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
Deborah Mara,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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A lakefront retreat offering four stories of beautifully designed living space, 4/5 bedrooms and 4 baths, exceptional craftsmanship with the highest-end finishes. Built by one of the area's most respected builders, this home combines thoughtful design, modern technology and stunning lake views. Garage, room for a pool and dock...all makes this a rare opportunity in Asbury Park. An entry foyer
Discover the quaint neighborhood of Colonial Terrace in Ocean Twp, on the border of Asbury Park. This custom home, built by the original owners, backs up to the start of Deal Lake & overlooks a golf course. A small bridge to serene island is perfect for canoe or kayak launching on the lake. Home features 3 generously sized BR's, 2.5 baths, eat-in kitchen open to family room, laundry room & an
A Dutch Colonial that thinks its a cottage on the lake. Fully renovated from the studs out, redesigned for modern living with 3 beds and 2 baths. Cook for your family and friends in this open concept kitchen, SS appliances, Hand-Made tiles and butcher block counters. An island that seats 5 plus a formal dining room. Mud room and full bath in the back which opens to a fenced in yard large enough
Welcome to 6 Surrey Ln, a rare and exciting opportunity to own an expansive 1.1-acre property (approx. 260x195) in the highly sought-after West Deal section of Ocean Township, ideally positioned on the West Allenhurst border. Tucked away on a quiet, picturesque street surrounded by beautiful homes and mature landscaping, this property offers a truly special setting just minutes from the beaches
Enter this stately home using the circular driveway and be greeted by the sweeping staircase...its layout is ideal for entertaining with its center hall floor plan complete with eat in kitchen, butlers pantry, formal dining room, living room, family room, four huge bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, full partially finished basement has nanny quarters with designated bathroom; Tremendous 220' x 260'
Nestled in the serene enclave of Wanamassa section of town, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Beautiful hardwood flooring flows throughout the spacious living areas, enhancing the home's warm ambiance. The inviting enclosed front porch is ideal for sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening breeze. Uncover the potential with a
Cradled in the Wanamassa section of Ocean Township this charming ranch offers sunny exposures, easy floor plan with a dining room that can easily become the third bedroom. Easy care living in this neat and clean ''condo alternative'' while set on a tranquil block. Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, golf courses, tennis center, houses of worship and under two miles to the beautiful
Newly updated home features 3 bedrooms. 1 1⁄2 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.
A lakefront retreat offering four stories of beautifully designed living space, 4/5 bedrooms and 4 baths, exceptional craftsmanship with the highest-end finishes. Built by one of the area's most respected builders, this home combines thoughtful design, modern technology and stunning lake views. Garage, room for a pool and dock...all makes this a rare opportunity in Asbury Park. An entry foyer
Discover the quaint neighborhood of Colonial Terrace in Ocean Twp, on the border of Asbury Park. This custom home, built by the original owners, backs up to the start of Deal Lake & overlooks a golf course. A small bridge to serene island is perfect for canoe or kayak launching on the lake. Home features 3 generously sized BR's, 2.5 baths, eat-in kitchen open to family room, laundry room & an
A Dutch Colonial that thinks its a cottage on the lake. Fully renovated from the studs out, redesigned for modern living with 3 beds and 2 baths. Cook for your family and friends in this open concept kitchen, SS appliances, Hand-Made tiles and butcher block counters. An island that seats 5 plus a formal dining room. Mud room and full bath in the back which opens to a fenced in yard large enough
SUMMER RENTAL - stunning, fully renovated Colonial Offering 3-4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, sits on a quiet, tree-lined street in the highly sought-after West Deal section of Ocean. Designed for modern and easy living, the home features an impressive open-concept chef's kitchen with an 8-ft island, custom cabinetry, striking Brazilian granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a six-burner
WINTER RENTAL 2026-2027 Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a peaceful winter getaway at this delightful home on Evergreen Avenue, located in the heart of Ocean Township, NJ. Just minutes from the beautiful beaches of the Jersey Shore, this welcoming winter rental offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal charm. This home is ideally situated just a short drive
Summer rental. Very clean and updated with 2 full baths. Large living room, dining room, . Kitchen with ss appliances family room and basement with W_D. Fenced in back yard, beautiful paver patio and outside lighting. Off street parking for 6 cars. Very little street traffic. Neaar houses of worship and beaches
Discover modern living in Wanamassa Gardens! This freshly renovated 2-bed, 1-bath apartment boasts contemporary finishes, 2 convenient parking spots, and access to a dog park. Enjoy stylish comfort and the perfect blend of convenience and relaxation. Make it yours today!
Discover modern living in Wanamassa Gardens! This freshly renovated 1-bed, 1-bath apartment boasts contemporary finishes, 2 convenient parking spots, and access to a dog park. Enjoy stylish comfort and the perfect blend of convenience and relaxation. Make it yours today!
$35K for the Summer! Come make this spacious 4 bedroom 2.5 bath yours. Open floor plan with plenty of room to entertain. Large living room and dining room space over looking the gorgeous fenced in backyard. Large deck for summer days and nights enjoyed outside. Eat in kitchen with ample cabinets. Located just minutes from Jersey Shore beaches, dining, shopping. Close to parks, houses of worship
Fully furnished Summer Rental in Wanamassa. This two bedroom + bonus room and one bathroom home is located in one of Ocean Township's most desirable neighborhoods. Within walking distance to the golf course and neighborhood shops and restaurants, or a short bike ride to the beach. Home has a private fenced in backyard, hardwood floors, new appliances, bbq and central air. Rental includes access
Incredible home in the heart of Wanamassa is now available for Annual Rental . Newly renovated spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bath home. Very comfortable open floor plan with 9' ceilings, large kitchen, new kitchen appliances and countertop, front enclosed porch, with bonus room in the back. Fenced in yard, 2 car garage, new roof and HVAC. Near house of worship, shopping, and recreational activities.
Winter Rental 2026-2027. Lovely custom home with open floor plan. Light and bright with vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors throughout. Modern kitchen with stainless appliance package. Spacious back yard.
SUMMER RENTAL Stunningly appointed custom built 7400 sq foot home, on private manicured large lot measuring 154 x 240. Herringbone hardwood floors adorn the first and second level. Two Story foyer with marble floors, decorative moldings, tray ceilings, bay windows, skylights, ten foot ceilings. Magnificent chef's kitchen with three sinks, two dishwashers, built in Sub Zero refrigerator and
Enjoy this summer in the beautiful Borough of Interlaken. This spacious 3 bed 2.5 bath + 2 bonus rooms on the first level, sits just blocks from the beach, and always delivers.
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