Meadows at Lake Ridge in Manchester Township, NJ: A Guide to This Adult Community

The Meadows at Lake Ridge is a smaller adult community of 227 single-level, single-family homes in the Whiting section of Manchester Township, Ocean County. Its homeowners association says it welcomes residents aged 55 or better, and its clubhouse sits beside an outdoor pool and four pickleball courts.

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato with Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. Here is what the association and the published sources say about the Meadows.

Where the Meadows at Lake Ridge Is

The clubhouse and association are at 2 Clear Lake Road in Whiting. Whiting is a section of Manchester Township, which is the municipality and sets the property tax rate. The community is not gated.

The Homes

The association describes 227 fee simple, single-level homes built from 1998 to 2001 in four basic models of about 1,200 to 1,900 square feet. Ocean County's planning department also counts 227. 55places names the Kokes Organization as the builder and gives slightly different years, 1999 to 2003.

55places names seven plans, all with two bedrooms and two baths:

• The Arbor, 1,204 square feet, one-car garage
• The Bedford, 1,500 square feet, two-car garage
• The Chatham, 1,518 square feet, two-car garage
• The Claridge II, 1,659 square feet, two-car garage
• The Danbury and Danbury II, each 1,798 square feet, two-car garage
• The Fairway, 1,883 square feet, two-car garage

The association speaks of four basic models, so some of these names are likely variations on the same plans. Fee simple means you own the home and its lot outright.

Clubhouse and Amenities

The association's website lists:

• A clubhouse with a billiard room, card room, fitness center, library, club and craft room, and a great room with a kitchen
• An outdoor pool
• Four pickleball courts
• Bocce, shuffleboard, horseshoes and cornhole
• A picnic area
• A free bus to grocery stores and malls

Fees and Rules

Association fees at Meadows at Lake Ridge vary by section and home type and change every year when the budget is set, so I don't publish a number here that could be out of date by the time you read it. Call or text me and I will get you the current fees for the specific home you are looking at.

According to the association, the fee covers lawn maintenance, snow removal, garbage and recycling, and the common areas. The association states the age rule as welcoming residents aged 55 or better; the governing documents give the exact wording.

Shopping, Medical Care and Getting Around

• Groceries: Stop & Shop at 400 Lacey Road in Whiting is about 2.5 miles from the clubhouse in a straight line, and the community bus runs to grocery stores and malls.
• Hospital: Community Medical Center (RWJBarnabas Health), 99 Route 37 West in Toms River, is about 7.4 miles away in a straight line.
• County bus: Ocean Ride route OC 1A Whiting Express serves Whiting, running to Lakehurst, the Seacourt Pavilion and the Ocean County Mall.
• Township rides: Manchester Township Senior Services offers medical and non-medical 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 the Meadows. 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 the rules for a younger spouse, a live-in caregiver and overnight guests.
• The fee and the budget. Ask for the current fee, what it covers, the size of the reserve fund and any planned special assessments.
• Closing costs that belong to the association. Ask whether a capital contribution, transfer fee or resale certificate fee applies to buyers.
• Everyday rules. Ask about pets, leasing, exterior changes, additions and parking for a second car, a boat or an RV.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many homes are in the Meadows at Lake Ridge?

227, according to both the association and Ocean County's planning department.

Is it age-restricted?

Yes. The association says it welcomes residents aged 55 or better.

Are the homes single-level?

Yes. The association describes fee simple, single-level, single-family homes.

Is there a community bus?

Yes. The association lists a free bus to grocery stores and malls.

Is the Meadows part of other Lake Ridge communities?

The Meadows has its own homeowners association, clubhouse and website. Ask how any shared roads or facilities are handled when you review the documents.

Thinking About Meadows at Lake Ridge? Let's Talk

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato, a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. I work with buyers and sellers in Whiting and Manchester Township and across Monmouth and Ocean County. If you would like to see homes for sale in Meadows at Lake Ridge, compare it with other adult communities nearby, get the current association fees, or find out 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.