Southern Ocean Center in Manahawkin, NJ

Southern Ocean Center is a nursing home community in Manahawkin, NJ.

Information last verified: December 26, 2025

1361 Route 72 West, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318

4.6 from 104 reviews

5 stars

90

4 stars

4

3 stars

1

2 stars

0

1 stars

9

Southern Ocean Center Costs & Pricing

Southern Ocean Center offers a range of living options that are reflective of the unique market dynamics in both Ocean County and New Jersey as a whole. The costs for semi-private rooms at Southern Ocean Center average $7,440 per month, which notably exceeds the county's average of $4,532, but remains higher than the state's average of $5,068. When it comes to private rooms, residents can expect to pay $8,190 monthly - again surpassing both local and statewide averages of $6,422 and $5,799 respectively. These figures highlight Southern Ocean Center's positioning as a premium facility within the region, offering enhanced services and accommodations that align with its elevated pricing structure.

Floor plans	Southern Ocean Center	Ocean County	New Jersey
Semi-Private	$7,440	$4,532	$5,068
Private	$8,190	$6,422	$5,799

Overall Review of Southern Ocean Center

common 35 reviews mention this

Staff are kind and supportive

Residents and families consistently describe the staff as kind, helpful, and responsive.

Across the reviews, people repeatedly come back to the day-to-day experience of being greeted warmly, having staff members answer questions, and feeling cared for by nurses, aides, therapists, and other team members. Several families describe the direct-care team as going above and beyond, including during difficult recovery moments. A few reviews also criticize staff responsiveness when help is needed, but even those comments are focused on execution rather than overall attitude.

common 18 reviews mention this

The facility cleanliness stands out

Many reviewers highlight the building as clean and well kept.

Multiple reviews praise the center for being clean and bright, with rooms and common areas described as maintained. Visitors also mention easy entry, smooth check-in, and an overall environment that feels cared for. There are also a couple of negative reviews that describe messes or odors, and one reviewer later says the facility took steps to address concerns.

differentiator 16 reviews mention this

Rehab therapy gets credit

Physical and occupational therapy are repeatedly credited for helping residents recover.

Several reviews specifically mention PT/OT staff helping with mobility, strength, and recovery goals, including after surgery and medical events. Families describe therapists as encouraging and as teaching residents how to move again. Reviews about rehab are also tied to overall confidence in the care plan, with at least one person saying their loved one regained the ability to walk.

caveat 12 reviews mention this

Dining quality is mixed

Dining receives both praise and complaints from reviewers.

Some reviewers describe the food as enjoyable, with one family comparing meals to restaurant-style dining and others saying it was good or delivered well. Other reviews are more critical, citing cold food, poor quality, and missing or inadequate meals—especially for people with diabetes or salt-restricted needs. A later review also describes improvements in food quality after management took steps to address earlier complaints.

caveat 5 reviews mention this

Care availability is a concern

A recurring concern in negative reviews is delayed assistance when help is requested.

Some reviewers describe periods when call bells or requests for assistance were not answered promptly, along with situations where care tasks took too long. A few negative comments connect these problems to understaffing, while at least one addendum says the center was working to correct issues. Positive reviews generally describe attentiveness, so the overall picture is uneven depending on the reviewer’s experience.

How we summarize

Counts show how many written reviews mention each theme; a review can touch several themes, and only frequently mentioned themes become a section.

Features

Housing

21 resident community capacity

Types of Care

Skilled Nursing Facility

Amenities

Beauty salon
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Fully furnished
Garden
Housekeeping services
Kitchenette
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Private
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available

Transportation

Atlantic City International (24 miles away)

Care Services

24-hour call system
24-hour supervision
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Coordination with health care providers
Diabetes diet
Hospice care
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments

Dining

Diabetes diet
Special dietary restrictions

Activities

Community-sponsored activities
Scheduled daily activities

Nearby Places of Interest

Physicians

Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat (0 miles)
Southern Ocean Foot (0 miles)
Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics (0.1 miles)
Family Medicine Center (0.1 miles)
Ocean County Retina Ma (0.1 miles)
Surgical Specialists Of New Jersey (0.1 miles)
Ng, Tommy Hackensack Meridian Medical Group Interventional Cardiology (0.1 miles)

