The Essex and Sussex in Spring Lake, NJ: A Guide to This Adult Community

The Essex and Sussex is a 55+ condominium building on the oceanfront in Spring Lake, Monmouth County. It is a historic hotel building that was converted into 165 condominium residences from 2002 to 2004. Instead of a separate clubhouse, the amenities are inside the building itself: dining rooms, a ballroom, a theater, a library and more.

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato with Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. This is a different kind of adult community from the large single-family developments in Ocean County, so here is what the published sources say about it.

Where The Essex and Sussex Is

55places gives the address as 700 Ocean Avenue, and OpenStreetMap places the building on Essex Avenue at Ocean Avenue on the oceanfront. It is in the Borough of Spring Lake, ZIP code 07762. Spring Lake Borough is the municipality and sets the tax rate.

The location is the main draw. The Spring Lake station on NJ TRANSIT's North Jersey Coast Line is about 0.6 miles away in a straight line, and 55places lists beach access among the amenities.

The Homes

The association counts 165 condominium residences and describes them as studio and one-bedroom units with kitchenettes. 55places gives sizes of about 420 to 700 square feet, and it credits AJD Construction with the conversion. 55housing counts 168 homes and lists some units with two bedrooms, which may reflect owners who combined units, so the size and layout of any particular unit are worth checking against its listing and the master deed.

Because the residences are compact and the building has a restaurant and dining rooms, many of the everyday spaces you might expect inside a house are shared spaces downstairs. Visit in person to see how that works day to day.

Amenities and Services

55places lists these inside the building:

• Dining: a restaurant, dining rooms and a bistro with a bar
• Gathering spaces: a ballroom, a theater, a lounge and a multipurpose room
• Games and reading: a library, a card room, a game room and a billiards room
• Wellness: a fitness center and a beauty salon
• Outdoors: porches, a patio and beach access

55places also lists valet parking, a concierge, laundry facilities and storage lockers among the services the association fee covers.

Fees and Rules

Association fees at The Essex and Sussex 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. According to 55places, the fee covers common area maintenance, snow and trash removal, water, valet parking, the concierge, laundry facilities and storage lockers. Since meals at the restaurant are a separate matter, ask how dining is billed.

The association and 55places describe The Essex and Sussex as a 55+ community, but I did not find the written occupancy rule in a public source. Ask for the master deed, bylaws and rules, including any rules on renting a unit, and have your attorney review them.

Shopping, Medical Care and Getting Around

• Train: NJ TRANSIT's Spring Lake station on the North Jersey Coast Line is about 0.6 miles away.
• Hospital: Jersey Shore University Medical Center is about 4.4 miles away in a straight line.
• Groceries: ACME Markets at 2007 Route 35 in Wall Township is open and is likely the closest confirmed supermarket, though I could not measure its distance reliably. Stop & Shop at 3208 Bridge Avenue in Point Pleasant is about 5.8 miles away.
• Senior rides: Monmouth County's SCAT service, run by the county Division of Transportation, offers rides for senior and permanently disabled Monmouth County residents, booked by calling 732-431-6480.

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 Essex and Sussex. 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.
• Building costs. In an older converted building, ask about recent and planned work on the roof, facade, elevators and building systems, and how it is funded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Essex and Sussex a hotel?

Not anymore. It is a historic hotel building that was converted into 165 condominium residences from 2002 to 2004.

How big are the units?

The association describes studio and one-bedroom units with kitchenettes. 55places gives about 420 to 700 square feet.

Is it age-restricted?

Yes. The association and 55places describe it as a 55+ community. Ask for the written occupancy rule.

Is there parking?

55places lists valet parking among the services covered by the association fee.

How close is the train?

The Spring Lake station on the North Jersey Coast Line is about 0.6 miles away in a straight line.

Thinking About The Essex and Sussex? Let's Talk

I'm Dennis Mark Interdonato, a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Ocean Living. I help buyers and sellers across Spring Lake, Wall Township, Belmar and the rest of the Monmouth County shore. If you would like to see homes for sale in The Essex and Sussex, 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.