One of the first things to know about South Jersey is that it’s very different from North Jersey (many feel that the two are actually different states). While the north is more heavily populated and closer to The Big Apple, the south can be more laid back and rests near Philadelphia. Southern NJ real estate can also be more affordable with homes for sale in retirement communities topping off around the mid $500s.
With miles of frontage along the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and Delaware River, much of South Jersey is close to water, and its central areas are highlighted by acres of wooded areas, including Wharton State Forest. With all this natural beauty, one would think that South Jersey is mostly rural, but it’s not. Small towns like Collingswood and Hammonton have charming restaurants and shops; more urban areas like Cherry Hill and Glassboro have upscale shopping centers like Cherry Hill Mall and top hospitals like Jefferson University Washington Township Hospital.
If you’re in the market for a South Jersey active adult community with new construction homes, there are over 20 neighborhoods that fit this bill. Here are four of our favorites.
The Fairways at Lake Ridge – Lakewood, NJ
Low $300s – Mid $700s
The Fairways at Lake Ridge is an Ocean County active adult neighborhood that’s built to please. The Kokes Organization broke ground here in 1997, and there are two attached and over 25 single-family models on this gated, wooded property.
The attached homes range from 1,352 to 1,508 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached one-car garages. The single-family models range from 1,308 to 3,048 square feet and offer two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached one- or two-car garages. Options include eat-in kitchens, stainless steel appliances, private patios, and spacious master suites.
The homeowners’ association (HOA) fee covers snow and trash removal as well as exterior and common area maintenance. The Fairways at Lake Ridge is home to a 16,000-square-foot clubhouse with a friendly cafe, an arts and crafts studio, a catering kitchen, a ballroom, an indoor pool, an exercise room, and a computer room. Outdoor perks include a second swimming pool, bocce and tennis courts, and walking trails.
The long list of clubs and activities includes day trips, a singles group, movies, Zumba, and softball. This vibrant community is also quite close to Eagle Ridge Golf Club and Lake Shenandoah Park. Plus, Downtown Lakewood is a short trip away, making grocery stores, houses of worship, a library, medical offices, and shops convenient to find.
Request more information about The Fairways at Lake Ridge.
The Oaks of Weymouth – Mays Landing, NJ
Below $100k – High $100s
Moving south towards Atlantic County, The Oaks of Weymouth is an affordable 55+ neighborhood that will have 625 new and resale single-family homes upon completion. The property was originally developed in 1984, with s have been finished by multiple builders. The seven floor plans range from 1,422 to 1,640 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two baths, and driveway parking. Options include fireplaces, eat-in kitchens, Corian countertops, and dens.
The private clubhouse has a business center, a grand hall and catering kitchen, activity rooms, and a well-equipped fitness center with lockers and a sauna. Friends and neighbors can meet here for clubs, game nights, line dancing, and yoga. There are also sports courts and an outdoor swimming pool.
The Oaks of Weymouth is located within the Pinelands, a natural area marked by acres of forest. The community is also only 18 miles from Atlantic City and even closer to Estell Manor Park which offers boating facilities, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, and year-round programs.
Request more information about The Oaks of Weymouth.
Venue at Smithville Greene – Eastampton, NJ
Mid $300s – Low $500s
Venue at Smithville Greene will feature new single-family and attached homes developed by builder Lennar Homes. Buyers can choose from five models, sized from 1,554 to 2,111 square feet with two or three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached one- or two-car garages. Features like spacious master suites, flex rooms, and eat-in kitchens make these homes comfortable and elegant; the largest model can be customized with a second floor.
Work is underway on the exclusive clubhouse, which will have a heated outdoor pool and patio, plus pickleball, tennis, and bocce ball courts. The inside area will feature an exercise room and aerobics studio, a sports lounge, a coffee bar, and additional activity rooms.
Venue at Smithville Greene is just outside of historic Smithville, a charming town with unique shops and the famous Smithville Inn restaurant. There are also paddle boats, a train, and other recreational activities nearby. The closest Walmart is five miles away, and the entire area is full of restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and specialty shops.
Request more information about Venue at Smithville Greene.
The Preserve at Weatherby – Woolwich, NJ
High $300s – High $400s
The Preserve at Weatherby is also on the younger side, started in 2017 by Mckee Builders. This gated Gloucester County 55+ community will have 239 new single-family homes when completed, along with desirable amenities. There are eight single-level models ranging from 1,407 to 1,898 square feet with two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. The home designs feature open layouts, wide entryways, and accessible bathroom designs.
This must-see 55+ community shares its amenities with Four Seasons at Weatherby, which is a minute or so away. The contemporary clubhouse has its own ballroom, catering kitchen, crafts studio, and activity rooms. It also has a refreshing outdoor pool; a putting green; and tennis, bocce, and shuffleboard courts.
There are also clubs for dining out, books, bird watching, photography, travel, Wii, and photography. Woolwich Township is a bit more rural than the other three communities we’ve described here, but it has a new and inviting town center, and it’s also just half an hour from Philadelphia and Wilmington in Delaware.
