Like much of coastal New Jersey, Ocean County offers a laid-back lifestyle without the inflated price tags. In fact, when searching for homes for sale in Ocean County, you’ll find that they are actually quite affordable. Many cater to downsizing, with low-maintenance, smaller homes, attached townhouses, and condos.
There are over 60 active adult communities in Ocean County. Aside from the main attraction—those beloved beaches and boardwalks—there are endless opportunities for active adults. Atlantic City, New York City, and Philadelphia are all doable day trips. Also, there are two county-run public golf courses: Atlantis and Forge Pond.
Keeping busy certainly isn’t a problem for Ocean County residents, and finding a perfect neighborhood for downsizing is easy too. Read on to learn about our top choices.
Seaview Village – Brick, NJ
Low $200ks – High $300ks
The aptly named Seaview Village is just minutes from the bay and beach, giving its owners great views, plus plenty of options for swimming, fishing, and watersports. It’s also next to the shops and services along Brick Boulevard and Hooper Avenue, so running errands and grabbing a bite to eat requires hardly any effort.
An established 55+ neighborhood, Seaview has 349 resale attached and single-family homes. The attached duplexes range from 1,008 to 1,032 square feet, with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and an attached one-car garage. The single-family homes range from 1,078 to 1,356 square feet, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached one-car garage. Options include screened porches and porticos.
There’s a clubhouse with an outdoor pool, cafe, and bocce courts, and neighbors enjoy playing bingo, cards, and having movie nights. Seaview has a one-time homeowners’ association (HOA) fee, which takes care of snow removal and lawn maintenance.
Sonata Bay – Berkeley Township, NJ
Low $200ks – Mid $300ks
Berkeley Township is a suburb near Barnegat Bay and Toms River, which also puts it near Double Trouble State Park and Jakes Branch County Park. The cozy homes at Sonata Bay are just right for downsizing, and a good value for 55+ home seekers. This established 55+ community has 312 resale attached and single-family homes.
There are a limited number of attached duplexes ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and a one- or two-car garage. There are five single-family models ranging from 1,386 to 1,786 square feet, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one- or two-car garages. Upgrades may include sunrooms and lofts.
An HOA fee covers lawn care, snow removal, and common ground maintenance. Residents make good use of the amenities, which include an exercise room; an outdoor pool; bocce, shuffleboard, and tennis courts; and activity rooms at the clubhouse.
Gardens of Pleasant Plains – Toms River, NJ
Mid $200ks – Mid $300ks
Toms River has six active adult communities, and like its others, Gardens of Pleasant Plains is right on target for downsizing. This established neighborhood has 437 resale attached and single-family homes. It’s right near everything you need, including the downtown area, Home Depot, shopping centers, the Garden State Parkway, Bey Lea Golf Course, and the beach.
There are a limited number of attached duplex models, which generally have two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a garage. The single-family homes have two bedrooms, one-to-one-and-a-half baths, and garages. The HOA fee covers clubhouse access and common area maintenance.
Atlantic Hills – Manahawkin, NJ
Low $300ks – Low $400ks
This active adult neighborhood has downsizing written all over it, with charming, cozy homes, an HOA fee to cover chores like shoveling snow, and a desirable locale 10 minutes from the shores and shops of Long Beach Island.
Atlantic Hills is an established, private community, with 250 resale single-family homes that also allows residents to fence in their yards. The homes range from 1,240 to 1,673 square feet, with two bedrooms and two baths. Features include nine-foot ceilings, dens, breakfast nooks, and covered patios.
The community clubhouse keeps residents busy in its fitness room, craft room, and other activity rooms. Warm weather pursuits include biking and walking on the property’s trails, and swimming laps at the refreshing outdoor pool. There are also clubs for knitting, travel, and other interests.
