Monthly Guide to Active Adult Community Living

June 2007

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Welcome Message

Welcome to our June issue of the Monthly Guide to Active Adult Community Living! Sorry that we didn't publish a May issue but time constraints were too much to get it done. Last month I was interviewed by a leading real estate author/marketer and featured in their latest publication for my efforts in the active adult community market and creating the 55+ Housing website. We will continue to add more features to our website providing more value to you, our visitors (and hopefully one day clients).

This month's issue features a small yet upscale active adult community in Manalapan, NJ called The Village Grande at Battleground. Since many of our readers are not from the area, our second article highlights things to do around the Jersey Shore during the summer.

Don't forget to visit our 55Plus-Housing.com website regularly as new communities and listings are updated daily. Also, be sure to signup for our email newsletter (if you haven't already) so you never miss an issue.

Please feel free to contact us to see how we can help you with your real estate needs. Not local to NJ? No worries...the Mary Holder Agency is a member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World referral network. We can assist you in finding a local real estate professional to help you buy or sell your home.

Featured Community

Village Grande at Battleground
Manalapan, NJ

The Village Grande at Battleground is a smaller luxury active adult community located in much desired Manalapan, NJ (Monmouth County). This community is located just west of the historic Monmouth Battleground State Park and backs up to the Battlefield Country Club. The Village Grande is also close to the Route 9 corridor, Freehold Raceway, Freehold Mall & downtown shops.

Village Grande features 115 single family homes on approximately 22 acres. This development was established in 2004 and completely sold out by 2006.

Community Map:

Home Choices:
Village Grande at Battlefield features five base single family model homes. Each model features three different elevations types (Classic, Manor & Grande). These models vary in size from two bedroom units to large four bedrooms homes with basement and lofts. Many homes may include optional features like enclosed sunrooms, whirlpool tubs, 2nd floor lofts, basements, Corian countertops, central vacuum systems and much more. Click Here to find available homes for sale.

Community Amenities:
Village Grande at Battlefield features many of the amenities found in a larger active adult community. Located in the center of the community is The Grande Club, a 4,000 sq. ft. clubhouse. Inside the clubhouse features a fully equipped fitness center, card room, billiard room, lounge/library room, a large multi-purpose room and kitchen. Outdoor activities include swimming, shuffleboard and putting green. If you are really into golf, there are 6 private and public golf courses within a 15 minute drive of the community.

About the Builder:
D.R. Horton. Inc. is a large established builder of many communities nationwide. Their signature active adult communities in NJ are known as Village Grande and Plaza Grande. D.R. Horton was established in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas and has built well over 50,000 homes in 27 states since then!

Municipal Information:
Manalapan Township is located in western Monmouth County. This township covers approximately 30 sq. miles with a population just over 33,000 (according to 2000 U.S. Census Data). Manalapan Township is close to many shopping centers & mall, golf courses and major transportation routes. The community is also about 15 miles from the beaches and about one hours drive to New York City.[top]

Things to do around the Jersey Shore

Now that Memorial Day weekend has passed, summer has officially started here at the Jersey Shore. Now is the perfect time to go outside and enjoy the warmer weather. The Jersey Shore is known for miles of beautiful beaches but there are many other places to visit especially if you want to avoid the beach crowds! As a lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore, here are some of my recommendations of things to see and do!

Parks for everyone! Central NJ has some of the best parks around. One of my favorites is Holmdel Park / Longstreet Farm. This great County Park has miles of walking & biking trails with some rolling terrain to keep things interesting. There is also an exercise trail, tennis courts, playgrounds & picnic areas. Also inside the park is the historic Longstreet farm. Glimpse into what life was like in the 1800's at this farm. You can see, touch and feed many of the animals that are still at the farm. The museum and farm are operated by the County Parks system. Be sure to check out the tours and special events on their website.

Another favorite park of mine is Allaire State Park. This interesting park includes the 19th Century Allaire Village and the Pine Creek Railroad. This well preserved village has much to see and do. The village is complete with a chapel (available for weddings) and many buildings of different trades include a woodshop, blacksmith and bakery where you can still buy some goodies! There is also a gift shop & general store. If you are feeling really nostalgic, then you can catch a ride on an authentic steam powered engine at the Pine Creek Railroad. The park also has several walking trails, a nature center and picnic areas.

Is Shopping your idea of fun? Then you can find a little of everything here until your heart is content. The indoor shopping malls are everywhere here in NJ. Freehold Raceway Mall if one of my favorites and it has an Apple Computer Store for techies like me. If you are looking for higher end retailers then be sure to visit The Grove in Shrewsbury. If you like shopping and the beach, then be sure to check out the new Pier Village in Long Branch. For those looking for a deal then I suggest you check out the Jackson Premium Outlet stores.

Of course we can't forget about the Beaches & Boardwalks! Unfortunately, you do have to pay for access to most of the beaches in NJ but the cost is minimal. Pt. Pleasant beaches are large, clean and full of activity. They also have a large boardwalk filled with shops, restaurants, and the Jenkinson's Boardwalk which includes rides, games and an aquarium. It is a great place to bring your family & friends.

Another great beach location is Island Beach State Park. Not only does this park has 10 miles of sandy white beaches but several thousand acres dedicated to nature preserves. Island Beach is a favorite for fishing, scuba diving, surfing & swimming and has access to Barnegat Bay.

Still need some more ideas? Check out the NJ State Tourism website to get the low down on many great trips and activities going on around the state. [top]