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

Cedar Glen West is an adult community in the northern part of Manchester Township, Ocean County, with 575 homes of about 700 to 1,100 square feet. Its monthly fee, according to 55places, covers an unusually long list of costs, including property taxes, water and sewer.

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato with Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. Cedar Glen West works differently from a typical homeowners association, so this guide spends extra time on what to check before you buy.

Where Cedar Glen West Is

Cedar Glen West is a census-designated place in Manchester Township. Wikipedia places it between Ridgeway Boulevard and Ridgeway Road (County Route 571) in the northern part of the township, and describes most of the area as the private Cedar Glen West Inc. residential park. A separate mobile home park also sits inside the same census area, so make sure a listing is in the Cedar Glen West community itself. The community is not gated, and Ocean County lists it among its adult communities.

The Homes

55places does not name any models. It describes 575 homes of about 700 to 1,100 square feet with one to two bedrooms and one bath, and lists them as attached homes. Wikipedia describes the homes as smaller one-story single family homes. The two sources disagree on that point, so look at the specific home. Interior updates mentioned by 55places in some homes include newer kitchen counters and backsplashes, recessed lighting, and front porches, with entries at both the front and back.

How Ownership Works

This is the most important thing to understand here. Wikipedia describes a private residential park run by Cedar Glen West Inc., and the fee 55places lists includes property taxes. Both point to an ownership structure that is not a standard condominium or single-family deed. I could not confirm from a primary source whether homes are sold as cooperative shares or on another basis. Before you make an offer, ask for the corporation's documents, ask exactly what you would own, and ask your lender whether it finances purchases here.

Amenities

55places lists ponds and green space within the community, plus an activity director and a community bus, and it notes the association arranges common area and exterior maintenance.

Association Fees

According to 55places, the fee covers common area maintenance, exterior maintenance, lawn maintenance, management fees, property taxes, community bus fees, sewer, snow removal, trash removal and water. Because property taxes are inside the fee, compare it with the tax bill plus dues on a typical house, not with dues alone. Ask Dennis Mark for the current fees.

Shopping, Medical Care and Getting Around

• Groceries: Stop & Shop at 2360 Lakewood Road in Toms River is about 3.3 miles away in a straight line.
• Hospital: Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, 600 River Avenue in Lakewood, is about 4.2 miles away in a straight line.
• Bus service: Ocean Ride route OC 2 Manchester serves Manchester, Lakehurst, Berkeley and Toms River to the Ocean County Mall, and Reserve-A-Ride offers door-to-door trips for county residents 60 and older or disabled residents 18 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 West. This is general guidance, not legal advice, and your attorney will review the association documents with you.

• The age requirement. Ask how the association applies it, including rules for a younger spouse, a live-in caregiver and overnight guests.
• The fee and the budget. Ask for the current monthly fee, what it includes, the size of the reserve fund and any planned assessments.
• Closing costs that belong to the association. Ask whether a capital contribution, initiation fee or resale certificate fee applies to buyers.
• Everyday rules. Ask about pets, leasing, landscaping changes, additions and parking for a second car, a boat or an RV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the fee at Cedar Glen West include property taxes?

According to 55places, yes. It lists property taxes along with water, sewer, trash, snow removal, lawn care, exterior maintenance and the community bus. Confirm the current breakdown with the corporation.

How big are the homes at Cedar Glen West?

About 700 to 1,100 square feet with one to two bedrooms and one bath, according to 55places.

Can I get a mortgage for a home in Cedar Glen West?

That depends on the ownership structure and the lender. Wikipedia describes a private residential park run by Cedar Glen West Inc., so ask your lender early whether it finances purchases here.

What are the monthly fees at Cedar Glen West?

Ask Dennis Mark for the current fees.

Thinking About Cedar Glen West? Let's Talk

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato, a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. I work with buyers and sellers in Manchester, Whiting, Lakehurst and across Ocean County. If you would like to see homes for sale in Cedar Glen West, compare it with other adult communities in Manchester Township and nearby towns, or find out what your current home could sell for before you move, call or text me at (732) 598-2672 or email DennisMark@TheDennisMarkGroup.com. You can also browse the other communities in my Adult Communities guide.