Stafford Township · Southern Ocean County · New Jersey
Manahawkin & Stafford Township
Manahawkin is the historic, civic and commercial center of Stafford Township and the mainland gateway to Long Beach Island. Route 9, Route 72, Manahawkin Lake, Southern Regional, Southern Ocean Medical Center and the Township's municipal center all meet here.
NJTGO uses the Manahawkin page set as the primary guide for Manahawkin, Stafford Township, Beach Haven West and Ocean Acres, bringing together Stafford's historic village, lagoon neighborhoods, inland residential communities and regional services in one complete destination.
One NJTGO Guide for Four Connected Stafford Communities
Historic & Civic CoreManahawkinThe traditional town center around Route 9, East and West Bay avenues and Manahawkin Lake. Municipal government, historic sites, schools, the library, healthcare and regional shopping all use Manahawkin addresses.
Lagoon & Bay CommunityBeach Haven WestLarge waterfront residential area east of the Garden State Parkway and close to Route 72. Its network of lagoons connects many homes with Manahawkin Bay and the wider Barnegat Bay system.
Inland Residential CommunityOcean AcresLarge suburban community west of the Parkway with schools, neighborhood parks and Ocean Acres Lake Park. NJTGO routes Ocean Acres coverage through the Manahawkin page set.
Municipal UmbrellaStafford TownshipThe municipal government serving these communities. Town Hall is at 260 East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin, and Township services, parks, planning and recreation are covered throughout this guide.
NJTGO page structure: Beach Haven West, Ocean Acres and Stafford Township use the Manahawkin pages rather than separate supporting-page sets. Community-specific information is identified within the relevant Manahawkin sections.
Stafford Township at a Glance
Manahawkin itself is not a separate municipality, so the population figures below describe Stafford Township as a whole.
28,617Stafford Township population in the 2020 U.S. Census
30,958estimated Stafford Township population on July 1, 2025
8.2%estimated population growth from the 2020 estimates base to July 2025
22.0%Stafford Township residents age 65 or older in current Census QuickFacts
Manahawkin Lake & Heritage Park
Manahawkin Lake is one of Stafford Township's signature gathering places. The park sits near Route 9 and North Lakeshore Drive, close to the historic village and Township cultural sites.
Lakefront RecreationCurrent Township facilities include a walking track, bike trail, pavilion, playground, picnic tables and restrooms.
Summer ConcertsStafford Recreation and the Stafford Township Historical Society continue the community's summer concert tradition at the Manahawkin Lake Park pavilion.
2026 Concert SeriesThe current 2026 schedule runs Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. from July 6 through August 31, with pop-up market dates included during the season.
Green FairManahawkin Lake also hosts community programming such as Stafford Township's annual Green Fair and other recreation events.
Heritage ParkAdjacent historic and cultural resources connect the lakefront with Stafford's preserved buildings, monuments and community history.
Community GardenVolunteers help maintain the Manahawkin Lake Community Garden near Main Street and West Bay Avenue.
Historic Manahawkin & Stafford Township
Stafford Township's history reaches back well before Ocean County itself. The Township was incorporated in 1749 from Shrewsbury Township in Monmouth County and became the first local government formed in the territory that would later become Ocean County.
Before 1700European settlement had begun in what is now Stafford Township, with early activity tied closely to Barnegat Bay, timber, farming and waterways.
1749Stafford Township was incorporated and named for Staffordshire, England.
1781The Manahawkin Skirmish occurred during the American War of Independence amid intense local Patriot-Loyalist conflict.
1830s–1840sManahawkin physician William Newell's experiences with Jersey Shore shipwrecks helped inspire techniques and federal support that contributed to the development of the United States Life-Saving Service.
1871The Tuckerton Railroad connected Manahawkin with the post-Civil War railroad boom and helped drive new development.
1945 onwardBeach Haven West began developing into an extensive lagoon community; Stafford Township history identifies more than 3,600 homes in the completed development.
Postwar decadesOcean Acres expanded west of the Garden State Parkway as Stafford evolved into a major Southern Ocean County residential and commercial center.
Historic Places & Local Heritage
Old Manahawkin Baptist ChurchThe historic church at 120 North Main Street is part of Stafford Township's preserved historic landscape near Manahawkin Lake.
Manahawkin Railroad StationThe 1872 station recalls the rail era that connected the mainland community with regional growth and Long Beach Island tourism.
Cavalry CottageOne of Stafford's preserved early structures, associated with the Township's Revolutionary-era history.
Old Stone StoreHistoric building preserved through the work of Stafford Township and the Stafford Township Historical Society.
Historic CemeteriesStafford's cemeteries contain local history connected with maritime loss and the region's early residents.
Walking-Tour MarkersHistoric Commission and Historical Society markers identify significant locations throughout the older Manahawkin village area.
Beach Haven West
Beach Haven West is Stafford Township's major lagoon and bay-oriented residential community. Development began after World War II and expanded through multiple phases during the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s.
Lagoon CommunityThousands of homes sit along a large network of dredged lagoons connecting toward Manahawkin Bay and Barnegat Bay.
