming 4-Bedroom Home with Saltwater Pool, Solar Panels- Just 2 Minutes to the Park and Major Highways! This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2 full bath home offers the perfect mix of comfort, upgrades, and outdoor living and a nearby park, ideal for strolls, playtime, or peaceful morning coffee. Inside, you'll find a traditional layout with spacious, light-filled rooms.
Newly updated home features 3 bedrooms. 1 bathrooms, beautiful kitchen with granite countertops. Nice open flow from living room to dining room and kitchen. This fenced yard with large deck for outdoor entertaining and shed for extra storage. Prime location within close proximity to schools, shopping, beaches and more.
An Elevated Summer Escape: Live the Feng Shui Way! Still availabity Mid August to End of Sept for Sea Hear Now Festival. This beautifully restored Craftsman home in the peaceful lakeside community of Wanamassa offers a seamless blend of historic charm & modern convenience, just minutes from Asbury Park's beaches, dining, and culture Thoughtfully designed for Harmony and Flow, it features all-new
Summer Rental 2025 HEATED POOL WITH SPA! Enjoy the perfect summer getaway in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring a heated pool with a spa and a fully fenced-in backyard that serves as your own private oasis. The outdoor space is ideal for entertaining with a deck and a paver patio—perfect for lounging or dining al fresco. Inside, the home offers; hardwood floors, abundance
SUMMER RENTAL- Come enjoy a quiet, relaxing summer close to beach, parks, downtown Allenhurst. Spacious three bedroom, two bath very well kept home. Pride in ownership galore. Entertain in multiple living spaces and a private rear deck with yard. NO PETS, NO SMOKING
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