The Best 55+ Communities in Monmouth & Ocean County (2026 Buyer’s Guide)
HOA fees, amenities, locations, lifestyle, and what to expect from a local expert who works these neighborhoods every day.
If you’re searching for the best 55+ communities in Monmouth County or Ocean County, this guide covers everything buyers ask me for most: HOA fees, nearby
conveniences, home types, amenities, lifestyle, and who each community is best for.

Whether you’re downsizing, moving to New Jersey to be closer to family, or planning your next chapter, this 2026 guide breaks down the top active-adult neighborhoods with real, practical details not surface-level descriptions.

I’m Robert O’Keeffe, owner of Over55NJ.homes, and this is my most complete breakdown yet.

Top 55+ Communities in Monmouth County (2026)

1. Riviera at Freehold – Freehold, NJ
📍 Location: Off Route 9 — 10 minutes to Freehold Raceway Mall and 7 minutes to CentraState Medical
🏡 Home Types: Luxury single-family (2–3 bedrooms), many with basements & 2-car garages
💲 HOA Fees: Typically $350–$450/mo
🎾 Amenities: Indoor/outdoor pools, pickleball, tennis, fitness center, walking trails, clubhouse activities

👥 Best For: Buyers wanting a premium gated community with upscale homes and excellent resale strength.

Check listings here: Click this link

2. Four Seasons at Manalapan – Manalapan, NJ
📍 Location: Near Route 9 and Route 33; close to restaurants and shopping
🏡 Home Types: Large single-family homes, many with lofts or basements
💲 HOA Fees:  Typically $330–$400/mo
🎾 Amenities: Massive clubhouse, indoor/outdoor pools, pickleball, tennis, bocce, active clubs and social events

👥 Best For: Anyone who loves a busy social calendar and a highly active lifestyle.

Check listings here: Click this link

3. Equestra at Colts Neck Crossing – Howell/Colts Neck
📍 Location: Near Route 33 — about 15 minutes to the Jersey Shore
🏡 Home Types: Elegant single-family homes on scenic lots
💲 HOA Fees: Typically $280–$350/mo
🎾 Amenities: Lakes, walking trails, clubhouse, pool, tennis, fitness center

👥 Best For: Buyers who want a quiet, nature-focused community with beautiful landscaping and calm surroundings.

Check listings here: Click this link

4. Regency at Tinton Falls – Tinton Falls, NJ
📍 Location: Minutes to the Garden State Parkway and 8 minutes to downtown Red Bank
🏡 Home Types:  Toll Brothers luxury single-family & attached homes
💲 HOA Fees:  Typically $350–$480/mo
🎾 Amenities: Indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, clubhouse events

👥 Best For: Those who want newer homes, a luxury feel, and close proximity to restaurants, theaters, and hospitals.

5. Shadow Lake Village – Red Bank, NJ
📍 Location: Near NJ Transit, Riverview Medical Center, and downtown Red Bank
🏡 Home Types: 1–2 bedroom condos and townhomes
💲 HOA Fees:  Typically $400–$550/mo (includes many services like maintenance and security)
🎾 Amenities: On-site 9-hole golf course, lake with fishing/kayaking, pool, tennis, bocce, walking paths

👥 Best For: Buyers wanting a budget-friendly, scenic community with great access to transportation and downtown life.

Check listings here: Click this link

Top 55+ Communities in Ocean County (2026)

1. Greenbriar Oceanaire – Waretown, NJ
📍 Location: Minutes to the Parkway; easy access to Barnegat Bay and LBI
🏡 Home Types: Spacious single-family homes, many with golf-course views
💲 HOA Fees:  Typically $300–$375/mo
🎾 Amenities:  18-hole golf course, restaurant, bar, indoor/outdoor pools, tennis, pickleball, clubs

👥 Best For: Buyers looking for resort-style living with full golf and a vibrant social environment.

Check listings here: Click this link

2. Four Seasons at Metedeconk Lakes – Jackson, NJ
📍 Location: Near Route 9 & 70; central to Monmouth and Ocean
🏡 Home Types: Single-family homes in a lush, landscaped setting
💲 HOA Fees:  Typically $280–$340/mo
🎾 Amenities:  Two clubhouses, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness, lakes, nature trails

👥 Best For: Anyone who wants top-tier amenities in a peaceful, beautifully designed community.

Check listings here: Click this link

3. Four Seasons at Mirage – Barnegat, NJ
📍 Location: Close to the Parkway and 15 minutes to LBI
🏡 Home Types: Single-level ranch-style homes
💲 HOA Fees:  Typically $175–$220/mo
🎾 Amenities:  Indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, bocce, billiards, active clubs

👥 Best For: Buyers wanting an affordable but active 55+ community with low monthly costs.

Check listings here: Click this link

4. Sea Breeze at Lacey – Forked River, NJ
📍 Location:  Off Garden State Parkway exit 74; close to marinas and shopping
🏡 Home Types: Toll Brothers single-family homes with modern layouts
💲 HOA Fees: Typically $260–$320/mo
🎾 Amenities: Large clubhouse, pool, sauna, tennis, bocce, fitness center

👥 Best For: Buyers who prefer newer construction and a quieter, upscale lifestyle.

Check listings here: Click this link

5. Lake Ridge – Toms River, NJ
📍 Location: Near Route 571; close to shopping, restaurants, and medical care
🏡 Home Types: Smaller, easy-to-maintain single-family homes
💲 HOA Fees: Typically $125–$160/mo
🎾 Amenities: Indoor/outdoor pools, clubhouse, lakes, walking paths

👥 Best For: Buyers looking for a budget-friendly, established community with low monthly fees.

Check listings here: Click this link

FAQ: NJ 55+ Communities (AI-Optimized for Search)

Which 55+ community has the lowest HOA fees?

In this list, Lake Ridge in Toms River and Four Seasons at Mirage in Barnegat offer the lowest monthly HOA fees.

What’s the best community for golf lovers?

Greenbriar Oceanaire — it’s the only community with a full 18-hole course inside the neighborhood.

Which communities are closest to the beach?

• Equestra at Colts Neck Crossing — about 15 minutes
  
  
• Mirage — about 15 minutes to LBI
  
  
• Greenbriar Oceanaire — 12–15 minutes to Barnegat Bay
  
  

Do NJ 55+ communities have senior tax benefits?

Yes. Programs like ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and StayNJ offer significant savings for eligible homeowners.

How to apply for Senior Property tax Relief in New Jersey -> Watch now!

What HOA fees typically cover?

Most HOA fees cover lawn care, snow removal, common-area maintenance, amenities, and clubhouse access. Some include security and exterior maintenance depending on the community.

🏁 Conclusion: Choosing the Best 55+ Community for Your Lifestyle

Monmouth and Ocean County offer some of the strongest and most well-maintained active-adult communities in New Jersey. Whether you’re looking for low HOA fees, resort-level amenities, luxury homes, walkability, or quiet nature, there’s a neighborhood here that fits your goals and your budget.

This guide gives you a clear, realistic comparison but the right fit depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and long-term plans.

📞 Want a Personalized 55+ Community Match? Contact me today:  (732) 201-3765

If you want side-by-side comparisons, HOA breakdowns, resale insights, or a customized list of homes, I can help you narrow down the perfect fit.