Town-Manahwakin

Stafford - Manahawkin Township Community Information

Manahawkin is a census-designated place found within Stafford Township in Ocean County, New Jersey. Positioned along U.S. Route 9, Manahawkin is commonly considered the “gateway” to both Long Beach Island and the Jersey Shore because of its close proximity and direct connections to the barrier-island access routes. Although the area itself covers only about 1.94 square miles (approximately 4.78 square kilometers of land), Manahawkin’s community extends through nearby neighborhoods and residential developments, giving it a larger functional footprint.

Among its natural highlights is the Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area, which encompasses roughly 1,642 acres and is recognized for its mature bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem.

Manahwkin is full of breath taking beauty and a wide array of real estate options such as lakefront, lagoon front and inland properties and many adult 55+ communities. There is a vast variety of home styles, locations, and properties which harbor boats with direct access to the bay. Victorian homes are a reminder of the rich history.

The Township residents enjoy access to a wide array of shopping from strip malls to large box stores while maintaining a friendly small town atmosphere. The primary highways in Manahawkin are State Route 72 and State Highway 9. The Garden State Parkway runs through Manahawkin at Exit 63.

Home Prices & Trends

Manahawkin’s housing market features a range of property types and prices. According to Realtor.com, the median listing price for homes currently on the market hovers around $584,500. Trulia reports recent median home values between $560,000 and $580,000+, depending on the property’s size, features, and lot condition. Zillow listings show options from modest two- to three-bedroom homes in the lower hundreds of thousands, as well as luxury or waterfront properties priced much higher. Redfin notes that there are 25 single-story homes currently listed, with a median price of $585,000 and an average market time of approximately 81 days.

Market Dynamics

Homes in Manahawkin often sell close to their asking price, particularly those located in desirable neighborhoods or offering water access. Waterfront, bay-front, and homes along canals or lagoons typically command price premiums. The area also includes 55+ or adult communities, with median values comparable to other property types. These communities may offer lower-maintenance living and additional amenities.

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Neighborhood Types & Housing Styles

Manahawkin and its surrounding areas offer diverse housing styles, including suburban single-family homes on moderate lots, lagoon, canal, or bay-access properties for boating and water recreation, planned subdivisions, and luxury or custom homes in desirable locations. The area’s proximity to major corridors leading to the shore allows residents to enjoy both inland conveniences and easy access to coastal communities.

Education & Schools

While detailed school information specific to Manahawkin is limited, the area is served by the Stafford Township School Districrt.

Grades K through sixth are governed by the Stafford Township School District
Grades 7 through 12 are governed by the Southern Regional School District.
Marine Academy of Technology and Environment Science
The Ocean County College- A 2-year college & offers four-year options located in Toms River.

Nature, Parks & Recreation

The Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area provides a forested landscape, nature trails, and wildlife observation opportunities. In addition, proximity to beaches, bays, and waterways makes water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking easily accessible. Local parks and green spaces further enhance the suburban-coastal lifestyle, offering residents a relaxed environment with nature close by.

Commute & Connectivity

With U.S. Route 9 running through the area, Manahawkin enjoys direct north-south access along the Jersey Shore corridor. Its closeness to bridges and inlet routes leading to barrier islands makes it a common transit area for beach traffic, which can impact daily driving and congestion. Public transit options are more limited in this semi-suburban, semi-coastal setting, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting.

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Buying a Home in Manahawkin: Tips & Considerations

Define Your Desired Setting: Decide whether you prefer waterfront or water-access property, in-town convenience, or a quieter inland neighborhood. While proximity to water adds appeal, it also brings complexity regarding flood zones, maintenance, and insurance.
Investigate Flood Zones & Elevation: If considering properties near canals, lagoons, or bayfronts, review FEMA flood maps, check local elevation, and determine if the home is elevated or equipped with protective infrastructure like bulkheads or pilings.
Work with Local Realtors: Engage agents who specialize in Manahawkin and Stafford Township for insights into micro-neighborhoods, property history (such as docks, seawalls, permits), and current market trends.
Get Pre-approved & Budget Thoroughly: Obtain mortgage pre-approval before making serious offers. Account for all costs beyond the purchase price, including flood insurance, closing fees, maintenance, dock or bulkhead repairs, and property taxes. Schedule comprehensive inspections covering foundation, water intrusion, plumbing, roof, and marine structures if applicable.
Timing & Market Readiness: Desirable homes, especially waterfront or well-maintained properties, may sell quickly. Be prepared to act when the right opportunity arises, but also allow time for negotiation and due diligence.

Compare to Nearby Areas: Before finalizing a purchase, compare Manahawkin with neighboring communities such as Stafford Township, Little Egg Harbor, and Barnegat in terms of taxes, commuting options, amenities, and long-term resale prospects.

Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty is a full service real estate company offering real estate brokerage services to home sellers, buyer, tenants and landlords in Toms River, NJ and in the surrounding communities.

The Manahawkin area is conveniently served by our Ship Bottom Office

1120 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008

Phone: 609-494-6622 | eMail: ShipBottom@RivieraRealty.com