Route 72 AccessThe community lies close to the Route 72 corridor, placing Long Beach Island and the mainland commercial district within a short drive.
Jennifer Lane Bay BeachStafford Township's public swimming beach serves Beach Haven West. For summer 2026, the Township lists guarded swimming daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. beginning June 15 through Labor Day, weather permitting.
No Beach Badge FeeCurrent Stafford Recreation guidance says Jennifer Lane Bay Beach does not require a beach badge or admission fee.
Boating & Waterfront LivingPrivate docks and lagoon access are central to the community's identity, while public boating and fishing opportunities are available throughout Southern Ocean County.
Coastal PlanningFlood elevation, drainage, tidal conditions and storm preparedness are important considerations for residents and property owners in low-lying waterfront areas.
Ocean Acres
Ocean Acres represents the large inland residential side of the Manahawkin/Stafford area. Much of the community developed west of the Garden State Parkway and includes established neighborhoods, later subdivisions, schools and recreation facilities.
Ocean Acres Lake ParkBuccaneer Lane park with basketball, tennis, playground, picnic shelters, grills, tables and restrooms.
Neighborhood ParksNautilus Park, Lighthouse Park and other Township-maintained recreation areas add playground, sports and open-space opportunities.
Ocean Acres SchoolOne of the Stafford Township School District's elementary school sites serving the community.
Residential CharacterOcean Acres includes a mix of earlier ranch-style development and larger homes added during later periods of Stafford Township growth.
Parks, Sports & Recreation
Manahawkin Lake ParkLakefront walking, biking, playground, picnic and pavilion facilities in the historic community core.
Ocean Acres Lake ParkBasketball, tennis, playground, picnic shelters and family recreation in Ocean Acres.
Doc Cramer Sports ComplexOff Route 72 with baseball/softball diamonds, football and soccer fields.
Jennifer Lane Bay BeachSeasonal guarded swimming beach serving Beach Haven West.
Beach Avenue ParkTownship recreation area with courts, community facilities and memorial features.
Mill Creek ParkCommunity recreation area in the eastern part of Stafford Township near Mill Creek and Beach Haven West.
Community Events
Stafford Recreation uses Manahawkin Lake, parks and municipal facilities for year-round community programming.
Summer Concert SeriesMonday-evening concerts at Manahawkin Lake remain one of Stafford Township's best-known summer traditions.
Pop-Up Summer MarketsSelected Manahawkin Lake concert nights include market activity and community vendors.
Green FairAnnual sustainability-focused event connecting residents with local organizations, family resources and practical environmental programs.
Town-Wide Yard SaleStafford Recreation coordinates a community-wide sale program during selected dates.
National Night OutCommunity and public-safety programming is coordinated through Township recreation and municipal partners.
Seasonal Family ProgramsSummer camps, wellness programs, community gardens, youth activities and senior programs run throughout the year.
Planning an event visit? Dates, rain plans and locations can change. Use Stafford Township's current calendar before making plans around a specific event.
Education
Stafford Township School District — Kindergarten through Grade 6
The Stafford Township School District's current school network includes five instructional sites in the Manahawkin area.
Ronald L. Meinders Primary Learning CenterEarly-elementary campus within the Stafford Township district.
Ocean Acres Elementary SchoolElementary school serving the Ocean Acres community.
Oxycocus Elementary SchoolLocated at 250 North Main Street in Manahawkin.
McKinley Avenue Elementary SchoolPart of the large McKinley Avenue school and community campus.
Stafford Intermediate SchoolUpper-elementary school serving Stafford Township students.
Southern Regional School District — Grades 7 through 12
Southern Regional is a comprehensive regional district based in Manahawkin. The current district structure serves grades 7–8 in the middle school and grades 9–12 in the high school.
Southern Regional Middle School75 Cedar Bridge Road · Grades 7–8
Southern Regional High School — 9/10 House600 North Main Street · Grades 9–10
Southern Regional High School — 11/12 House90 Cedar Bridge Road · Grades 11–12
Ocean County College — Southern Education Center
The Southern Education Center at 195 Cedar Bridge Road brings Ocean County College credit, continuing-education and professional-development courses to Manahawkin.
Arts & Culture
Stafford Township Arts CenterLocated at 1000 McKinley Avenue, STAC hosts performances and community programming through the Stafford Township School District.
Stafford Township Historical SocietyPreserves historic buildings, cemeteries, artifacts and stories while partnering with the Township on programs and summer concerts.
Pine Shores Art AssociationLongstanding local arts organization based in the historic Manahawkin area.
Historic Village ProgrammingManahawkin's preserved church, railroad, cottage and stone-store sites create a cultural district around the lake and North Main Street.
Ocean County Library — Stafford Branch
The Stafford Branch at 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin serves the community with books, digital resources, computers, research assistance and programs for children, teens and adults.
Current HoursMonday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday closed.
Phone609-597-3381
Historic LocationThe branch sits on North Main Street near Manahawkin's historic and civic core.
