Waterfront & Lagoon Living: Ocean & Monmouth County
Local Knowledge. Shore Results. Updated October 2026A lot of buyers want water access without oceanfront pricing. "Waterfront" also means different things from one listing to the next. This guide sorts the lagoon and bay boating communities, where a private dock and direct water access are the draw, from the river towns and true oceanfront. That way you can find the kind of water living you're picturing.
On This Page
- Lagoon & Bay Boating Communities
- Lacey Township
- Berkeley Township
- Brick Township
- Little Egg Harbor Township
- Stafford Township
- Toms River Township
- River Living
- Brielle
- Point Pleasant Borough
- Rumson & Fair Haven
- What to Know Before Buying Waterfront
- Thinking About Waterfront or Lagoon Living?
- Waterfront Homes for Sale Right Now
Lagoon & Bay Boating Communities
Lacey Township
Lacey is one of the most boating-focused townships on the Jersey Shore. It has a large stock of lagoon-front homes with direct boat access to Barnegat Bay, without barrier-island pricing. I've closed more than a dozen home sales in Forked River and Lanoka Harbor alone.
See the full Lacey Township guide
See Lacey Township waterfront homes for sale
Berkeley Township
Glen Cove and Berkeley Shores have lagoon-front boating access on the mainland side of the township. It's a similar tradeoff to Lacey, without the barrier-island commute.
See the full Berkeley Township guide
See Berkeley Township waterfront homes for sale
Brick Township
Brick covers nearly every type of waterfront: ocean, bay, river and lagoon. That includes Metedeconk River communities and Barnegat Bay lagoons. A lot of homes were rebuilt after Sandy, so you'll find newer waterfront construction here too.
See the full Brick Township guide
See Brick Township waterfront homes for sale
Little Egg Harbor Township
The lagoon community in Mystic Island gives you more affordable water access in southern Ocean County. It also has a documented flood history, so look into it for any specific property you're considering.
See the full Little Egg Harbor guide
See Little Egg Harbor waterfront homes for sale
Stafford Township
Beach Haven West is a lagoon-front boating community on the mainland side of Stafford. You get water access without living on Long Beach Island itself.
See the full Stafford Township guide
See Stafford Township waterfront homes for sale
Toms River Township
Silverton has Silver Bay waterfront and marina access with a relaxed, boating-focused feel. It's one of several distinct waterfront sections in this large township.
See the full Toms River Township guide
See Toms River waterfront homes for sale
River Living
Brielle
In Brielle, daily life is organized around boating. The Manasquan River Yacht Club was founded in 1899, before the borough itself existed, and many homes have private docks along the Manasquan River. See the full Brielle guide
Point Pleasant Borough
Point Pleasant Borough has boating access through the Point Pleasant Canal, which connects the Manasquan River to Barnegat Bay. The lift bridges give boats the right of way over cars, and you'll see that play out every day. See the full Point Pleasant Borough guide
Rumson & Fair Haven
Both towns sit along the Navesink River. You'll find waterfront estates, boating and yacht club culture here, at Monmouth County's highest price tier.
See the full Rumson guide
See the full Fair Haven guide
What to Know Before Buying Waterfront
The bulkhead is usually on you. On lagoon properties, the seawall that keeps the water out of your yard is usually owned and maintained by the homeowner. Budget for it, especially on older properties.
Plan on flood insurance. On true waterfront, nearly every home carries it. The cost varies a lot with the home's elevation relative to Base Flood Elevation. Get an actual elevation certificate before you trust a quoted premium.
Get the bulkhead and dock inspected. I worked construction, and I'd always have a bulkhead or dock professionally assessed before closing. A look from the yard won't tell you enough. Buyers consistently underestimate these repair costs.
Thinking About Waterfront or Lagoon Living?
The right water-access property depends on what you want to do with it. Serious boating, quiet kayak access and a view are three different searches, and each one points to a different set of towns. Tell me which one you're picturing, and I'll give you the tradeoffs before you tour.
Matt Quinn, United Real Estate Associates
(609) 709-2742
matt@mattquinnsellshomes.com