Stafford Park

Manahawkin, New Jersey, offers a mix of suburban comfort and coastal charm. Located in Stafford Township on the South Shore of New Jersey, it provides easy access to Long Beach Island’s beautiful beaches, making it a great spot for those who enjoy seaside living. The town is conveniently located near Route 72 and the Garden State Parkway, allowing residents to travel easily to nearby towns and destinations like Atlantic City, just 35 miles away, or Philadelphia, 60 miles away. D.R. Horton offers a range of single-family homes for sale in Manahawkin, NJ and the surrounding area, which offer spacious open floorplans and smart home technology.

Why choose Manahawkin, New Jersey

Manahawkin offers a mix of coastal scenery and suburban living, making it an appealing place to call home. Located within Stafford Township, it serves as the gateway to Long Beach Island, giving residents easy access to some of the most picturesque beaches along the South Jersey Shore and making it a great spot for those who enjoy water-based activities. Residents also appreciate the town’s proximity to larger cities that are within driving distance for work or leisure. Manahawkin is also within range of two major airports. It’s 65 miles to Philadelphia International Airport and about 80 to Newark International Airport.

With its combination of natural beauty, recreational spaces, and a welcoming community atmosphere, Manahawkin is an attractive option for families, professionals, and retirees looking to settle near the Jersey Shore.

Community life in Manahawkin, New Jersey

Manahawkin and its parent city, Stafford Township, offer residents a variety of local events and activities. Summer in the area is jam-packed with things to do. The town hosts an annual Founders Day celebration, which is a family-friendly event that includes a parade, live music, fireworks, inflatables, and more. Residents can also enjoy the town’s Green Fair, which aims to educate visitors about sustainability practices and encourage eco-friendly choices. The education portion of the fair is followed by other “green” events, like the Recreation department’s pop-up farmer’s markets. After the Green Fair, residents can head to Manahawkin Lake Park to enjoy free outdoor concerts in a relaxed setting. These concerts run all summer long, so you’ll never have to go far to listen to a live performance.

If you prefer to spend your summers outdoors supporting local farms and businesses, Manahawkin and the nearby area feature several farms and farmers' markets that connect residents with fresh, locally grown produce. Beach View Farms, located in Manahawkin, specializes in sustainable farming practices and offers seasonal produce. Just over two miles away, the Barnegat Farmers Market provides a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goods from local growers. Argos Farm in Forked River, about 10 miles away, combines a farmers market with seasonal attractions like sunflower picking and fall festivities.

Manahawkin’s location in South Jersey near the Jersey Shore also allows for summer activities on or near the beach. Long Beach Island, located about seven miles away, offers sandy beaches, charming shops, and seafood restaurants perfect for day trips or evening outings. Residents can also visit Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on the island, where scenic trails and views of the Atlantic Ocean provide a peaceful retreat. Of course, summer eventually has to come to an end, but activities and entertainment continue throughout the year.

In December, the Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company organizes its annual Holiday Parade, featuring festive floats and holiday cheer for residents of all ages. For more regularly occurring entertainment, Manahawkin and the surrounding area offer residents access to arts and music organizations that entertain the public and foster community connections. The Stafford Township Arts Center, an 800-seat venue, hosts a variety of live performances, including plays, concerts, and dance productions, providing residents with engaging cultural experiences. The Lizzie Rose Music Room, less than eight miles away, features jazz, blues, and folk throughout the year in a restored Victorian home.

Residents can also enjoy the Stafford Township walking tour, which was a collaboration between the Stafford Township Historic Commission, the Stafford Township Historical Society, and the Stafford Township Schools. Historical markers identify sites such as the Manahawkin Baptist Church, which opened in 1758, and the Manahawkin Train Station Museum, which occupies a former railroad station built in 1872, and were installed as projects that enabled local boys to become Eagle Scouts.

The Tuckerton Seaport and Museum, about 10 miles away, brings folklife traditions to life through exhibits and programs on land and water. There’s also a lighthouse to climb and trails to explore. Also nearby is the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, which conducts research, offers educational programs, and promotes environmental stewardship of New Jersey's Pinelands and Great Bay, which the Mullica River flows into. Long Beach Island Historical Museum, about 12 miles south on Long Beach Island, offers residents and visitors a series of events and programs that convey the area's cultural heritage.

For more events and activities year-round, Manahawkin residents can drive to a number of nearby towns or larger cities. The Chatsworth Cranberry Festival is a popular event in the area, earning itself the title of one of the largest festivals in the Pine Barrens and the third largest cranberry festival in the country. It’s held annually in Chatsworth, New Jersey, about 20 miles away, on the third weekend of October. The festival celebrates local culture and heritage and the cranberry growers who’ve harvested cranberries since the mid-1800s, and it features a juried craft show, lots of food and craft vendors, and live music.

Other events and activities can be found a little further away in Atlantic City, about 35 miles away, which features major touring acts and other artists in addition to its casinos and restaurants. Residents can also visit Asbury Park, about a 40-mile drive away, which has iconic venues such as the Stone Pony, a place where Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, Steven Van Zandt, and other local musicians got their first break. For sports fans, Manahawkin is also about 30 miles from ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood, where the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, play in the South Atlantic League. Lots of cultural activities and experiences can be found in Philadelphia, as well, about 60 miles away.

With its South Jersey Shore community charm and proximity to a wide range of activities and amenities, Manahawkin appeals to those seeking an active lifestyle near the beach.

