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Stafford

Stafford

Neighborhood in New Jersey

Ocean County 08005, 08050, 08092

$649,867 Average Value
$357 Average Price per Sq Ft
91 Homes For Sale

Coastal atmosphere, small-town lifestyle

Though it sits less than 40 miles from Atlantic City, Stafford Township offers residents a blend of rural and coastal life. Removed from its urban neighbors but not so far that amenities are hard to reach, the township is a popular spot for commuters or those looking more room. “People have always moved to Stafford to get out of the city,” says Kevin Bergin, Broker-owner with Beach House Realty LLC and president of nearby Long Beach Island’s chamber of commerce. “Then the pandemic came along and taught us all that if we’re going to be stuck at home – might as well live next to a beach.”

Along the western edge of Stafford is the Manahawkin Bay.
Along the western edge of Stafford is the Manahawkin Bay.
Ocean Acres Country Club is a public golf club in Stafford Township.
Ocean Acres Country Club is a public golf club in Stafford Township.
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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.

Stafford Township
Stafford Township
Stafford Township
Stafford Township
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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.

Stafford Township
Stafford Township
Stafford Township
Stafford Township
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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.

Stafford Township
Stafford Township
The fresh food is always accompanied by the service at the Stafford Diner.
The fresh food is always accompanied by the service at the Stafford Diner.
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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.

Welcome to Southern Regional High School in Stafford Townships, NJ.
Welcome to Southern Regional High School in Stafford Townships, NJ.
Mckinley Ave Elementary School
Mckinley Ave Elementary School
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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.

Gerald Withers
Written By
Gerald Withers
Brandon Flash Craigie
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Suzanne Hoover, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Atlantic City International

63 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Stafford US
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

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$540,000
Median Single Family Price
$599,900
Median Townhouse Price
$195,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$314,950
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$163,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$357
Number of Homes for Sale
91
Last 12 months Home Sales
715
Months of Supply
1.50
Median List Price
$575,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
0%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
6,462
Median Year Built
1987
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,658
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,970
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,665
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 2pm

    214 Atlantis Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

    $510,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,710 Sq Ft
    • 214 Atlantis Ave
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to this beautifully maintained sunlit ranch, nestled on an oversized 87 x 190 lot in sought-after Ocean Acres! Enjoy the expansive fully fenced backyard, complete with a spacious deck, lush lawn, cozy fire pit, and handy storage shed—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, you'll find gleaming wood-look laminate flooring throughout and an inviting kitchen that boasts stainless steel

    Jodi Krug Keller Williams Shore Properties

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    31 Osprey Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

    $699,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 31 Osprey Ave
    • New 1 day ago

    Discover the perfect blend of elegance, functionality, and modern design in the Stafford Park community, located in Manahawkin, NJ. This Hadley Model offers a spacious layout and energy-efficient features—all within minutes of beaches, shopping, and major highways.The home features 4 bedrooms, one being on the first floor, 3 full baths and 2 car garage. Open-Concept living area perfect for

    Stephanie Orefice Robert DeFalco Realty Inc.

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    1583 Mill Creek Rd, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

    $969,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,744 Sq Ft
    • 1583 Mill Creek Rd
    • New 2 days ago

    **Waterfront Living with Breathtaking Views!** Welcome to your creekside retreat with stunning south-facing views, unforgettable sunsets, and sweeping sights of the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Barnegat Bay, and the Atlantic City skyline. Just a short drive to the beautiful beaches of LBI and 35 minutes to Atlantic City—this location offers the best of shore living. This light-filled home

    Dayna Restaino Restaino Realty LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Suzanne Hoover, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
33,566
Median Age
44
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$97,265
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$120,165

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.5%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.6%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12%
% Population in Labor Force
65.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

27 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

7 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: 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.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Stafford