17 Best 55+ Communities in New Jersey: NJ Active Adult Lifestyles You'll Love (2024)

New Jersey has many excellent 55+ communities offering endless amenities and activities. These communities provide a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle for active adults who want to maximize their golden years in some of the best cities in New Jersey.

However, how do you decide with so many differences in location, affordability, amenities, and healthcare services? To answer these questions and more, let's explore some of the best 55+ communities in New Jersey and highlight what makes them unique and appealing to active retirees.

Ocean County

Ocean County boasts scenic beaches, shopping destinations, and green spaces ideal for retirees who seek an enriching experience. When searching for adult communities in Ocean County, you’ll encounter popular options like Holiday City at Berkeley, Renaissance at Manchester, Greenbriar Woodlands, Leisure Village, and Fairways Adult Community. These communities offer a range of amenities and housing styles. They also cater to active lifestyles and encourage social engagement for older adults.

Holiday City at Berkeley

Holiday City at Berkeley is a vibrant 55+ community located in Toms River, NJ. It offers around 15 social clubs for an active lifestyle, including bocce ball, arts, ceramics, and knitting. Residents can access two clubhouses and two swimming pools. They can also relax in the library with a book, participate in bingo nights, or enjoy the outdoor horseshoe pits. The Ocean Ride bus service takes residents around the Toms River area for shopping.

Built between 1969 and 1996, the community’s five associations are Holiday City at Berkeley I & II, Holiday City Carefree, Holiday City West, and Holiday City South. Between the associations, homeowners can choose from thoughtfully designed single-family homes, 20 distinct floor plans, and various features such as fireplaces, walk-in closets, and two-car garages. Interiors generally range from 1,200 to 1,600 square feet, and the community’s share of the adult community homes in Toms River typically list from $250,000 to $500,000.

Renaissance at Manchester

Located in the heart of Manchester Township less than 10 miles north of Holiday City at Berkeley, Renaissance at Manchester is a top 55+ community in New Jersey. It offers a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center, sauna, indoor pool, sports courts, and playground. Residents enjoy a variety of activities, including tennis, bocce, pickleball, and shuffleboard. Additionally, avid golfers can tee off at the 18-hole course designed by J. Christopher Cummins. The golf course operates seasonally from April to December.

Renaissance at Manchester features over 1,900 single-family homes constructed by Carlton Homes and Centex Homes between 1997 and 2007. Eleven distinct floor plans range from 1,500 to 2,300 square feet and feature large kitchens, dens, and spacious primary suites. Renaissance’s adult community homes in Manchester range in price from the high $300s to the $500s.

Greenbriar Woodlands

Greenbriar Woodlands, another Toms River community, offers active adults a luxurious community lifestyle. It boasts a private 18-hole golf course and a 20,000-square-foot clubhouse. Established in 1986, this active adult community spans 404 acres and features 1,250 single-family homes beautifully set amid landscaped grounds. Homes for sale in Greenbriar Woodlands typically list from $300,000–$500,000.

Amenities at Greenbriar Woodlands include an 18,000-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center, pickleball courts, and a heated saltwater pool. With more than 50 clubs and activities, this community encourages social interaction and engagement while promoting wellness.

Residents of Greenbriar Woodlands enjoy convenient access to shopping centers, fine-dining restaurants, and bus transportation services, and it’s all located in Toms River—one of the best towns in Ocean County. Ocean County Mall, Bennett Sports Complex, and Finnigan’s Lanes are among the most popular amenities within a 10-minute drive of the community.

Leisure Village

Leisure Village in Lakewood Township is an excellent 55+ community for active individuals. It boasts two clubhouses and a wide range of amenities, including a 9-hole golf course, two swimming pools, a fitness room, athletic courts, and game rooms. Shuffleboard, bocce ball, and other activities are also available. In addition, Leisure Village operates a free health center with registered nurses who serve the community’s adult residents.

Constructed between 1960 and 1970, Leisure Village features 2,433 attached homes in various models, with one or two bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, and attached garages. Homes in Leisure Village are usually priced from the low $100s to around $300,000. The community offers a low-maintenance lifestyle, so residents can spend more time enjoying the various amenities and activities. The community is also conveniently situated near beaches, grocery stores, restaurants, and urban areas with diverse entertainment options.

