Not sure if you’ve noticed, but Somerset County, New Jersey is smack-dab in the middle of the state. You can get here easily from the NJ Turnpike and nearby major highways include Interstate 287 and Interstate 78. This makes it a prime location for active adults who want to drive to Philadelphia, New York City, or Atlantic City. Its location is also conducive to long-distance travel. There are several nearby international airports, cruise ships depart from Cape Liberty Cruise Port, and Amtrak stops right in New Brunswick.
What else is there to like about Somerset County? To begin with, there’s an abundance of top-tier medical organizations and respected colleges and universities here. Other pluses include over 10,000 acres of open space, vibrant farmers markets, wineries, and golf courses.
Given its location and high quality of living, Somerset County real estate is not inexpensive. Cities in its northeastern corner are only 30 miles from Manhattan, and this proximity to NYC raises its home prices. Even so, you can get good value for your investment here in the “Heart of New Jersey.”
Here are four active adult neighborhoods with homes for sale in the $350k price range.
Somerset Run – Somerset, NJ
Low $300s – Low $600s
Built from 2004 to 2007, Somerset Run is a Del Webb 55+ community that offers 755 resale condo and single-family homes. The condos offer 1,763 or 1,781 square feet, and they’re housed in a three-story building with elevators and garage parking. These luxury units have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with options like dens, French doors, and nine-foot ceilings. The three single-family models range from 2,029 to 3,300 square feet with two to three bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, a two-car garage, and optional sunrooms and dens.
Somerset Run’s clubhouse has a state-of-the-art fitness center with an aerobics room, a wellness center, saunas, and an indoor pool. There’s also a ballroom, a sports lounge, an education center, and activity rooms in this modern facility. Outside, there’s another swimming pool, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, and a putting green. Community groups and activities include casino nights, softball league, and holiday parties.
The nearest shopping center is less than a mile away, and it has a ShopRite, a CVS, and a Panera Bread. Homeowners are also close to a Walmart Supercenter. Colonial Park is about 10 minutes away, and it has a golf course, gardens, trails, and playgrounds.
Request more information about Somerset Run here.
Canal Walk – Somerset, NJ
Mid $300s – Low $600s
Here’s another large, gated active adult neighborhood just a few miles west of Somerset Run. Canal Walk is slated for 1,200 new and resale attached, condo, and single-family homes designed by Premier Homes and Garden Homes.
The condo units range from 1,503 to 1,720 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and underground parking. There are also two townhome sections with four models ranging from 1,889 to 2,168 square feet. These have three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and one- or two-car garages. There are also two single-family home sections, with a dozen models ranging from 1,499 to almost 3,000 square feet. These exclusive homes have two to three bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Features like spacious master suites, balconies, patios, and gourmet kitchens make these homes elegant and comfortable.
Residents have the use of two clubhouses offering two outdoor pools, a massage and wellness center, a business center, and a modern fitness facility. They also serve as meeting places for community clubs and activities like exercise classes, karaoke nights, and the bocce club. Canal Walk is close to the same shops and services as Somerset Run, and it’s also a short drive from the beautiful Duke Farms property.
Request more information about Canal Walk here.
Hearthstone at Hillsborough – Hillsborough Township, NJ
Low $200s – High $400s
This Ryan Homes 55+ community is on the smaller side with 185 resale attached, condo, and single-family homes completed in 2013. Housed in secured buildings with elevator access, the low-maintenance condos have about 1,390 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The attached villa homes have around 1,888 square feet with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and one-car garages. Hearthstone’s single-family models range from 1,749 to 2,490 square feet and feature up to five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two-car garages.
The private clubhouse provides homeowners with a fitness room, a game room, a library, an outdoor pool, a bocce ball court, and a tennis court. Favorite activities include Mah Jongg, holiday parties, and book club. The Hillsborough Promenade shopping center is a short drive away, and it has a Weis Markets, a Kohl’s, a HomeGoods, a Wawa, and restaurants. This sought-after neighborhood is also close to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Royce Brook Golf Club, and Sourland Mountain Preserve.
Request more information about Hearthstone at Hillsborough here.
Four Seasons Bridgewater – Bridgewater, NJ
Mid $200s – Mid $400s
With 154 low-maintenance resale condos and desirable amenities, Four Seasons Bridgewater is especially appealing for active adult homebuyers looking to downsize. Designed by K. Hovnanian, the community was built from 2006 to 2010 with four secured buildings with elevator access. The eight condo floor plans offer 1,060 to 1,963 square feet, one to three bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, master suites, private balconies or decks, nine-foot ceilings, and underground designated parking spots. Extras may include granite countertops and upgraded kitchen cabinets.
The welcoming clubhouse has its own fitness center, library, and multipurpose room as well as an outdoor pool and bocce ball court. This exceptional community is close to the intersection of I-278 and I-78, and it’s a short distance from the upscale Bridgewater Commons Mall and Somerville Circle Shopping Center.
Request more information about Four Seasons Bridgewater here.
