Princeton Commons in Brick, NJ: A Guide to This Adult Community

Princeton Commons is an established adult community of 385 single-family ranch homes in Brick Township, built between 1989 and 1995. I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato with Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. It offers one-floor living with a garage. Here is what the published sources say.

Where Princeton Commons Is

55places places Princeton Commons in Brick, off Princeton Avenue, with the Garden State Parkway a short drive away, and says Windward Beach is a short walk. The Ocean County Planning Department names Princeton Commons on its list of adult communities in Brick Township. 55places lists the community as 55 and older; the county list does not state the minimum age, so confirm the exact rule with the association.

55places describes Windward Beach as a spot for summer festivals, fireworks and walking trails along the water. 55places also notes that Interstate 195 is a short drive from the community, along with the Parkway.

The Homes

All 385 homes are single-family ranches. 55places gives a range of about 1,400 to 1,600 square feet, with most homes having two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a garage. Every sale is a resale today.

Because every home is a single-level ranch, the practical differences between houses come down to lot, condition and updates: roof, heating and cooling, windows, kitchen and baths. Those are the items worth comparing first when two homes here are on the market at the same time.

No source I read names the individual models, so I have not listed any. When you tour, the listing and the seller's disclosure are the best record of a home's size and layout, and it is worth asking whether rooms such as a sunroom were added after the original build.

The Clubhouse and Amenities

The clubhouse has an exercise room, a ballroom, a library, a card room and billiards. Outside, 55places lists an outdoor pool, tennis courts, bocce courts, and walking and biking trails through the community, plus a lake with boat access. Clubhouse life includes card games, special interest groups and community parties.

Association Fees

Ask Dennis Mark for the current fees.

Shopping, Medical Care and Getting Around

• Groceries: Stop & Shop, 3208 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant, about 1.4 miles in a straight line. A ShopRite on Route 70 in Brick appears on maps about 1.8 miles away, but I could not confirm its hours on the store's site.
• Hospital: Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center, 425 Jack Martin Boulevard, Brick, about 1.4 miles in a straight line.
• Transit: Ocean County's Ocean Ride offers fixed routes and a Reserve-A-Ride door-to-door service for residents 60 and older or with disabilities. Routes serving this community were not confirmed.

What to Know Before Buying in an Adult Community

Buying in an age-restricted community works a little differently from buying on an ordinary street. Here are the questions worth asking before you make an offer. None of this is legal advice, and your attorney should review the documents with you.

• The age and occupancy rules. Ask the association for its written rules: who must be 55 or older, whether a younger spouse or partner may live in the home, and how long guests may stay.
• Rentals. Some associations limit or restrict leasing. If you may ever rent the home, find out before you buy.
• What the monthly fee covers. Fees change, and the list of services changes with them. Ask for the current budget and what is included today.
• Resale and move-in charges. Many associations charge a one-time fee when a home changes hands. Ask the amount and who pays it.
• Exterior rules. Fences, patios, paint colors and additions usually need association approval.
• The age rule in writing. Because the public sources for Princeton Commons do not agree on a written minimum age, get the rule from the association's documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old are the homes in Princeton Commons?

55places says the community was built from 1989 to 1995.

Are the homes in Princeton Commons one level?

Yes. 55places describes them as single-family ranch homes of about 1,400 to 1,600 square feet.

Is Princeton Commons gated?

No. 55places lists it as not gated.

What are the HOA fees at Princeton Commons?

Ask Dennis Mark for the current fees.

Thinking About Princeton Commons?

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato with Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. If you are thinking about buying or selling in Princeton Commons or anywhere in Brick Township, I can pull the homes currently for sale, walk the clubhouse with you, and help you get the association documents in hand before you commit. Reach out to me and let's talk about what you are looking for.