Fairways at Lake Ridge

The Fairways at Lake Ridge, another community of 55+ homes in Lakewood Township, offers a luxurious lifestyle for active adults with its array of amenities and housing options. This gated community features 90 attached courtyard homes and approximately 1,000 single-family homes. Some homes boast enclosed porches, updated kitchens, and one-car garages. Prices start at around $400,000 and can go as high as $650,000.

Nestled beside the beautiful Eagle Ridge Golf Course, one of the best golf courses near Toms River, residents can relish the stunning views of the fairways and available discounts on golf course memberships. The community boasts a spacious 16,000-square-foot clubhouse, serene water features, and active clubs that cater to diverse interests. Residents can take advantage of the community’s game rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, modern fitness center, tennis courts, bocce, billiards, and more.

Monmouth County

Monmouth County, New Jersey, has several top-notch 55+ communities such as Covered Bridge, Greenbriar at Marlboro, and Four Seasons at Manalapan. These communities cater to an active lifestyle with a range of amenities. Retirees can enjoy beaches on the Jersey Shore, premium shopping destinations, and cultural events for an engaging retirement experience.

Covered Bridge

The Covered Bridge community in Manalapan, NJ, offers affordable homes for 55+ adults in a lush setting. Amenities include an arts and crafts studio and a woodworking shop. The community’s 1557 homes are spread across two-story condo buildings and one-story townhomes. Homes in the Covered Bridge community typically range from 800 to 1200 square feet and feature modern appliances, screened-in porches, and walk-in closets. It's a popular choice among 55+ buyers due to its affordable home prices, ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 on average.

At Covered Bridge Manalapan, residents can access two clubhouses, each with its own pool, plus tennis courts, a fitness center, and a ballroom. Another perk of living here is discounted access to Pine Brook Golf Course. The executive-length golf course features a challenging 18-hole layout and has a USGA course rating of 59.8. Moreover, a full-time activities director organizes social functions, interest groups, and clubs for residents, ensuring a proactive and fulfilling retirement experience.

Greenbriar at Marlboro

When seeking the best 55+ communities in New Jersey, Greenbriar at Marlboro should be included on the list. This picturesque community, located in Marlboro Township, employs an activity director who plans and coordinates various social events and recreational activities. Residents can access a game room, library, and ballroom, with each common area contributing to a vibrant social life. The community also features many amenities, including a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse, fitness room, bocce courts, shuffleboard, and walking paths. As a result, residents have everything they need to enjoy their golden years.

Built between 1981 and 1992 by U.S. Homes, Greenbriar at Marlboro features 766 single-family homes, ranging from 1,300 to over 2,500 square feet. These homes have two to four bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and attached one or two-car garages, providing comfort and convenience. Home prices at Greenbriar at Marlboro most commonly fall between $400s and $500s.

Four Seasons at Manalapan

Four Seasons at Manalapan is a gated 55+ community in New Jersey featuring high-end homes and abundant amenities. Residents can access a 29,000-square-foot clubhouse with indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a putting green, and athletic courts. Everyday activities include billiards, bocce ball, and horseshoe pits. Walking trails, a driving range, and a ballroom are also available.

The community's homes, completed in 2004 by K. Hovnanian, offer two to three bedrooms and two to four bathrooms. Some home models include gourmet kitchens, spas, and sunrooms. Square footage ranges from 1,600 to 3,400 square feet, with homes in Four Seasons at Manalapan typically falling between $700,000 and $1 million.

Four Seasons at Manalapan is conveniently located near shops and attractions. Proximity to State Routes 33 and 9 makes it easy for residents to explore the area. Popular local amenities include Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Livoti’s Old World Market, and Moore’s Tavern & Sports Bar.

Middlesex County

Middlesex County is home to some of New Jersey’s best 55+ communities, including Greenbriar at Monroe, Regency at Monroe, and Concordia. These communities offer a range of amenities designed for active adults. Moreover, I-95 bisects the county, making getting around Central Jersey relatively easy. Other key routes, like I-278 and NJ-1, connect New York City and Philadelphia.

Greenbriar at Whittingham

Greenbriar at Whittingham, located in Monroe Township, epitomizes elegant country club living for active 55+ adults. Residents enjoy countless amenities, including a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course, and walking trails. The gated community also encourages social engagement through various clubs, groups, and activities.

Greenbriar at Whittingham offers approximately 2,000 homes constructed between 1995 and 2001 by U.S. Homes. It features attached duplexes in five models and detached, single-family properties with manicured lawns. Homes in Greenbriar at Whittingham typically list from the low $300s to the high $600s.

