What are these towns like Berkeley & Whiting NJ? (Toms River: for sale, 2010)

[JerseyGirl3624]

Noticed that the houses in Berkeley and Whiting are very affordable; to be honest down-right cheap in some cases. Wondering if these are mobile homes? Haven't visited the area yet; just read the for sale section of the Asbury Park Press.
Curious, what are the towns like? Would it be a decent place to retire to?
Not ready yet, but planning ahead.

[mike0421]

Both towns have a plethora of 55 and over housing, which holds down the median price. Remember that in most of these 55 and over communities the square footage on a home is much lower than what you'd expect in most other New Jersey towns. My in-laws live in one such area, in Manchester. I hate to say it, but many of these places lack charm. They remind me of many communities that are about 10 miles into the coast in Western Florida. I have nothing against either town, but I'd prefer to live in a remote location in either place (they do exist). However, most of the homes in both towns reside in the aforementioned retirement communities.

[PompLks]

Mike has it right.

My wife's aunt just moved to a nursing home from whiting. It is a terrible place to drive - 25mph everywhere. (not that that's the speed limit, but it's what everyone does)
The town is dead (probably not a great choice of words) after 7pm as most residents are getting ready for bed.
I would be careful to check that you are not looking in a community that is 55 and over.
One exception, if you work in a area of geriatric care you should be able to find work there.
Best of luck with the house search!

[NJ~LuLu]

I live in Berkeley, Pinewald area. There are many retired who don't live in the Senior Communities. Those that do seem to like the structured activity schedule, club house, pools and the general commaradarie with the age group. Then, of course, some do not.
I think most of the Manufactured homes are in the whiting area. It is further away from shopping, but they had community buses for the malls and other store. Whiting Proper does have food stores, liquer, gas stations and health care facilities.
The Bayville area of berkeley is closer to shopping and many seniors close that independent lifestyle, I think I would be one of them, but never say never. Homes can range from a million to low 100 K in the retirement villages. To each his own I suppose.
I forgot to add, this is by no means City living. Transportation is by car, taxi unless you are in the villages. Best to check into this. Bus services limited to Rt 9, or out of bus terminal in Toms Rive, IIRC. Good Luck

[JerseyGirl3624]

Thank you all for your help!
Don't think I will consider Whiting. However, Berkeley may be worth exploring.
When I saw prices in low $200,000 for a small ranch got concerned about the area. Whiting had prices under $100,000.

Know that Toms River has lots of new 55+ communities but not sure that's for me yet. Job is still hanging in there; but who knows what 2010 will bring.
Would be nice to buy a reasonable priced house and live on the difference from what the north Jersey house sells for.
Searched the Carolinas and Florida; just not "me". Prefer to stay in Jersey if at all possible.

[VeradoDan]

Originally Posted by JerseyGirl3624

Thank you all for your help!
Know that Toms River has lots of new 55+ communities but not sure that's for me yet.

Toms River doesn't have a whole lot, actually. Holiday City has a Toms River address, but is located in Berkeley Township.

[mike0421]

Originally Posted by NJ~LuLu

I live in Berkeley, Pinewald area. There are many retired who don't live in the Senior Communities. Those that do seem to like the structured activity schedule, club house, pools and the general commaradarie with the age group. Then, of course, some do not.
I think most of the Manufactured homes are in the whiting area. It is further away from shopping, but they had community buses for the malls and other store. Whiting Proper does have food stores, liquer, gas stations and health care facilities.
The Bayville area of berkeley is closer to shopping and many seniors close that independent lifestyle, I think I would be one of them, but never say never. Homes can range from a million to low 100 K in the retirement villages. To each his own I suppose.
I forgot to add, this is by no means City living. Transportation is by car, taxi unless you are in the villages. Best to check into this. Bus services limited to Rt 9, or out of bus terminal in Toms Rive, IIRC. Good Luck

No, this is by no means close to city living. Living in Whiting or Berkeley is not urban, but unless you are down by Warren Grove, it's not really rural either. It's a very disconnected area. Gatling gun sprawl is too elevated a description, particularly in the areas surrounding the Rt 37 and Rt 70 artery (east of the Lakehurst Circle). Crestwood Village is the anthesis of appealing, in case you were considering further into Barrens.

[sidebar]

I am planning on moving to either Leisure Knoll or Leisure Village West, in Manchester, NJ, with my mother. In the latter, the maintenance includes repairing appliances (GE only), fixing heating/cooling problems, law care, etc. The Leisure Knoll community is my favorite. All single houses have front porches and patios. Some have 3-season rooms. Lots of flowers and large trees.

If you are of a cosmopolitan bent, probably not for you though.