Known as "The Community of Gracious Living", the Township of Ocean is an 11 square mile suburban community located in east central Monmouth County. Ocean Township presently operates under (Faulkner Act) Council-Manager form of government, as set forth in the New Jersey Constitution. Our five-member Council sets policy and adopts local ordinances while our Council-appointed Township Manager oversees the day-to-day administration of the Township. The Township of Ocean was created by an act of the New Jersey State Assembly on February 21, 1849. The original boundaries of the Township stretched from the Shrewsbury River to the southern tip of Avon. We are presently bordered by Eatontown and West Long Branch on the north, Long Branch, Deal, Allenhurst and Interlaken on the east, Neptune and Asbury Park on the south, and Tinton Falls on the west. Our many neighborhoods include Oakhurst, Wayside, Wanamassa, West Allenhurst, Deal Park, Colonial Terrace, Shadow Lawn Manor, and West Deal. Ocean Township is a community that prides itself on social diversity in its many neighborhoods while remaining a close-knit overall community. Much of our strength is built upon an involved citizenry. Dozens of volunteers serve on a variety of boards, commissions and committees utilizing their skills, experience and resources and time to enhance the positive qualities of our Township. Residents derive benefit from an outstanding school system. Ocean is home to three elementary schools, one intermediate school and one high school. Our public school system is well known for its outstanding reputation in both academics and sports. In addition a number of private and parochial schools at various educational levels can be found within our borders. The Township is also in close proximity to Monmouth University which is located in the Borough of West Long Branch at Ocean Township's northern border. The outstanding public school system coupled with a wide array of municipal amenities including an expansive park system, a public library, a community pool and tennis facility and a comprehensive offering of recreational programming have buoyed property values. Other community benefits include close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean beaches and the presence of two country clubs and one nine hole public golf course. In addition, we presently offer two well-established senior housing communities, Poplar Village and Whalepond Village, with additional age restricted housing under construction. Quality shopping and dining opportunities are plentiful both in Ocean Township and within a close radius.