Greenbriar’s central location in Monroe provides easy access to nearby attractions, shopping centers, and major highways. Monroe Township High School, Concordia Shopping Center, and Antonio’s Italian Restaurant are just a few popular destinations conveniently located near the community.

Regency at Monroe

Regency at Monroe is a premier golf and tennis community for 55+ residents in Central Jersey. Situated in Middlesex County, it boasts luxurious amenities and plenty of recreational opportunities. The clubhouse is one of the largest on this list, spanning 40,000 square feet. Homeowners enjoy a fitness center, multiple swimming pools, and over 30 social clubs. If that wasn’t enough, golf enthusiasts can indulge in the USGA-certified, 9-hole executive course designed by Arnold Palmer. Meanwhile, tennis players can face off at the 2,000-square-foot tennis pavilion, complete with six lighted US Open courts.

The community’s 1,274 single-family homes span 480 acres and feature large primary suites on the first floor, spa-inspired bathrooms, and formal living and dining rooms perfect for entertaining guests. Regency at Monroe homes generally range in price from $600,000 to $1 million. The homeowners' association handles lawn and landscape maintenance, snow removal, and trash collection, enabling a hassle-free living experience.

Concordia

Located in Monroe Township, Concordia provides an active and vibrant golfing lifestyle for adults aged 55 and above. Many homes in this gated community offer views of the 18-hole golf course, while others are tucked away in quiet cul-de-sacs. Residents can access the community’s signature clubhouse, Club Concordia, featuring a fitness center, indoor pool, sauna, and spa. Outdoor amenities include six lighted tennis courts, two bocce ball courts, and shuffleboard courts.

Concordia has 1,757 residences, all of which offer ample outdoor space and scenic patios, giving residents the privacy they need. The homes in this community were built between 1982 and 2000 and include condos, attached, and single-family options. Homes in Concordia typically list from $300,000 to $600,000.

Burlington County

Retirees seeking a lively 55+ community in New Jersey should consider Burlington County’s exciting selection. Some options to explore include Holiday Village East, The Renaissance Club, and Homestead at Mansfield. These affordable communities offer a convenient mix of amenities specially designed to cater to the active adult lifestyle. They’re also well-located, with vibrant scenery and proximity to destinations like Philadelphia, PA, and Wilmington, DE.

Holiday Village East

Holiday Village East is a dynamic 55+ community with great home values, reasonable association fees, and a convenient location in Burlington County. It offers detached single-family carriage homes built between 1990 and 2001, plus attached patio homes and condos. Many of the 963 residences in the community feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with interior spaces measuring between 950 and 1,300 square feet. In-unit features include fireplaces, sunrooms, and lake views. Average home prices tend to fall in the $200s, but they can also go up to the $400s.

The clubhouse at Holiday Village East has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and an art studio. Residents often use the clubhouse for meetings, social events, and other activities. Additional amenities include bocce and tennis courts, shuffleboard, gardens, and 12 lakes with fishing opportunities. Monthly fees cover lawn care and snow removal, saving residents time and energy to participate in activities, events, and social clubs.

The Renaissance Club

The Renaissance Club offers villa-inspired adult community homes in Burlington County with a blend of stone and wood architectural details. Residents aged 55 and over enjoy regular social events and recreational facilities, including an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a clubhouse.

The Renaissance Club's homes consist of attached villas ranging from 1,100 to 1,200 square feet and apartment-style condos ranging from 900 to 1,000 square feet, totaling 500 units. They feature modern appliances, natural light, and various finishes. Prices tend to fall in the $200s, with very few outliers.

Located in Mount Laurel Township near the Delaware River, The Renaissance Club offers convenient access to essential amenities. Popular spots near the community include Moorestown Mall, Ramblewood Country Club, and Frank Fullerton Memorial Park. Additionally, The Renaissance Club offers convenient access to the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, and State Route 73, connecting the neighboring cities of Philadelphia, Trenton, and Cape May.

Homestead at Mansfield

The Homestead at Mansfield is a gated 55+ community in Columbus, NJ. It offers affordable homes in a serene rural setting, with easy access to major roadways. The community boasts a large clubhouse with a fitness center, a heated pool, a library, and a ballroom. Residents indulge in outdoor activities such as tennis matches, bocce ball, shuffleboard, and walking paths. For more adventure, the community is less than 20 miles from one of the best campgrounds in New Jersey at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.

