55+ Communities With Golf Courses in NJ (2026 Guide to Ocean & Monmouth County Active Adult Golf Living)

by Robert O'Keefe

Which 55 Plus Communities in New Jersey Have Golf Courses?

The Complete 2026 Guide to Golf Living in Monmouth and Ocean County

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New Jersey’s 55 plus golf lifestyle continues to grow in demand, with Monmouth and Ocean County recognized as two of the strongest regions for adults seeking low-maintenance living connected to high-quality golf. These counties offer a mix of private courses, semi-private clubs, executive courses, and nearby public facilities, giving buyers multiple lifestyle options depending on how often they play and what type of community experience they prefer.

This expanded guide provides a full breakdown of each top community, home styles, HOA services, amenities, local golf environments, and buyer considerations for 2026. It is designed for adults comparing where to retire, downsize, or relocate while maintaining an active, golf-friendly lifestyle.

Understanding Golf Living in NJ’s 55 Plus Market

Why Ocean and Monmouth County Lead NJ for Golf-Focused Retirees

Ocean County remains the core of New Jersey’s true golf-course 55 plus communities. The majority of active adult developments with on-site golf courses are located here.

Buyers choosing Ocean County generally value:

Private golf experiences
Larger resort-style clubhouses
On-site dining and social programming
More affordable property taxes relative to North Jersey

Monmouth County has fewer on-site golf communities but offers close proximity to premium public and private golf while delivering a more upscale living environment.

Buyers choosing Monmouth County often prioritize:

Luxury-style amenities
Beach proximity
Larger floor plans and elegant home designs
High-performing public courses such as Hominy Hill, Charleston Springs, Bel Aire, and Shark River

Both counties provide convenience to major highways, quality healthcare systems, and strong resale markets.

The Top 55 Plus Golf Course Communities in Ocean County, New Jersey

Ocean County is home to the highest concentration of golf-included active adult communities in the state. Below is an expanded breakdown of the flagship communities.

Greenbriar Oceanaire in Waretown
-See listings here -

Greenbriar Oceanaire is widely regarded as one of New Jersey’s premier active adult communities. It features a full 18 hole Arthur Hills designed course with rolling fairways, water features, and beautifully maintained greens.

Homes

Single family detached homes ranging from two to three bedrooms
Optional lofts, basements, sunrooms, and patios
Many homes positioned on or near the golf course, offering scenic views

HOA Inclusions

Lawn care
Snow removal
Use of the 38,000 square foot clubhouse
Indoor and outdoor pools
Fitness center
Tennis and pickleball
Gated entry and on-site management

Lifestyle Experience
Residents enjoy a true resort environment with structured events, travel groups, golf outings, wellness programs, and multiple social clubs. The scale of the clubhouse and course makes this community attractive for adults who want an active, daily golf lifestyle.

Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson
-See listings here -

Westlake is known for its championship-level golf experience and its well-run country club amenities. It offers a strong social environment and an active dining scene right inside the community.

Homes

Single family detached homes
Ranch and two story layouts
Two car garages
A mix of traditional and contemporary designs

HOA Inclusions

Lawn maintenance
Snow removal
Clubhouse usage
Indoor and outdoor pools
Restaurant and pub
Fitness center
Golf membership available at additional cost

Lifestyle Experience
Westlake provides country-club living without requiring external memberships. Residents appreciate the restaurant, daily activity calendar, golf leagues, pickleball groups, and large indoor pool.

Renaissance at Manchester
-See listings here -

Renaissance is considered one of the best-run communities in Ocean County, with a strong emphasis on privacy, security, and maintaining community standards.

Homes

Single family detached homes
Two to three bedroom models
Primarily ranch homes with optional loft or sunroom expansions

HOA Inclusions

Lawn care
Snow removal
Maintenance of the executive golf course
Indoor and outdoor pools
Café and fitness center
Gated entry

Lifestyle Experience
Renaissance appeals to buyers wanting a quieter environment while still having access to golf. The executive course is ideal for players who enjoy shorter rounds or who prefer walking friendly layouts.

Lions Head Woods in Brick
-See listings here -

Lions Head Woods is one of the most affordable golf-included active adult communities in the region.

Homes

Attached ranch-style homes
One or two bedroom layouts
Garage included
Low-maintenance living

HOA Inclusions

Lawn care
Snow removal
Exterior maintenance (varies by unit)
Clubhouse
Pool
Tennis and pickleball
Golf area upkeep

Lifestyle Experience
This community is ideal for buyers prioritizing value, walkability, and mature, established landscaping. Its nine hole course is well-suited for casual golfers or buyers who enjoy quick morning or evening rounds.

