Southern New Jersey doesn’t have a set border surrounding it, so let’s say that it covers the bottom third of the state. Given its proximity to Philadelphia, it has a different personality than Central or North Jersey—those two are more closely related to New York City.
Why are retirees attracted to the southern part of the state? To start, it’s perfectly poised close to Philly, and you can take the train into The Big Apple for the day. It’s also close to Princeton; Wilmington, DE; Atlantic City; and Baltimore. South Jersey has many beach towns, peaceful countryside, cool small towns, and urban areas.
What Counties Are in South Jersey?
Often up for debate, these counties are South Jersey, starting at the bottom of the state:
- Cape May County
- Cumberland County
- Atlantic County
- Salem County
- Gloucester County
- Camden County
- Burlington County
Ocean County is next to Burlington County, but Central Jerseyans tend to claim it as theirs. It’s a large, long area that extends down to the top of Atlantic County. For our purposes, we’re considering it South Jersey. By the way, Ocean County has the fifth highest population in New Jersey at about 660,000. It follows after Bergen, Middlesex, Essex, and Hudson, all farther north.
South Jersey: An Attractive Option for 55+ Homebuyers
Southern New Jersey is an attractive option for 55+ homebuyers because it blends recreational opportunities, affordable living, and a moderate or slower pace of life without being too far from Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and New York. Retirees enjoy the region’s natural beauty, explore local culture, and have world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment. The area also has a strong sense of community—folks who live here are big on:
- The Philadelphia Eagles
- The Phillies
- Outdoor festivals
- Bicycling
- Pickleball
And if you’re a foodie, you’ll fit right in. Countless fine dining establishments, casual eateries, and other diverse options suit every tastebud. You can drive to ski mountains in the winter, hike and bike in the spring and fall, and head “down the shore” on summer weekends.
The Challenges of Finding Homes in South Jersey
Like the rest of the country, finding the perfect South Jersey home has been challenging these past few years. The housing market saw a significant increase in demand, and as a result, inventory is limited. That has discouraged many homebuyers as they search for a place that suits their needs and lifestyle.
Fortunately, there’s good news if you’re a 55+ homebuyer looking for new construction. South Jersey has several communities with available models for sale. Many are designed specifically for active adults with features like open floor plans, single-story living, and low-maintenance exteriors. In addition, new homes often come with energy-efficient appliances, modern amenities, and customizable options. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting a fresh start in a community that offers an active and social lifestyle.
Availability of New Construction: South Jersey Mixes it Up
Southern New Jersey is now seeing more new construction projects, with many developments focusing on creating communities specifically designed for 55+ buyers. These active adult communities offer single-family homes, townhomes, or condos geared for comfort, convenience, and luxury.
We recommend acting quickly if you want to purchase a new construction home. With the demand for housing continuing to rise and the limited availability of existing homes, new construction homes in active adult communities tend to sell out. These homes offer buyers the chance to move into a brand-new residence with modern designs, updated features, and the option to customize many aspects to meet their needs.
Knowing where to look is essential as you search for new construction in South Jersey. Below, you’ll find a selection of active adult communities that offer new construction homes for retirees. They have different home styles, price points, and amenities to meet your needs.
New Construction South Jersey 55+ Communities
Ocean County, NJ
The Fairways at Lake Ridge – Lakewood, NJ
High $200ks – High $700ks
Ocean County’s The Fairways at Lake Ridge is an established active adult community in Lakewood. It has 1,114 attached courtyard and single-family homes. It has a gated entrance and sits on a lovely property next to Eagles Ridge Golf Course. The Kokes Organization originally developed The Fairways between 1997 and 2002 and opened another phase more recently, with 90 more homes.
The attached homes here range from 1,352 to 1,508 square feet, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached one-car garages. The single-family models start smaller and get larger, ranging from 1,308 to 3,048 square feet, with two or three bedrooms and bathrooms and an attached one- to three-car garage. Upgrades may include luxury bathrooms and gourmet kitchens. The homeowners’ association (HOA) fees cover common area maintenance, plus snow and trash removal.
In addition to beautifully designed homes, The Fairways at Lake Ridge offers resort-style amenities, including a 16,000-square-foot clubhouse. This is where you’ll find the fitness center, indoor pool, and multipurpose rooms for clubs and activities. Outdoor amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, and walking and biking trails. Also, Lakewood is a short drive from Jersey Shore towns like Point Pleasant Beach and Lavalette. Area attractions include the Jackson Outlets, Ocean County Park, and Six Flags Great Adventure.
River Pointe – Manchester, NJ
High $300ks – Mid $600ks
River Pointe is a luxurious community in Manchester, NJ, offering new construction South Jersey homes designed for homebuyers 55+. This gated community broke ground in 2007 and will have 504 single-family homes.
These thoughtfully designed homes feature open floor plans, energy-efficient designs, and customizable options to suit your preferences. Built by Del Webb, they range from 1,269 to 2,020 square feet and have two or three bedrooms and two to four bathrooms. Some of these modern floor plans feature basements, sunrooms, lofts, and front porches.
Select floor plans include a front porch, morning room, sunroom, or basement. Certain models have extra loft space, which adds about 800 square feet. This community’s HOA provides for lawn care, trash removal, snow clearing, and a full-time lifestyle director.
The River Pointe 16,000-square-foot clubhouse is the heart of the community. It features a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a ballroom, and spaces for different activities and clubs. Outdoor perks include tennis courts and scenic walking trails.
Venue at Longview – Plumsted Township, NJ
High $400ks – High $700ks
The Venue at Longview is an exciting, active adult community offering 452 new construction single-family homes and attached homes designed by Lennar for 55+ homebuyers.