Restaurants

Stafford Diner (0.1 miles)
McDonald's (1.4 miles)
Element Restaurant & Bar (1.5 miles)
Chipotle Mexican Grill (1.7 miles)
Wendy's (2 miles)
Applebee's (2.3 miles)
The Mainland Kitchen & Pub (2.5 miles)

Hospitals

Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center (0.4 miles)
Southern Ocean County Hospital (0.4 miles)
Southern Regional Hospital (0.5 miles)

Pharmacies

Stafford Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
Walmart Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
Walgreens (3.4 miles)
CVS Pharmacy (6.8 miles)
Forked River Pharmacy (8.4 miles)
Walmart Pharmacy (9.2 miles)

Cafes

Johnny’s Offshore Cafe (2.6 miles)
Sandbox Cafe Surf City (7.9 miles)
The Local Market & Kitchen (8 miles)
How You Brewin Internet Cafe (8 miles)
Jersey Girl (9.8 miles)
Blue Water Cafe (9.8 miles)

Parks

John J. Guld Jr Recreation Area & Ball Field (7.8 miles)
Sunset Park (8.1 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live at Southern Ocean Center in Manahawkin, NJ?

Where is Southern Ocean Center?

What photos are available for Southern Ocean Center in Manahawkin, New Jersey?

Nearby Communities

The Residence at Stafford

Manahawkin, NJ

4.5 from 101 reviews

$5,950 to $6,800 / month

Friendly, dedicated staff in a clean, welcoming environment with engaging activities.
Brookdale Stafford

Stafford Township, NJ

4.6 from 68 reviews

Memory-care focus with diabetes care and nearby medical services.
Manahawkin Conv Center

Manahawkin, NJ

2.8 from 77 reviews

Comprehensive on-site amenities and care (24/7 supervision, meals, transportation, activities)
Manahawkin Nursing & Rehab

Manahawkin, NJ

2.9 from 68 reviews

Improvements noted; accommodating staff and a range of facilities.
Southern Ocean Medical Center

Manahawkin, NJ

3.4 from 119 reviews

Small, intimate facility with 24/7 supervision and restaurant-style dining.
Dignity in the Golden Years

Manahwakin, NJ

4.5 from 118 reviews

Excellent access to healthcare facilities and nearby dining.
Paramount Escapes Ocean Breeze

Manahawkin, NJ

4.1 from 35 reviews

Personalized care with nutritious meals and easy access to healthcare services.
The Terraces at Seacrest Village

Little Egg Harbor Township, NJ

4.8 from 168 reviews

$4,260 to $7,300 / month

Caring staff; lively, home-like community with good dining.
Spring Oak of Forked River

Lanoka Harbor, NJ

4.1 from 34 reviews

$3,200 to $4,385 / month

Friendly staff, clean facility, and engaging activities with good meals.

Skilled Nursing Facility in Nearby Cities

Related Resources

Top Canine Companions for Older Adults

Dogs can greatly improve the lives of older adults by offering emotional support and encouraging physical activity, with factors such as size, temperament, and grooming needs being crucial in selecting a suitable breed. Senior dogs often make ideal companions for this demographic, promoting social connections and requiring care routines that align with seniors' capabilities.
Comprehensive Guide to Blood Pressure Charts for Older Adults: Understanding Normal and High Readings by Age

The guide on blood pressure charts for older adults stresses the importance of understanding normal and high blood pressure readings influenced by age, genetics, and lifestyle, while emphasizing regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications to prevent serious health issues. It provides insights into blood pressure categories, dietary recommendations, medication considerations, and the role of caregivers in supporting healthy habits.
Financing Long-Term Nursing Home Care Through Social Security: A Thorough Exploration

The article explores the complexities of using Social Security to finance long-term nursing home care in the U.S., detailing eligibility requirements and misconceptions, while emphasizing that these benefits often do not cover full costs and highlighting the need for strategic financial planning and professional guidance.