Lions Head South in Brick
-See listings here -

Lions Head South offers a more private, single family version of Lions Head Woods with a larger community layout and its own golf course.

Homes

Single family ranch homes
Two bedroom floor plans
Attached garages
Low-maintenance exteriors

HOA Inclusions

Lawn care
Snow removal
Clubhouse and pool
Common-area maintenance
Golf course upkeep

Lifestyle Experience
Buyers often choose Lions Head South for its quiet atmosphere, affordability, and balanced social environment that is active but not overwhelming.

Monmouth County 55 Plus Communities Near Top Golf Courses

Although Monmouth County does not offer true on-site golf inside its 55 plus neighborhoods, it provides easy access to some of the best public and semi-private courses in New Jersey. This gives residents flexibility to play multiple courses rather than relying on just one.

Major nearby courses include Hominy Hill, Charleston Springs, Bel Aire, Howell Park, Shark River, and Knob Hill.

Four Seasons at Wall
-See listings here -

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Adjacent to Bel Aire Golf Course
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Homes

Single family
Two and three bedroom options
Ranch and two story designs

HOA Inclusions

Lawn care
Snow removal
Clubhouse
Indoor and outdoor pools
Fitness center
Community maintenance

Lifestyle Experience
Four Seasons at Wall attracts buyers who want a combination of beach access, upscale amenities, and fast access to golf without having the responsibilities of an on-site course.

Four Seasons at Manalapan
-See listings here -

Near Knob Hill and Charleston Springs Golf Courses
Knob Hill and Charleston Spring Gold guide

Homes

Single family ranch homes
Optional lofts
Two and three bedroom layouts

HOA Inclusions

Landscaping
Snow removal
Clubhouse access
Indoor and outdoor pools
Tennis and pickleball

Lifestyle Experience
Known for its strong social culture, premium clubhouse, and impressive homes, this community remains one of Monmouth County’s most demanded active adult destinations.

The Enclave at the Fairways in Lakewood
-See listings here -

Homes

Single family and attached models
Ranch-style designs
Two and three bedroom floor plans

HOA Inclusions

Lawn maintenance
Snow removal
Clubhouse
Fitness center
Pool
Community services

Lifestyle Experience
This community offers convenient access to multiple golf options and sits close to dining, shopping, and Monmouth County amenities.

How Golf-Focused Buyers Choose the Right 55 Plus Community

Frequency of Play

Daily golfers typically choose communities with on-site courses including Greenbriar Oceanaire, Westlake, and Renaissance.
Weekend or occasional players often prefer Monmouth County communities to access several public courses rather than one exclusive club.

Preferred Home Style

Buyers wanting privacy and space lean toward single family homes.
Budget-conscious buyers often prefer attached homes like those in Lions Head Woods.

HOA Value

HOA fees vary widely. Some include full landscaping, snow removal, and amenities, while others focus more on clubhouse offerings.

Lifestyle Personality

Resort-style living includes Greenbriar Oceanaire and Four Seasons at Manalapan.
Highly social environments include Westlake.
Quiet and mature communities include Lions Head Woods and Lions Head South.

Location Priorities

Buyers typically consider proximity to family, highways, dining, hospitals, and coastal areas before choosing a community.

2026 Market Outlook for 55 Plus Golf Communities in New Jersey

The 55 plus real estate market remains strong heading into 2026 due to demographic trends and limited supply. Notable factors include:

Homes with golf course frontage continue to attract premium pricing
Inventory is projected to remain tight
Buyers relocating from New York City and North Jersey are driving demand
Communities offering full maintenance packages remain the most attractive
Golf memberships and course upkeep remain stable factors influencing HOA fees

Frequently Asked Questions About NJ 55 Plus Golf Communities

Are golf memberships included in HOA fees?
Some communities include basic use of their executive course while others require an additional golf membership. Buyers should confirm fee structures with each association.

Are these golf communities age restricted?
Yes. Most require at least one resident to be 55 years or older.

Do these communities allow pets?
Most do, but rules vary by community. Buyers should review the pet policy before placing an offer.

Are rentals allowed in these communities?
Many communities allow rentals but often set minimum lease terms. Check HOA guidelines.

Which community has the most resort-style amenities?
Greenbriar Oceanaire and Four Seasons Manalapan offer the broadest luxury-style experiences.

Which community is best for daily golfers?
Westlake, Renaissance, and Greenbriar Oceanaire are ideal for high-frequency players.

Which communities are best for budget-focused buyers?
Lions Head Woods and Lions Head South offer affordable living with golf accessibility.

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