The Villages NJ sits in Howell, Monmouth County, and has been around since the late 1960s and early 1970s, set up with a bunch of attached ranch homes in groups of two to four, most with either an attached or detached one-car garage, and the homes come with either one or two bedrooms, so you'll find about 952 to 1,545 square feet, all with good-sized yards, central air, and electric heat, and pets are welcome here which a lot of folks like. Residents pay a low monthly maintenance fee that covers things like landscaping, snow and trash removal, shopping bus trips, termite and pest control, taking care of the roof and gutters, along with use of the clubhouse and other outdoor features, and it's not a gated community but it does feel pretty safe and quiet, and people living here are usually 55 and older who want to keep busy but not have to worry about yard work or home repairs.
The place has a big clubhouse, known as the Villages Club House, which really acts as the gathering point where folks go for club meetings, play cards like bridge or Mahjong, or join in live theater trips, charity events, craft groups, and other social things, and there's a ballroom, a billiards room, and even a woodworking shop if that's your hobby. Outside you'll find an outdoor pool, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts, even a swim club called Howell Pointe, and walking paths for when the weather's nice. They keep the grounds neat and there's always something going on, with scheduled daily activities, classes like Challenger Sports or stitchery clubs, movie nights, and plenty of time spent visiting in the library or arts room. The place has its own bus that takes people on shopping trips or to local restaurants, stores, and even the train if someone's heading into New York City, and transportation is free for residents.
For those who need more help, The Villages has several care options right inside the community, covering everything from independent living all the way to skilled nursing, memory care in secure areas, assisted living, and board-and-care homes for a few residents who need extra attention. People living with Alzheimer's or dementia have specialized support, including memory-enhancing activities and supervision 24 hours a day, so families know their loved ones are safe, and wound care, rehabilitation, and nursing support are on hand for people who need those services after an injury or illness. The staff helps with medication, meals, bathing, dressing, personal care, and offers non-ambulatory services for folks who need help moving around, and if someone has special dietary needs like diabetes or allergies, the kitchen staff, who are trained chefs, take care of that too, serving up meals restaurant-style in a dining room with all-day dining hours.
Amenities in the homes themselves include private bathrooms, kitchenettes, cable, Wi-Fi, telephones, basic furniture, and air conditioning, plus there's laundry and housekeeping offered, and maintenance stays on top of things so the buildings stay in good shape year-round. They've got programs and features that encourage health and fitness, like a fitness center and spa area, and hold community health clinics, including flu shots for Howell residents covered by Medicare Part B in partnership with Monmouth County's health services. The Villages also has an active administrative and management team, with offices in Freehold, and keeps security and access tools updated so residents and visitors feel secure.
People here like that the taxes are low and houses affordable, and the place has a good reputation for being well maintained, friendly, and vibrant, but not fancy or showy, just a solid place where active older adults can find what they need, whether they want to be out and about with friends or need more care as time goes on. The neighborhood is welcoming for newcomers and the sports club, gym, ceramics room, and other amenities give folks options for how to spend their days, whether it's relaxing by the pool, joining a game in the ballroom, or just sitting outside with a neighbor. The set-up allows for aging in place, so residents don't have to move away if health needs change, and the staff tries to help everyone keep their independence and sense of home for as long as possible.
