Cedar Glen Lakes in Manchester Township, NJ: A Guide to This Adult Community

Cedar Glen Lakes is a 55+ cooperative community of 1,236 single-family and duplex homes on 222 acres in the Whiting section of Manchester Township, Ocean County. A developer established it in 1970, and residents have governed it themselves since 1979. It has three lakes, 11 miles of paved roads and its own bus service.

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato with Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. Cedar Glen Lakes is a co-op, and a cash-only one, so this guide starts with what that means before it gets to the homes.

Where Cedar Glen Lakes Is

Cedar Glen Lakes is in Whiting, which is a section and mailing name within Manchester Township. The township is the municipality. The community sits near Lacey Road, about 0.6 miles in a straight line from the Stop & Shop at 400 Lacey Road.

Whiting has several adult communities with similar names. Cedar Glen West is a separate community, so confirm which one a listing is in.

What Buying a Co-op Means Here

At Cedar Glen Lakes you buy shares, not a deed to a house and lot. According to the co-op, a buyer receives one share in Cedar Glen Lakes, Inc. and one share in the Cedar Glen Lakes Water Company. The co-op owns the property and you hold the right to live in your home.

• Cash only. The co-op's resale page describes Cedar Glen Lakes as a cash-only community and says no financing is permitted. Plan to pay the full price at closing.
• Buyer approval. The co-op says buyers must be 55 or older, have a credit score of 700 or higher, and meet a minimum monthly income.
• One monthly charge. The co-op's monthly charge includes real estate taxes, insurance on the structure, water and sewer, lawn care, snow removal and the bus. Because taxes are inside it, the charge is not comparable with a homeowners association fee elsewhere.

The Homes

55places lists seven floor plans, four attached and three single-family:

• Westmont, attached: one bedroom, one bath, 544 square feet
• Madison I, attached: one bedroom plus a den, one bath, 916 square feet
• Madison II, attached: two bedrooms, one bath, 916 square feet
• Adams, attached: two bedrooms, one bath, 1,300 square feet
• Jefferson I, single-family: one bedroom plus a den, one bath, 1,050 square feet
• Jefferson II, single-family: two bedrooms, one bath, 1,050 square feet
• Adams II, single-family: two bedrooms, one bath, 1,300 square feet

On parking, 55places is inconsistent: its description says attached homes have driveway parking or a one-car garage, while its model cards list a one-car garage for every plan. Check the specific home.

Clubhouse and Amenities

• Clubhouses, which 55places names Lakeside Hall and Lakeside West
• Three lakes for fishing
• 11 miles of paved roads for walking and biking
• A library
• Bus service, included in the monthly charge

Fees and Rules

Association fees at Cedar Glen Lakes vary by section and home, and they change from year to year as the budget is set, so any number you find online may already be out of date. Ask me for the current fees on any home you are considering and I will get the figure from the association or the listing paperwork before you make an offer. Here the monthly charge differs by floor plan, so ask about the specific home.

The co-op's rules allow up to two domestic pets. Buyers must be 55 or older under the co-op's resale rules, along with the credit and income requirements above. Your attorney should review the co-op's documents and the share transfer as part of the purchase.

Shopping, Medical Care and Getting Around

• Groceries: Stop & Shop, 400 Lacey Road in Whiting, is about 0.6 miles away in a straight line.
• Hospital: Community Medical Center (RWJBarnabas Health), 99 Route 37 West in Toms River, is about 9.7 miles away.
• County bus: Ocean Ride's OC 1A Whiting Express serves Whiting, with service to Lakehurst, Seacourt Pavilion and the Ocean County Mall. Manchester Township Senior Services also offers transportation for residents 60 and older.

Before You Buy: Questions for Any Age-Restricted Community

I walk every buyer through the same short list when we look at a community like Cedar Glen Lakes. This is general guidance, not legal advice, and your attorney will review the association documents with you.

• The age requirement. Ask for the written occupancy rule, including how it treats a younger spouse, a caregiver and long-staying guests.
• The fees and the budget. Ask what the fee covers, how large the reserve fund is and whether an assessment is planned.
• Costs at closing. Ask whether a capital contribution, transfer fee or resale certificate fee applies to buyers.
• Everyday rules. Ask about pets, renting, exterior changes and parking.
• Proof of funds and approval timing. Ask what the co-op needs to approve you and how long approval takes, since the purchase is cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a mortgage to buy at Cedar Glen Lakes?

No. The co-op describes itself as cash only, with no financing permitted.

Do I pay property taxes separately?

No. The co-op says real estate taxes are included in the monthly charge, along with structure insurance, water and sewer, lawn care, snow removal and the bus.

What are the requirements to buy?

The co-op says buyers must be 55 or older, with a credit score of 700 or higher and a minimum monthly income.

How many homes are in Cedar Glen Lakes?

1,236, according to the co-op and Ocean County's planning list.

Can I have pets?

The co-op allows up to two domestic pets.

Thinking About Cedar Glen Lakes? Let's Talk

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato, a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. I help buyers and sellers across Whiting, Manchester Township and the rest of Ocean County. If you would like to see homes for sale in Cedar Glen Lakes, compare it with other adult communities nearby, or learn what your current home could sell for before you move, call or text me at (732) 598-2672 or send me a message. You can also browse the other communities in my Adult Communities guide.