Manasquan is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, on the Jersey Shore. It has a population of about 6,000 people and a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Manasquan offers a variety of attractions and amenities for residents and visitors, including a one-mile beach on the Atlantic Ocean, the Manasquan River for boating and fishing, and several historic sites and landmarks. Manasquan also has a high quality of life, with access to health care, education, and transportation services.
History
Manasquan was first settled as a part of Shrewsbury in the late 1600s. It takes its name from “Mënàskunk”, meaning “Place to Gather Grass or Reeds” in Lenape Native American language1. The Lenape Indians were summer visitors here for hundreds of years. The area was later purchased by Richard N. Hartshorne and others from the Lenape in 1685
Manasquan became a popular resort destination in the late 19th century, attracting visitors from New York City and Philadelphia who came by train or steamboat. The borough was incorporated in 1887 from portions of Wall Township. Manasquan developed as a fishing and boating community, with several marinas and boatyards along the river. The borough also has a strong maritime heritage, with several life-saving stations that were established along the coast in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Population
According to the 2020 United States census, Manasquan had a population of 5,938 people, an increase of 41 (+0.7%) from the 2010 census count of 5,897. The population density was about 4,000 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the borough was about 96% white, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and less than 1% black or African American. The median age was about 43 years old.
The median household income in Manasquan was about $104,000 in 2019 dollars. The poverty rate was about 3%, lower than the state average of 10%. About 97% of the population had health insurance coverage.
Health
Manasquan has access to various health care facilities and services within and near the borough. Some examples are:
- Shore Behavioral Health: A mental health clinic that provides counseling, psychotherapy, and medication management for individuals, couples, and families.
- Improve Health Solutions: A cosmetic medicine center that offers treatments such as Botox, fillers, laser hair removal, and skin rejuvenation.
- Hackensack Meridian Health Urgent Care: A walk-in clinic that provides care for minor illnesses and injuries such as colds, flu, sprains, cuts, and infections.
- Ocean Medical Center: A hospital that provides emergency care, surgery, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and other specialties.
Education
Manasquan has a public school district that serves students from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade. The district consists of two schools: Manasquan Elementary School and Manasquan High School. The elementary school serves students from Manasquan and some students from Sea Girt, while the high school serves students from Manasquan and seven other nearby communities: Avon-by-the-Sea, Belmar, Brielle, Lake Como, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, and Spring Lake Heights
Manasquan Elementary School has about 800 students in grades pre-K to eight. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, art, music, physical education, health, and technology. The school also provides special education services, gifted and talented programs, and extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, and student council.
Manasquan High School has about 1,000 students in grades nine to twelve. The school offers a rigorous academic program that includes honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and dual enrollment courses. The school also offers career and technical education programs such as business, engineering, and culinary arts. The school has a high graduation rate of 98% and a high college readiness index of 60%. The school also has a variety of athletic teams, clubs, and organizations for students to participate in.
Transport
Manasquan is well-connected by various modes of transportation within and outside the borough. Some examples are:
- Bus: Manasquan is served by several bus routes operated by Academy Bus that connect it to New York City, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and other destinations. The bus stops are located at Main Street and Taylor Avenue.
- Train: Manasquan has a railway station on NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line that connects it to Hoboken Terminal or New York Penn Station via Newark Penn Station or Secaucus Junction. The station has ticket machines on both sides of the depot and free commuter parking
- Car: Manasquan is accessible by car via several major roads such as Route 35, Route 71, Route 34, Interstate 195, and Garden State Parkway.
- Bike: Manasquan has bike lanes on some streets and bike racks at various locations such as the beachfront and downtown area. The borough also participates in Bike To Work Week every May to encourage residents to use bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation.
Points of Interest
Manasquan has many points of interest for residents and visitors to enjoy. Some examples are:
- Beach: Manasquan has a one-mile long beach on the Atlantic Ocean that attracts thousands of visitors every summer. The beach offers swimming, surfing, fishing, sunbathing, and other recreational activities. The beach also hosts events such as fireworks displays, festivals, and competitions throughout the year
- Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area: This is a 55-acre park on the Manasquan River that offers hiking, biking, fishing, boating, birdwatching, and picnicking. The park has a dog-friendly beach where dogs can run off-leash during designated hours
- Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway: This is a 5.4-mile paved trail that runs from Manasquan to Allaire State Park. The trail passes through scenic woodlands, wetlands, and farmlands. The trail also connects to other trails such as the Capital to Coast Trail and the Henry Hudson Trail
- Algonquin Arts Theatre: This is a historic theatre that was built in 1938 and renovated in 1994. The theatre hosts various performances such as musicals, plays, concerts, comedies, and children’s shows. The theatre also offers educational programs and workshops for students and adults
- Manasquan Inlet: This is a narrow channel that connects the Manasquan River to the Atlantic Ocean. The inlet is popular among fishermen, boaters, surfers, and spectators who enjoy watching the waves and wildlife. The inlet also has a boardwalk, a jetty, and a Coast Guard station
- Atlantic Farm Market: This is a family-run farm market that sells fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, honey, jams, and other local products. The market also has a petting zoo where visitors can interact with animals such as goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, and alpacas
- Squan Beach Life-Saving Station #9: This is a historic building that was built in 1903 as part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service. The building served as a rescue station for shipwrecked sailors until 1915 when it became part of the U.S. Coast Guard. The building was restored in 2006 and now serves as a museum that displays artifacts and exhibits related to maritime history
- Milagro Spa: This is a full-service spa that offers various treatments such as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and hair styling. The spa also has a sauna, a steam room, a whirlpool tub, and a relaxation lounge for guests to enjoy
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