Few regions in the Northeast have as much coastline as New Jersey, and Ocean County has 44 miles of it that meet the Atlantic Ocean. Its sandy beaches, rolling waves, and nostalgic boardwalks tempt visitors and homebuyers of all ages, including active adults. But OC isn’t just a summer destination, it has indoor and outdoor venues with many excursions to enjoy. Ocean County real estate is always in high demand, and there’s a good number of active adult communities here that offer new construction homes.
Within this picturesque area, both locals and tourists can enjoy apple picking, bike rides, winery tours, and trips to historic sites like the Lakehurst Historical Museum or artsy spots like the Ludlow Thorston Gallery. There are also quaint small town centers like Tuckerton Seaport and Downtown Toms River. During the winter, you can take the grandkids ice skating, see a show at The Strand Theatre, or head off for a relaxing spa day at The Mediterranean Spa. Ocean County is also known for its excellent seafood restaurants, so you can dig into fresh catches at hot spots like the Captain’s Inn.
Ocean County is easy to get to from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New York, and it’s located between exits 50 and 91 along the Garden State Parkway. The region is serviced by bus and rail lines, and there are two nearby international airports in Atlantic City and Newark.
Read on to learn more about some buzzworthy 55+ communities offering new construction homes in Ocean County.
Paramount Escapes Ocean Breeze – Manahawkin, NJ
Mid $300s – Low $600s
If you like leafy forests and the beach, Paramount Escapes Ocean Breeze might be the right fit for you. It’s surrounded by recreation areas like Bass State Forest, and it’s only 12 miles from Long Beach Island. This gated community will have 690 new and resale single-family homes upon completion by builder Paramount Homes.
There are seven ranch-style models ranging from 1,866 to 2,693 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. These elegant homes have features like roomy master suites, luxury bathrooms, gas fireplaces, and nine-foot ceilings. Options include sunrooms and second-story lofts.
Many of the resort-like amenities are located at the 16,000-square-foot Lifestyle Pavilion, which offers indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center with a sauna, gathering rooms, and sports courts. There are also lakes and ponds on the property, and well-attended groups and activities like movie nights, the Corvette Club, biking group, and painting class.
Request more information about Paramount Escapes Ocean Breeze here.
Lennar at Lake Ridge – Whiting, NJ
Mid $200s – High $200s
The town of Whiting is especially popular among active adults, and it boasts 11 retirement communities including Lennar at Lake Ridge. Designed by Lennar Homes, this affordable, gated neighborhood will have 228 new and resale homes when construction is done. There are four custom single-family floor plans that range from 1,484 to 1,936 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Most have wooded views, with standard features like gourmet kitchens, vaulted ceilings, and luxury bathrooms.
Homeowners can stay fit and healthy at the community’s fitness center, located in the welcoming clubhouse. There are also activity rooms, a catering kitchen, and a ballroom as well as a heated outdoor pool, bocce ball and tennis courts, and walking trails on the grounds. Social opportunities include the men’s and women’s clubs, singles group, and planned day trips to Atlantic City, Philadelphia, and the Big Apple.
The closest shopping center is just minutes away, and it has a Stop & Shop grocery, pharmacies, coffee shops, a liquor store, and restaurants. Two of the area’s best golf courses are Cedar Creek in Berkeley Township and the Pine Barrens Golf Club in Jackson Township.
Request more information about Lennar at Lake Ridge.
Seacrest Pines – Barnegat, NJ
Mid $400s – Mid $500s
This D.R. Horton-built active adult community is near Long Beach Island, and it’s slated for 347 new single-family homes and some appealing amenities. This community is less than 10 miles from Hackensack Meridian Health Hospital, which is near a large shopping center with a Costco, a Walmart, and a Target as well as other shops and services.
Seacrest Pine’s six floor plans range from 1,664 to 2,181 square feet with two to four bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. All feature single-story floor plans with first-floor master suites and optional second levels. Upgrades include spacious covered porches, fireplaces, and walk-in closets.
The private clubhouse is the perfect place for group meetings and events, and it also has pickleball, bocce ball, and tennis courts. During the warmer months, you can find homeowners relaxing and splashing in the sparkling outdoor pool.
Request more information about Seacrest Pines.
Venue at Woodlands – Manchester, NJ
High $300s – Mid $400s
Located in Manchester, Venue at Woodlands offers easy access to daily conveniences as well as wildlife areas and golf courses. Construction began in 2018, and upon completion, this community will offer single-family homes ranging from 1,448 square feet to 1,936 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Home features will include open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, and luxurious first-floor master suites.
The neighborhood’s active lifestyle centers on the community clubhouse which includes a card room, a fitness room, and billiards as well as an outdoor pool and tennis courts. Also, a reasonable monthly homeowners’ association (HOA) fee will encourage low-maintenance living by handling snow removal, lawn care, and street and common area maintenance.
Venue at Woodlands is about 15 miles from Bey Lea Golf Course and Cedar Creek Golf Course, making it easy for residents to hit the links whenever the mood strikes. Ocean County beaches are approximately 30 miles away, and for long-distance travel, Newark Liberty International Airport is just over an hour away.
Request more information about Venue at Woodlands.
The Fairways at Lake Ridge – Lakewood, NJ
Low $400s – Mid $700s
Buyers looking for a variety of options when it comes to homes for sale should consider The Fairways at Lake Ridge. This Lakewood community offers attached and single-family homes on both a new and resale basis. These homes range from 1,352 to 3,048 square with and offer two to three bedrooms and bathrooms with attached garages.
The community also features an expansive clubhouse offering 16,000 square feet of amenities. The spacious clubhouse allows residents to enjoy working out in the exercise room, swimming in the indoor pool, visiting the community library, or expressing their creativity in the arts and crafts room.
Members of the community also have access to the Garden State Parkway and Route 70. The surrounding Lakewood area offers plenty of shopping and dining options. Shopping centers are only 15 minutes from the community, and the Jackson Outlets are only 20 minutes away. Both New York City and Philadelphia are about 90 minutes from the community and Atlantic City is only an hour away.