Developed between 1983 and 2012, the homes at Homestead at Mansfield feature open floor plans that range from 1,200 to 2,200 square feet. Many homes have been upgraded with modern kitchens, hardwood floors, and vaulted ceilings. Prices typically range from the high $200s to the high $300s.

Homestead at Mansfield is conveniently located near major routes like Route 206 and Route 68. The surrounding area is home to an array of shopping options and popular cultural and entertainment destinations. These include the Columbus Farmers Market, Burlington County Fairgrounds, and Piccolissimo Italian Grill.

Morris County

Morris County’s lush landscapes and thriving cultural scene provide an ideal backdrop for an enriching retirement experience. Communities like Del Webb Florham Park, Fox Hills, and Greenbriar at Fox Ridge are trendy among residents aged 55 and over. These luxury communities offer a peaceful and active lifestyle in picturesque settings and convenient access to amenities.

Del Webb Florham Park

Prospective homebuyers can discover the luxurious lifestyle that awaits them at Del Webb Florham Park in Morris County. The community comprises 425 homes, with two home collections, each offering three unique floor plans. The Manors collection features Morris County single-family homes with two to four bedrooms, while the Carriages collection offers attached homes also with two to four bedrooms. All homes come with open-concept living spaces, modern kitchens, and two-car garages.

Residents of Del Webb Florham Park enjoy a dynamic lifestyle with a full-time lifestyle director who curates various activities. They can access top-notch amenities like fitness and pool facilities, sports courts, gardening plots, and a cozy fire pit. Additionally, residents take advantage of regular classes, clubs, and social events. Meanwhile, the homeowners' association handles lawn and community maintenance, enabling residents to focus on leisure activities.

Fox Hills at Rockaway

Nestled in Morris County just south of I-80, Fox Hills is a gated 55+ community with exquisitely decorated common areas and unique touches like a greenhouse and topiary garden. The community features 672 condos spread across three-story buildings. Elevators, landscaping, and other perks covered by the HOA provide residents with a low-maintenance lifestyle.

The floor plans at Fox Hills measure between 820 and 2,935 square feet and are typically priced between $300,000 million and $500,000. Amenities include a 26,000-square-foot clubhouse, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a sauna. Residents can also access a library, tennis courts, and scenic ponds.

Fox Hills is conveniently located near I-80 and NJ-46, with shopping centers, medical facilities, parks, and dining options in the vicinity. It’s just over 3 miles from one of the best hikes in New Jersey at the Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area. Three popular local restaurants are Missy’s Mainstreet Cafe for breakfast, Riviera Maya for Mexican food, and Caffè NaVona for Italian cuisine.

Greenbriar at Fox Ridge

Greenbriar at Fox Ridge is a gated 55+ community in Morris County. Construction began in 2008, and upon completion, the building featured 336 residential units. The community features high-end amenities for an enriching retirement experience. Residents can access a 16,000-square-foot clubhouse featuring a ski lodge atmosphere. The clubhouse includes a fitness center, sauna, aerobics studio, indoor and outdoor pools, and tennis facilities. Bocce ball courts, billiards, a craft room, a ballroom, and an outdoor pavilion with a BBQ grill are also available.

Residents of Greenbriar at Fox Ridge enjoy a pet-friendly environment. The community features seven different condominium models, ranging from 900 to 2,000 square feet. Greenbriar at Fox Ridge’s share of the adult community homes in Morris County includes spacious balconies, private studies, and large living and dining combinations. Prices generally range from the mid-$400s to the mid-$500s.

Situated near Rockaway Townsquare, Greenbriar at Fox Ridge residents enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The shopping center boasts over 140 stores, such as Apple and White House Black Market, as well as a 16-room AMC Theater. Other nearby attractions include Spain Rincon Restaurant, Mount Hope Historical Park, and Picatinny Golf Club.

Choosing the Right 55+ Community For You

The top communities for active retirees living in New Jersey cater to different lifestyles and social pursuits. Some, like Greenbriar at Whittingham and The Renaissance Club in Burlington County, offer a country club vibe with luxurious amenities and golfing opportunities. Others, such as Regency at Monroe and Four Seasons at Manalapan, offer resort-style living with abundant amenities and staff members who curate a vibrant social calendar. Consider your lifestyle and hobbies to determine the best community for you, and once you’ve narrowed it down, get ready to enjoy your golden years in the Garden State.