Outdoor fun in Manahawkin, New Jersey

Manahawkin, New Jersey, as well as its parent city, Stafford Township, and surrounding areas, offer residents a variety of outdoor activities, from relaxing trail walks to adventurous outdoor fun. Residents can get their adrenaline pumping at the Mainland Adventure Park, located in Manahawkin, which features a go-kart track with single and double-seat karts. It also has more than 50 aerial activities, a 50-foot climbing wall with three climbing routes, and four zip lines that soar over the go-kart track. The park also includes an arcade with retro games, offering something for all ages to enjoy.

For those who prefer to enjoy the outdoors by bike, Manahawkin offers cyclists access to enjoyable, scenic bike routes. The Barnegat Branch Trail, which starts nearby in Barnegat Township and runs all the way to Toms River, is a multi-use path stretching approximately 16 miles through Ocean County. The trail is a mix of packed gravel and pavement, traveling through New Jersey’s pine barrens and along the shore. Several parking locations along the trail make it simple to make your bike ride or hike as short or as long as you’d like. For those looking to explore coastal views, the ride from Manahawkin to Long Beach Island via the bike lanes of Route 72 offers a direct path to the island’s 18 miles of flat roads, which are ideal for leisurely rides along the shore. A shorter ride can be found at The Cedar Bonnet Island Environmental Trail in Stafford Township, Manahawkin’s parent city. This trail offers a short but scenic route through tidal marshes with views of local wildlife.

The Cedar Bonnet Island Environmental Trail and the Barnegat Branch Trail are also suitable for hiking. More hiking opportunities can be found at local forests, parks, and wildlife refuges. About 16 miles away, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge features the Songbird Trail, which includes 3.6-mile and five-mile loop options through upland habitats and wetlands and is ideal for birdwatching. Penn State Forest, a 17-mile drive away, is a 3,366-acre state park known for its Pine Barren Plains and great hiking and fishing.

In addition to hiking and biking, parks and beaches in and around Manahawkin provide many outdoor activities. Manahawkin Lake Park is a popular spot for relaxation and recreation, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and fishing opportunities along the scenic lakefront. Manahawkin Lake can also be enjoyed at A. Paul King County Park, which offers a family-friendly spot with lifeguards on duty for swimming during the summer, along with picnic areas, a playground, and other amenities. If you’d prefer to enjoy island bay waters, nearby Long Beach Island, just seven miles away, provides access to beautiful beaches and water activities like swimming in lifeguard-protected areas, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The calm bay waters of Jennifer Lane Beach in Beach Haven West on the island are a favorite for relaxing or enjoying activities like kayaking. Also on the island, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park offers hiking trails and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a favorite destination.

Located near the shore, Manahawkin provides access to plenty of other spots that also have great beaches, like Brigantine, Stone Harbor, and Cape May. Ocean City, New Jersey, about 40 miles away, is also a favorite, as it makes a fun day trip, weekend, or longer stay for people of all ages. The iconic two-mile boardwalk features amusement rides and shops. The Music Pier hosts concerts and events throughout the year. The Playland Castaway Cove amusement park has more than 30 rides, go-karts, and mini golf. There's also a water park nearby. Of course, you can also enjoy Ocean City's sandy-white beaches, which are the perfect place for swimming, tanning, or taking a nap.

Manahawkin residents also have a choice of convenient places to play golf, with several great courses in the area. Ocean Acres Country Club, just four miles away in Stafford Township, features an 18-hole championship layout with scenic views of Holiday Lake. LBI National Golf & Resort in Egg Harbor Township, about a seven-mile drive, offers well-groomed fairways and greens, terrific views, and challenging play for golfers of all skill levels. Less than 10 miles away in Waretown, Greenbriar Oceanaire Golf Course has a beautifully designed 18-hole course surrounded by lush landscapes. For nearby disc golf, the course at Doc Cramer in Stafford Township is about two miles from the Manahawkin neighborhood. Set in a pine forest, the course features elevation challenges that make it fun for players of all experience levels.

With its combination of local parks, beaches, and nearby attractions in South Jersey, Manahawkin provides residents with numerous opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities all year long.

Businesses and economics in Manahawkin, New Jersey

Manahawkin offers residents access to diverse employment opportunities within Stafford Township and the surrounding area. The biggest employers include Southern Ocean Medical Center, part of Hackensack Meridian Health, and the Stafford Township School District. Retail giants such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s are also significant employers.

Additionally, tourism-related businesses contribute significantly to local employment due to Manahawkin’s proximity to Long Beach Island, supporting jobs in hospitality, dining, and seasonal services, contributing to a stable economy for all residents.

What makes Manahawkin a great place to live

With its coastal charm and suburban convenience, Manahawkin is ideal for those who appreciate easy access to Long Beach Island’s beaches and other great places to enjoy, as well as a strong sense of community. Families are drawn to the area for its good schools and safe neighborhoods. Professionals enjoy living near the beach for fun-filled weekends at home. Retirees find the town appealing due to the great choices for recreation and socializing while being far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the boardwalks but close enough to enjoy it on their own terms.

New construction Manahawkin, NJ

D.R. Horton's new homes in Manahawkin, New Jersey are great for people at any stage of life. With access to job opportunities, good schools, and many activities and conveniences, D.R. Horton single-family homes in South Jersey offer something for everyone. Browse our listings of homes for sale in Manahawkin, NJ today.