Ocean County, New Jersey has many fine points, including proximity to the seashore, mild winters, historical attractions, museums and galleries, and a wide selection of active adult communities. It’s also known for its beautiful golf courses, some with views of the water. The two public ones are Bey Lea in Toms River and Forge Pond in Brick Township.
Let’s face it though, nothing beats having a golf course that’s practically right in your own backyards, and OC has 11 active adult golf course communities. But it’s not all about the golf; these communities have resort-style amenities and plenty of social activities to keep their residents busy. Because of its stellar location, Ocean County real estate prices can be up there, but there are also options in the $100s.
Here’s a short list of the best golf course communities in Ocean County.
1. Four Seasons at Lakewood – Lakewood, NJ
Mid $100s – High $300s
With a nine-hole golf course, a pro shop, tennis and bocce courts, and an elegant outdoor pool area, this established 55+ neighborhood doesn’t disappoint. Four Seasons at Lakewood’s impressive clubhouse is also full of amenities, including an indoor pool and sauna, a fitness center with locker rooms, a ballroom, a theater, and activity rooms. Those looking to spend time with friends can sign up for day trips, Friday night movies, chorus, cultural clubs, line dancing, or other social activities.
Homebuyers have many options to choose from, as this gated community has 1,319 resale condo, attached, and single-family homes. The attached Villas are great for downsizing, and the two models range from 1,176 to 1,200 square feet with one to two bedrooms, one-and-a-half to two baths, and assigned parking spots. The condos also come in two models, ranging from 1,308 or 1,512 square feet with one to two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one-car garages. The single-family homes range from 1,306 to 2,134 square feet with one to three bedrooms, two baths, and attached one- or two-car garages. Some of the models have upgrades like dens, patios, and decks.
Four Seasons at Lakewood is quite close to the Garden State Parkway, making travel easy. It’s also less than five miles from the marinas at Silver Bay, and from there, a few more miles away from Long Beach Island (LBI).
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2. Greenbriar Woodlands – Toms River, NJ
High $100s – Mid $300s
An 18-hole golf executive course is the shining star of Greenbriar Woodlands, an established gated property of 1,250 resale single-family homes in Toms River. Other outdoor amenities on this lovely property include an outdoor pool; volleyball, tennis, bocce, and basketball courts; and walking trails. The 20,000-square-foot clubhouse has its own fitness center, plus a ballroom and activity rooms. The long list of clubs and activities includes biking, New York City trips, photography, and the RV Club.
There are 15 floor plans, and they offer two to three bedrooms, one- or two-car garages, and attractive wooded lots. Upgrades may include enclosed sunrooms, fireplaces, eat-in kitchens, and second-floor lofts. Living near Toms River affords Greenbriar Woodlands homeowners many advantages, as it has a vibrant downtown area with trendy shops, restaurants, and year-round special events. It’s also close to Silver Bay and LBI, and other attractions like the Ocean County Mall and Cattus Island State Park.
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3. Four Seasons at Sea Oaks – Little Egg Harbor, NY
High $200s – Low $400s
At Four Seasons at Sea Oaks, golfers can play to their heart’s content at the community’s splendid golf course located at Sea Oaks Country Club. Along with an 18-hole championship golf course, there’s a putting green, a practice facility, The Legacy restaurant, and an elegant clubhouse. Leisure opportunities abound here, with homeowners enjoying the state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a crafts studio, a ballroom, and outdoor sports courts and walking trails. The clubhouse also serves as a meeting place for social activities like sports days, men’s and women’s clubs, and fitness classes.
Completed in 2007, this mid-sized active adult community has 387 resale ranch-style single-family homes offered in 10 floor plans. They are sized from 1,776 to 2,927 square feet, with two to three bedrooms and bathrooms and attached two-car garages. Options include dens, tray ceilings, fireplaces, and bay windows. This upscale neighborhood is close to Bass River State Forest, which offers fishing, boating, trails, and cross-country skiing. There’s a Walmart Supercenter in Little Egg Harbor, plus grocery stores, pharmacies, and many restaurants in town and in nearby Tuckerton.
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4. Lions Head South – Brick, NJ
Mid $100s – Mid $200s
Lions Head South is an outstanding option for active adult golf lovers. Its nine-hole executive course is located on 29 pristine acres of pinelands, and its clubhouse is a hub for many kinds of leisure activities. Inside, you’ll find an auditorium, a ceramics studio, and activity rooms. Outside, there are shuffleboard, bocce, and tennis courts; an outdoor pool; and a picnic area. Year-round clubs and activities include a singles club, the “Rip it Out Club,” travel club, movie nights, and garden club.
The thoughtfully designed 615 resale single-family homes come in seven floor plans sized from 1,223 to 1,636 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one-car garages. Some have upgrades like Florida rooms, wood flooring, porches, patios, and dens.
This established neighborhood is quite close to Silver Bay and LBI, and it has a Brick (also called Brick Township), NJ zip code. This town is especially appealing to active adults, with its slew of year-round special events, shuttle service, farmers market, parks, and beaches. The town is also full of grocery and convenience stores, restaurants, and other shops and services.
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