Countywide AccessCardholders can use the wider Ocean County Library system and its digital collections.
Healthcare & Regional Services
Southern Ocean Medical Center1140 Route 72 West in Manahawkin. The hospital operates 24 hours and serves Southern Ocean County.
Medical CorridorRoute 72 and surrounding roads include primary care, specialty offices, imaging, rehabilitation, dental practices, pharmacies and other healthcare services.
Regional RoleManahawkin functions as a healthcare and service center for Stafford residents, Long Beach Island and surrounding Southern Ocean communities.
Emergency PlanningStafford Township maintains emergency management and public-safety resources relevant to coastal storms, flooding and seasonal population changes.
Stafford Township Government
Manahawkin is not a separate municipality. Local government is provided by Stafford Township.
Stafford Township Municipal Building260 East Bay Avenue
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
609-597-1000
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
609-597-1000
Police & Emergency ServicesStafford Township Police, EMS, fire companies and Emergency Management serve the municipality. Call 911 for emergencies.
Public WorksTownship operations include roads, public facilities, parks, sanitation-related services and infrastructure maintenance.
Planning, Zoning & ConstructionMunicipal departments manage development applications, zoning, construction permits, inspections and property-related approvals.
Shopping, Dining & Regional Commerce
Route 72Southern Ocean County's major east-west commercial corridor, carrying shopping centers, healthcare, restaurants, hotels, professional services and the mainland approach to Long Beach Island.
Route 9 / Main StreetHistoric north-south corridor through Manahawkin with local businesses, services, restaurants and the older town center.
Stafford Park & Regional ShoppingLarge-format retail and newer commercial development reinforce Stafford Township's role as a regional shopping destination.
Beach Haven West & Bayfront ServicesMarine, property-service and neighborhood businesses support the waterfront and lagoon communities east of the Parkway.
Looking for individual businesses? Use the dedicated NJTGO Manahawkin Business & Shopping and Food & Drink pages. Basic business listings do not include direct external commercial website links; website links and enhanced visibility are paid features.
Transportation & Long Beach Island Gateway
Route 72The principal east-west route through Stafford Township and the mainland roadway gateway to Long Beach Island.
Garden State ParkwayProvides Stafford Township with major north-south regional highway access along the Jersey Shore.
U.S. Route 9Local north-south route through historic Manahawkin connecting Barnegat to the north with Eagleswood and Tuckerton to the south.
Seasonal TrafficSummer weekends can bring heavy traffic along Route 72 and the Long Beach Island approach. Allow additional time during peak Shore travel periods.
Official & Community Resources
Stafford TownshipMunicipal departments, public notices, meetings, maps, services, emergency information and community updates.
Stafford Township HistoryOfficial local history covering Manahawkin, Beach Haven West, Ocean Acres and Stafford Township development.
Stafford RecreationParks, community programs, summer concerts, Jennifer Lane Bay Beach, events, sports and senior activities.
Township Parks & FacilitiesCurrent Manahawkin Lake, Ocean Acres, sports, community-center and park facility information.
Stafford Township School DistrictKindergarten-through-grade-6 schools, calendars, registration, employment and district resources.
Southern Regional School DistrictGrades 7–12, calendars, academics, athletics, registration, employment and district information.
Stafford Township Arts CenterCurrent theater information and community performance resources.
Ocean County Library — Stafford BranchCurrent branch hours, address and phone information.
Ocean County College — Southern Education CenterCurrent Manahawkin college location and off-campus educational information.
Nearby Communities
Barnegat Mainland Ocean County community immediately north of Stafford Township along Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway.
Ship Bottom Long Beach Island gateway community reached directly from Stafford Township via Route 72.
Surf City Popular Long Beach Island beach community a short drive east from the Route 72 causeway.
Long Beach Island Barrier-island beach communities, restaurants, recreation, lodging and visitor attractions reached through Manahawkin and Stafford Township.
Eagleswood Rural and bay-oriented township immediately south of Stafford along Route 9.
Explore More of Manahawkin on NJTGO
Business & ShoppingRoute 72, Route 9, Stafford Park, healthcare, professional services and local businesses.
Food & DrinkRestaurants, cafés, pizza, seafood, markets, bars and regional dining.
Real EstateManahawkin, Beach Haven West, Ocean Acres, Stafford neighborhoods, waterfront homes and official property resources.
Visiting & LodgingManahawkin Lake, historic sites, Long Beach Island gateway travel, parks, itineraries and accommodations.
ClassifiedsCommunity postings, garage sales, notices, items for sale and neighborhood opportunities.
Jobs & EmploymentLocal employment sectors, healthcare, schools, public careers and job-search resources.
Promote Your Manahawkin or Stafford Township Business
Reach residents and visitors across Manahawkin, Beach Haven West, Ocean Acres and Stafford Township through NJTGO's Manahawkin page set. Basic directory listings may include a business name, category, address and phone number. Website links, expanded descriptions, logos, photographs, featured placement and broader promotional visibility are paid options.
View Advertising Information Contact NJTGO