Shawcrest Community and Marina, Wildwood, NJ

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents dreaming of the ideal coastal lifestyle, Shawcrest Community and Marina in Wildwood, NJ, presents a distinctive blend of affordable homeownership and direct waterfront access. Situated uniquely on its own grand peninsula, Shawcrest is far more than a typical residential park; it’s a vibrant, all-age community that serves both permanent residents and vacation homeowners looking for a slice of the Jersey Shore. Comprised of over 300 manufactured homes, this community offers a highly sought-after, low-maintenance living solution just minutes from the excitement of the Wildwood Boardwalk and its expansive, top-rated beaches.

Shawcrest is highly valued for the 'pride of home ownership' felt by its residents, with many homes and grounds being described by visitors as "spotless and beautifully decorated on the outside." This dedication to home aesthetics contributes to a visually attractive and well-kept neighborhood. The key differentiator for Shawcrest, however, is its incredible waterfront location and the integration of a full-service marina. This allows residents and customers to engage directly in the quintessential Wildwood experience—boating, jet skiing, fishing, and bayfront relaxation—right outside their door. While offering an economical way to secure a property in the high-demand coastal market of Cape May County, the community fosters an active and engaged family lifestyle centered around the water and nearby shore attractions. It’s an opportunity for locals to turn a dream vacation spot into a year-round or seasonal reality.

As a large and active community, it is important for prospective residents to understand the nature of the park's operation, which is run by Legacy Communities. Like any large community, individual experiences can vary, as reflected in customer feedback. While many praise the gorgeous grounds and the beautiful setup, prospective homeowners should conduct due diligence regarding current management practices and community standards, ensuring they align with expectations for a peaceful and safe neighborhood. This is particularly relevant given that the community shares its attractive location and amenities among both full-time occupants and seasonal vacationers.

Location and Accessibility

Shawcrest Community and Marina is strategically located at the base of the bridge leading directly into the island of Wildwood, providing incredible accessibility to one of the Jersey Shore’s most popular resort towns.

Address: 5200 Shawcrest Rd, Wildwood, NJ 08260, USA

The location on Shawcrest Road places the community on a peninsula that juts into the bay, offering unparalleled water views and direct boating access. This area is technically considered part of Lower Township but provides a direct gateway to the entertainment, dining, and beaches of Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and North Wildwood.

Local residents will find the proximity to the shore attractions highly appealing. The community is situated just over a mile from the famous Wildwood Boardwalk, Morey's Piers, and the expansive, free Wildwood Beach. Transportation is convenient, allowing for quick drives or even leisurely bike rides to the main tourist hubs. Beyond recreation, local conveniences are easily accessible. A Walgreens, Urgent Care center, and regional banks are located less than a mile away. Furthermore, major retailers and services, including Lowe's, Walmart Supercenter, and other banks, are just three miles away in the neighboring town of Rio Grande, ensuring that all practical needs are met without having to travel far. The unique position offers a quiet, bayfront retreat with the convenience of a vibrant coastal city at its doorstep.

Services Offered

Shawcrest Community and Marina provides a set of core utility services and premier marina-related offerings designed to support the coastal lifestyle of its residents.

Ground Rent Inclusions: The monthly ground rent, which is a common feature of manufactured home parks, typically includes essential services such as water, sewer, and trash removal.
Road Maintenance: Snow clearance of roads is a service provided to ensure accessibility for year-round residents during winter months.
On-Site Boat Slips: The private Shawcrest Marina consists of a substantial number of floating boat slips and jet ski slips (approximately 146 total), which are available primarily to residents, but also to non-resident customers on a demand basis. This is a crucial service for boat owners.
Boat Launching and Storage: The marina offers direct boat launching via an on-site boat lift. Both in-season slip rental and winter storage for watercraft are available, simplifying the logistics of boat ownership for local enthusiasts.
Utility Connections: Homes are connected to essential utilities, including city water and sewer. Available utilities often include cable TV and the use of LP Gas for heating and water heaters in the homes.
Community Management: The community is managed under the umbrella of Legacy Communities, with an on-site office operating during standard business hours for resident support and inquiries.

Features / Highlights

The distinct features of Shawcrest center heavily on its location and the amenities that promote an active, fun-filled Jersey Shore experience.

Premier Waterfront Location: The most significant highlight is the community’s unique position on its own private peninsula, providing bayfront views and easy access to the water for recreational activities. It’s an unbeatable spot for those who love coastal living.
Private Full-Service Marina: Featuring a large number of slips for various watercraft, the on-site marina is a major draw. It offers residents the convenience of having their boat or jet ski docked mere steps from their home, making spontaneous trips out on the water easy.
Recreational Facilities: To keep residents active and engaged, the community offers several dedicated recreational spaces on the grounds, including a basketball court, horseshoes area, and a designated fishing/crabbing dock on the bay.
All-Age Community Model: Unlike 55+ restricted communities, Shawcrest is an all-age community, making it suitable for young families, seasonal vacationers, and retirees alike. This provides a diverse and energetic atmosphere.
Access to Coastal Attractions: The proximity—just over a mile—to the Wildwood Boardwalk, beaches, and various entertainment venues like Morey's Piers ensures residents can fully partake in the vibrant culture and special events of the Jersey Shore.
Low-Maintenance Coastal Homeownership: The manufactured home model provides a more economical path to owning a property in a high-demand resort area, offering a low-maintenance home base for seasonal or year-round enjoyment, often featuring modern appliances, central air, and attractive exterior decorations.

Contact Information

For detailed information on available homes, ground rent fees, or marina slip rentals, interested parties are encouraged to contact the community office directly.

Address: 5200 Shawcrest Rd, Wildwood, NJ 08260, USA

Phone: (609) 522-5239

Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Saturday and Sunday by appointment).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Jersey residents, Shawcrest Community and Marina is an excellent option for achieving homeownership, whether primary or seasonal, in the highly desirable Cape May County shore region. It provides an economical entry point into the Wildwood real estate market, fulfilling the dream of bayfront access and proximity to one of the state's most famous boardwalks and beaches without the prohibitive cost of a traditional shore home.

This community is highly suitable for local users because it offers a unique lifestyle amenity: a private, full-service marina. This feature elevates the experience far beyond simple beach living, catering directly to the many New Jersey families who own or desire watercraft. For those looking for a seasonal vacation home, it serves as a secure, convenient, and centrally located base for family fun. For year-round residents, it is a low-maintenance solution that keeps them connected to all major shopping and health services while enjoying a distinctly coastal, community-focused environment. It’s a chance for local New Jerseyans to invest in their quality of life by making the vibrant, beautiful Jersey Shore their own home.