When it comes to finding the perfect retirement community, it helps to compare apples to apples (and oranges, too). Looking at the two active adult communities of Clearbrook and Rossmoor Village, they have plenty in common—and lots of differences to consider, too. Both communities have resale condo, attached, and single-family homes that sell starting around the low $100s. These two neighborhoods are also gated, established properties located in the New Jersey township of Monroe, with around 2,000 residences each. Both have a lot to like about them, which can complicate making an educated decision when choosing where to move. We’ve put together this list to help you learn what makes them stand out from one another.
Floor Plans
Clearbrook has resale homes priced from the low $100s to the high $300s and a large number of floor plans. There are four condo models sized from 520 to 840 square feet, offering one to two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The three attached two-story models range from 1,420 to 1,720 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half baths, and one-car garages. There are also single-family ranch homes available in 21 models ranging from 700 to 1,530 square feet. These plans include one to two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and either a carport or attached garages. Homes may feature dens, sunrooms, and upgraded kitchens and windows. The homeowners’ association (HOA) fee provides for trash pickup, snow removal, exterior and common area maintenance, water, and a community bus.
Rossmoor Village homes for sale are priced from below $100K to the mid $400s. This community also has a variety of floor plans, starting with the condos and attached homes. These range from 590 to 2,063 square feet, and feature one to two bedrooms and bathrooms in addition to carport parking. The 11 single-family models are sized from 1,200 to 2,259 square feet, with two bedrooms, two to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached one- or two-car garages. Some homes also have upgrades like dens, sunrooms, formal dining rooms, and heated garages. The HOA fee provides for lawn care, cable, snow removal, and other services.
Amenities & Lifestyle
There’s a wide variety of indoor and outdoor amenities in Rossmoor Village, starting with its 30,000-square-foot clubhouse. Inside, residents will find a ballroom, catering kitchen, craft studios, and a fitness center. A sparkling pool and sundeck greet homeowners outside, as well as sports courts and RV parking. This 55+ community also has a golf facility: the semi-private 18-hole Rossmoor Golf Course. Rossmoor also has dozens of clubs and activities, with something to cover almost any interest. Residents can partake in pickleball, movie nights, golf clubs, holiday parties, planned trips, and much more.
Clearbrook also features desirable amenities, including their 25,000-square-foot clubhouse. Homeowners enjoy working out at the fitness center, socializing in the gathering areas, pursuing their favorite hobbies in the craft studios, and going for a swim in the outdoor pool. There are also several sports courts and the beautiful 9-hole Clearbrook Golf Course, which is also open to the public. There’s also a community cultural center that has a 1,000-seat auditorium, plus a second outdoor pool and another tennis court. These facilities host community activities, clubs, and events, including water aerobics classes, dance groups, and a computer club. Off-site excursions include the bowling league, day trips, and shopping.
Location
These two must-see communities are less than three miles from each other, so their locations fall into the apple-to-apple category. Monroe Township is in Middlesex County in Central NJ. This puts it smack-dab in the middle of New York City and Philadelphia, close to some of the region’s top-performing medical facilities like Robert Wood Johnson and the Penn Medicine Healthcare System. Being close to those major cities some equally interesting smaller towns also means ample access to historical attractions, fine dining, public transportation, and shopping!
If you appreciate the great outdoors, the Jersey shore is easy to get to from Middlesex County, and the Middlesex County Parks System offers year-round activities, like hiking, biking, public golf courses, and an amphitheater.
Conclusion
These two stellar active adult communities have so much to offer plus a lot in common, so the differences may or may not seal the deal for you. Since they are so close to one another, taking the time to visit both may be the right move. You just might find the retirement home of your dreams.
