Depending on what part of Manchester you live in, the nearest beaches are Point Pleasant, Mantoloking, Seaside Park, and Lavalette; these average a distance of around 20 miles. Also, nearby Barnegat Bay is a haven for boating and fishing. Travelers are treated to the convenience of being near several airports, including in Philadelphia, Newark, and Atlantic City.
Manchester is home to large sections of several state parks, including Crossley Preserve and the 37,000-acre Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. It’s a bit more rural than some other towns in the county, but there are plenty of grocery stores, pharmacies, clothing stores, and services. Residents also spend quality time in Toms River, which has a vibrant downtown area, with its theaters, museums, parks, and shops.
Here are the active adult communities with homes for sale in Manchester, New Jersey.
Leisure Knoll
High $100s – Mid $500s
Well-established, gated, and aptly named, Leisure Knoll was built just outside of the intersection of Routes 70 and 571, where you can find banks, restaurants, and a drug store.
This large, 55+ gated community has 1,626 resale single-family homes built on a scenic, sprawling property with tree-lined streets, well-maintained landscaping, lakes, ponds, and walking and bicycling trails.
There are more than 15 floor plans sized from 980 to 1,728 square feet with two bedrooms, one bathroom, first-floor master suites, and attached garages. A homeowners’ association (HOA) fee provides for lawn care and snow removal.
The community clubhouse has several activity and game rooms, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool. There are also tennis courts, a putting green, and shuffleboard courts. Popular activity groups and events include the Italian and Irish Clubs, camera club, a veteran’s group, fishing, golf, and themed parties.
Request more information about Leisure Knoll.
Leisure Village West
Below $100k – High $100s
This exceptional, gated active adult community of 2,692 resale attached homes comes highly recommended by its residents. It’s just two miles from downtown Lakehurst which, aside from being the site of the historic 1937 Hindenburg crash, offers a ShopRite, Dollar Store, Lowe’s, churches, restaurants, and the Lakehurst Community Center.
Leisure Village West is also gated with 2,692 resale attached homes and two golf clubs. There are more than 20 models sized from 737 to 2,013 square feet. You can find homes with one to two bedrooms, one to two-and-a-half baths, and either garages or nearby parking. A reasonable HOA fee covers snow removal, landscaping, and common area maintenance.
There are over 35 clubs and activities to pick from, like the bowling league, computer club, ballroom dancing, a singles’ club, a Yiddish group, ping pong, and even a model railroad club.
This large complex has two nine-hole golf courses, and three clubhouses, with resort-style amenities that include a performance hall, several pools, tennis, a photography studio, pickleball, and a welcoming barbecue area.
Request more information about Leisure Village West.
Whiting Station
Below $100k – High $100s
Whiting Station is on the smaller side and has a reputation for being a quiet 55+ community with homeowners that take pride in their properties. It’s close to the bays located in Lacey and Bayville, with the added pluses of gas heat and affordable HOA fees.
There are 332 resale single-family homes here, with models ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 square feet. These feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached garages; most include decks and first-floor master suites. Some also include dens and covered porches.
The welcoming community clubhouse has its own fitness center, a banquet room, and a multipurpose room. There are also shuffleboard and tennis courts, plus a sparkling outdoor pool. Residents can take advantage of the community bus, which transports them into town to run errands and on other trips.
Social events like community dinners, exercise groups, dances, brunches, luaus, holiday parties, and game nights all garner large, vibrant crowds. Also, Manchester Township’s Recreation Department sponsors theater trips.
Request more information about Whiting Station.
Renaissance at Manchester
Low $200s – Low $400s
This gated active adult community is the youngest of this bunch, with 1,904 resale single-family homes built from 1997 to 2007 about four miles south of the Pine Barrens Golf Club. This peaceful neighborhood has an 18-hole, par 63 golf course, plus several lakes and open space within its gated property.
The 11 spacious floor plans at Renaissance at Manchester range from 1,522 to 2,256 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Five models include dens, which can be used as an extra bedroom. Upgrades include patios, skylights, and breakfast nooks. A reasonable monthly HOA fee covers certain services and amenities.
Renaissance’s extensive list of groups and activities features a travel club, a wine club, a grandparent’s club, martial arts, golf and book clubs, a music group, and Friends of the Philharmonic. The impressive clubhouse has a modern fitness center with an indoor pool, locker rooms and saunas, a deli and cafe, plus game and activity rooms. In addition to the Renaissance Golf Club, there’s an outdoor pool and spa, sports courts, a children’s playground, and an RV parking lot.
Request more information about Renaissance at Manchester.