Active adult homebuyers often search for gated communities for safety reasons. After all, gates and security booths are designed to keep out solicitors. There are other benefits to living behind these gates, though.
They limit traffic, so commuters won’t be cutting through the neighborhoods, and vehicles will likely be driving slower. This makes the streets quieter and much more serene for residents. Gates also can increase the homeowner’s pride of ownership. Well-maintained homes and landscaping lead to a very desirable outcome, increased property VALUES
( over time.
These 55+ communities get bonus points for being located in desirable Ocean County, New Jersey. With miles of sandy beaches, dozens of golf clubs like Ocean Acres Country Club, shopping, dining, parks, theaters, even river cruises, this county is one of the most popular in the country for leisurely living.
Pheasant Run – Barnegat
Low $100s – Low $200s
This mid-sized, well-established community of 379 single-family homes was built from 1987 to 1995, and it’s affordable, low-key, and friendly. There are five models populating the lovely, tree-lined streets. Floor plans range from 1,034 to 1,784 square feet with two bedrooms, one to two and a half baths, and one-car garages. The majority are ranch style, though there are some two-story models. Certain homes have open porches, patios, sprinkler systems, and outdoor lighting.
Pheasant Run homeowners enjoy the community clubhouse, exercise and activity rooms, tennis, horseshoes, and a sparkling outdoor saltwater pool.
Sonata Bay – Berkeley Township
Mid $100s – Low $300s
Sonata Bay offers a great value in a great location. Built by Odin Development Group from 1993 to 1996, it has 312 attached and single-family homes. The attached or duplex homes range from 1,300 to 2,700 square feet with two or three bedrooms and bathrooms, and one or two-car garages. The single-family homes are 1,300 to 2,700 square feet with two or three bedrooms and bathrooms, and one or two-car garages. Some models include lofts and sunrooms.
There are many options to keep homeowners busy, including an outdoor pool, tennis, bocce ball, shuffleboard, and a popular clubhouse that features an exercise room, catering kitchen, and activity rooms.
Princeton Commons – Brick
Low $200s – High $200s
Princeton Commons offers active adults low-maintenance living at a reasonable price point just outside of scenic Point Pleasant Beach. Built from 1989 to 1995, it has 385 single family homes ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 square feet. Most have open floor plans with two bedrooms and bathrooms, and a garage.
There is a community clubhouse, activity rooms, an outdoor pool, tennis, bocce ball, trails, and convenient boat storage. Princeton Commons is known for its neighborhood gatherings, including bus trips, holiday parties, pancake breakfasts, pizza parties, and exercise groups.
Paramount Escapes Ocean Breeze – Manahawkin
High $200s – Mid $400s
With such a relaxing name, Paramount Escapes Ocean Breeze is sure to offer sanctuary for active adults seeking low-maintenance living, privacy, and the finer things in life. Construction began in 2006 by Paramount Homes, and upon completion, there will be 690 single-family new and resale residences. There are seven floor plans sized from 1,866 to 2,693 square feet. These well-appointed ranch style homes have two to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and two-car garages. Some models also have lofts or dens.
Residents spend time at the lifestyle pavilion, which has an exercise room, indoor pool and sauna, a grand salon, and activity rooms. There is also an outdoor pool, tennis courts, nature trails, lakes, and ponds, plus social clubs and activity groups for billiards, cards, golf, movies, and tennis.
Four Seasons at Metedeconk Lakes – Jackson Township
High $300s – High $500s
Active adult homebuyers that are seeking to live their next phase of life in luxurious, resort-like surroundings can look to Four Seasons at Metedeconk Lakes. Built by K. Hovnanian from 2002 to 2008, this exclusive property has 778 resale homes with generously sized single-story and loft floor plans ranging in size from 1,687 to 2,927 square feet. They have two to five bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and two-car garages.
A state-of-the-art, 28,000 square-foot clubhouse includes a fireplace, activity rooms, a fitness center, indoor pool, and a library. There is also an outdoor pool, sun deck, children’s pool, tennis, bocce ball, a putting green, and a well-landscaped grounds with lakes and ponds.
