The urban charms of New York City are incomparable. From its rich history to its incredible performance venues and restaurants, from Greenwich Village to Midtown, The Big Apple still draws admiration and visitors from all over the world. But would you want to live right in the city? Maybe not, since the five boroughs don’t really cater to active adult lifestyles. This is why living on the Jersey side is an excellent option.
The counties closest to NYC are in Central and North Jersey, and depending on where you live, commuting into the city is very doable. These parts of the state aren’t all urbanized either. There’s abundant greenspace at places like Rahway River Park in Union County, plus plenty of golf courses throughout the region. Other pluses include the ease of traveling out of Newark Airport instead of the NYC airports and shopping days at fabulous malls like Bridgewater Commons and the Garden State Plaza (NJ doesn’t charge sales tax on clothing).
Here are some of our favorite active adult communities near New York City with homes for sale.
Regents Wharf – Sayreville, NJ
Mid $300s – Mid $400s
If you’re interested in a new home, construction is underway at Regents Wharf, an intimate 55+ neighborhood that’s slated to have 96 new attached and single-family homes. Builder PRC Group has designed two attached models at 1,367 and 1,885 feet with one to two bedrooms, one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half bathrooms, and one-car garages.
Their two single-family models offer 1,914 or 2,170 square feet with two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and one- or two-car garages. All feature expansive master bedrooms, walk-in closets, and gourmet kitchens. Plans call for a private clubhouse with a multipurpose room and a lovely outdoor pool and patio area. The property will also have walking trails and natural space.
This new neighborhood is minutes from Cheesequake Park, which offers swimming, fishing, boating, trails, and winter sports. There are additional waterfront parks along nearby Raritan Bay, and there’s a ShopRite five miles away. To get to NYC, there’s a Port Authority Bus Terminal at the Sayreville Park and Ride. Also, residents can take the Staten Island Ferry, which is about 30 miles away.
2. Four Seasons at North Caldwell – North Caldwell, NJ
Mid $700s – High $800s
Here’s a prestigious property by K. Hovnanian that’s geared toward the active adult homebuyers seeking privacy and fine amenities in a spacious condo community. Four Seasons at North Caldwell was completed in 2015, and it has 108 resale luxury condo homes.
There are four floor plans, ranging from 1,957 to 2,428 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two indoor parking spaces. Features like balconies, breakfast nooks, and elegant master suites make these homes comfortable and tasteful. A monthly homeowners’ association (HOA) provides for common area maintenance and snow removal.
The exclusive 4,200-square-foot clubhouse has an outdoor pool and spa, a multipurpose room, and a fitness center. The lovely property also has a bocce court, tennis courts, a putting green, and a sparkling pond. Nearby landmarks include Hilltop Reservation (great nature trails) and local favorite The Horseneck Tavern. There are many shops and services right in North Caldwell, like Super Foodtown, Shoprite, banks, beauty salons, and auto dealers. North Caldwell is about 28 miles from NYC and driving there can take about an hour or more, depending on traffic.
3. Enclave at Shackamaxon – Scotch Plains, NJ
Low $1Ms – Mid $1Ms
Scotch Plains is a bit further from NYC than North Caldwell is, and it’ll take you a bit longer to get into the city if you live at Enclave at Shackamaxon. Targeting the active adult homebuyer, this quiet community will have 56 attached homes when construction is complete.
There are six models sized from 2,236 to 2,717 square feet with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and attached two-car garages. These well-appointed carriage-style homes will have luxury features like spacious master suites and master baths, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, open concept kitchens, and second-floor lofts. Snow removal and landscaping will be provided for homeowners as well.
These carriage-style homes will have views of the Shackamaxon Country Club, which surrounds the development. Residents who choose to join will enjoy its 18-hole golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center, several restaurants and bars, wonderful outdoor pool and spa, and its walking and biking trails. If you head south from the country club, you’ll run into Ash Brook Reservation, a historic preserve that has some scenic hiking trails.
4. Spinnaker Pointe – Parlin, NJ
Low $500s – High $500s
Spinnaker Pointe is a smaller sized retirement community, completed in 2004 by Matzel & Mumford builders. It’s also close to Cheesequake Park and less than half a mile from Regents Wharf. Spinnaker Pointe is also equidistant from two excellent hospitals, Hackensack Meridian Health and Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick. The town of Parlin is part of Old Bridge Township, which is home to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, the Ponte Vecchio Italian Seafood Grille, a Walmart Superstore, and shopping centers like Ticetown Square.
In this community, there are 103 resale single-family homes ranging from 1,546 to 2,927 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Features include hardwood floors, Whirlpool appliances, high ceilings, and dual vanity sinks. During the warmer months, you can find residents enjoying the outdoor pool, patio, and shuffleboard court. The private clubhouse has a catering kitchen and ballroom, a business center, a multipurpose room and lounge, and a library.
