The Essex and Sussex sits at 200 Ocean Ave in Spring Lake, New Jersey, and you'll notice right away how it faces both the ocean and the nearby lake, catching cool breezes most days, and there's a real sense of old charm to the place even though it's modern inside, and that's probably because the building's kept up very well, rated as excellent, and you see things like imported Italian marble floors and granite countertops throughout, and the ceilings are up to 9 feet with radiant heat so everything feels open. This is a condominium community, and they offer a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, even penthouse units, many with private balconies or porches showing water or lake views, so if you're the sort who wakes up early you get those sunrises if you want, or you can watch folks stroll along the beach below, and there's a mid-rise setup meaning it's about 5 to 8 floors, all served by elevators.
Units themselves often come with kitchenettes, custom cabinetry, upgraded flooring or paint, and sometimes electric fireplaces for a soft warmth and a bit of coziness, and the newer heat pumps help with heating, plus bathrooms are updated with walk-in showers. People get a storage room, too, if there's extra to keep, and laundry isn't a hassle because each floor has two washers and dryers, and then on the first floor you'll find a bigger, commercial-sized set for heavier loads. Pets up to 35 pounds are allowed, if that's a concern, and as for guests, there's a lounge and even a bistro with a full kitchen where coffee and tea are free, and a cocktail lounge and restaurant serve up meals and the occasional live show. There's also a gym that's nicely equipped, a ping pong room for some fun, libraries for men and women, and outdoor seating areas so you don't have to sit inside on nice days, and the building includes secure bike parking and on-site parking for cars.
The staff includes a 24-hour concierge and valet for help at all hours, and there's room service and a focus on making things easy, so amenities like electricity, heat, water, trash, cable, and lawn and snow removal are included; if winter gets cold, no need to worry about shoveling or high bills, though the building isn't winterized in the way summer cottages sometimes are. The Essex and Sussex is set up as hotel-style living, but it's part of an adult community where neighbors tend to be quiet and friendly. People can choose to buy or rent, and there are property managers who keep track of sales, leases, open listings, and seasonal rentals, with information about units-some with one bedroom and bathroom, others larger-and there are real estate details listed for those interested, but most people care more about the space feeling safe, comfortable, and social without being noisy. For folks who care about a sense of community and services all in one place, and maybe want a walk along the beach or to the shops in Spring Lake, Essex and Sussex is one of the straightforward choices, with a solid reputation and enough amenities to stay comfortable without much fuss.