The one- and two-story single-family homes range from 1,728 to 2,913 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two or three-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. These contemporary floor plans feature owner’s suites with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, kitchens with central islands, and large living rooms and dens. Upgrades include basements.
The attached homes range from 1,997 to 2,061 square feet and have three bedrooms, three baths, and attached one-car garages. They have very similar features to the Venue at Longview single-family homes.
The community has an exceptional clubhouse with resort-style amenities. Here, you can enjoy a fitness center, outdoor pool, and multipurpose spaces for social gatherings and clubs. Outside, walking trails, tennis courts, and beautiful greenspaces are part of the community.
Plumsted Township isn’t far from Lakewood, McGuire Airforce Base, and the Pennsylvania state line. Just a short drive away are parks like Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area and Prospertown Lake, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. For a day out, the charming town of New Egypt offers local shops, cafes, and farmers markets. The Jackson Premium Outlets are also near this lovely, active adult neighborhood.
Seacrest Pines – Barnegat, NJ
Mid $500ks – High $600ks
Just 15 miles west of Long Beach Island (LBI), Barnegat’s Seacrest Pines offers new homes in South Jersey for hassle-free, low-maintenance living and easy beach access. With just 347 new and resale single-family homes, the atmosphere is more intimate—you can really get to know your neighbors.
D.R. Horton built the modern layouts of the homes at Seacrest Pines. The six spacious floor plans offer customizable options, energy-efficient designs, and open floor plans with optional second levels. They have first-floor master suites with generous walk-in closets, two to four bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages.
The community is planning resort-style amenities to encourage a very social lifestyle. A clubhouse is in development, which will serve as the hub for activities, with a fitness center, outdoor pool, and multipurpose spaces for gatherings and clubs. Residents can also take advantage of outdoor amenities like walking trails, scenic ponds, and open greenspaces. There will also be an HOA to provide community services.
Barnegat is a prime location for enjoying the best of Southern New Jersey. Its proximity to Jersey Shore towns makes it easy to drive to sandy beaches and some of the best seafood restaurants in the state. Nature lovers can head to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and Wells Mills County Park for hiking, birdwatching, and lovely views.
Venue at Woodlands – Manchester, NJ
High $500ks – High $500ks
You’re in the right place if you’re looking for an even smaller 55+ community. Venue at Woodlands has 162 single-family homes on a property about 13 miles west of Toms River. The well-planned single-family homes have open floor plans, energy-efficient appliances, and elegant finishes. They’re sized from 1,448 square feet to 1,936 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, two baths, and attached two-car garages. Top features include luxurious first-floor master suites and gourmet kitchens.
This 55+ neighborhood offers resort-style amenities that promote a healthy, active lifestyle. The community’s clubhouse includes a modern fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and multipurpose rooms for events and social activities. Outside are tennis courts, walking trails, and lush green spaces. Plans are also in the works for an HOA to handle snow removal, full lawn care, and street and common area maintenance.
Manchester is near many local attractions and shopping destinations. The Whiting Wildlife Management Area and Wells Mills County Park offer scenic hiking trails, birdwatching, and picnic spots. Long Beach Island and other coastal towns are also short drives away.
Cumberland County, NJ
Four Seasons at Millville – Millville, NJ
Low $300ks – Mid $300ks
Heading toward the southwest part of The Garden State, we come to Four Seasons at Millville in Cumberland County, an upscale active adult retirement community. The lower price point reflects its distance from Philly, but the floor plans and amenities are high-end. Built by Schaeffer Family Homes, K. Hovnanian, and Ryan Homes, Four Seasons at Millville has 610 homes in South Jersey. This is a peaceful setting about an hour’s drive from Atlantic City.
The Four Seasons at Millville clubhouse has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, pickleball courts, tennis courts, and gathering rooms. Its outdoor areas are also exceptional, with walking trails, lakes, and ponds. The HOA is responsible for lawn care, snow removal, and common area maintenance.
The prime location adds to this retirement community’s appeal. It’s near the heart of Millville’s thriving arts scene, including the renowned Glasstown Arts District, where residents enjoy galleries, live performances, and cultural events. Nature lovers head to nearby Maurice River and Union Lake for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. Parvin State Park is also a short drive away, with hiking trails and picnic areas.
Atlantic County, NJ
Tavistock at Mays Landing – Mays Landing, NJ
Mid $300ks
Heading back toward Atlantic City, you’ll come across Tavistock at Mays Landing, a smaller age-restricted community with 208 attached and single-family homes from The D’Anastasio Corporation. This 55+ community has five home models ranging from 1,309 to 1,990 square feet, with first-floor master suites, two or three bedrooms and bathrooms, and one- or two-car garages. Look for upgrades like rear patios, finished lofts, covered patios, and sunrooms.
The community provides a quiet, laid-back atmosphere, perfect if you’re seeking both relaxation and an active lifestyle. The Tavistock at Mays Landing clubhouse has a fitness center, an amenity center, and beautifully landscaped grounds. For stress-free living, the HOA provides lawn maintenance, irrigation systems, and snow and trash removal.
Mays Landing is about 19 miles from Atlantic City’s hustle and bustle and close to quiet beach towns like Ventnor; family-friendly Ocean City isn’t far away, either. The Atlantic County Park at Lake Lenape offers boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities, while golfers head to local courses like Mays Landing Golf & Country Club.
Reach Out to Learn More About South Jersey!
Our team is here to help if you’re ready to start touring 55+ communities with new construction South Jersey. Contact 55places.com today, and we’ll help you find the perfect 55+ community in this appealing part of the state!
