Best Independent Living near me in Lakewood, New Jersey

Lakewood is a vibrant township located in Ocean County, New Jersey. Known for its rich history and rapidly growing community, it blends a suburban atmosphere with a diverse range of...

Lakewood is a vibrant township located in Ocean County, New Jersey. Known for its rich history and rapidly growing community, it blends a suburban atmosphere with a diverse range of services. With a significant population, Lakewood serves as a central hub for families, retirees, and businesses. Its proximity to the Jersey Shore, along with various parks and cultural spots, makes it a desirable place for independent living.

Costs of Independent Living in Lakewood, NJ

The average cost for independent living in Lakewood, NJ, can range between $2,500 and $4,500 per month, depending on the amenities, services, and location of the facility. Factors such as apartment size, location, and the level of care offered also influence the pricing.

Average Income in Lakewood, NJ

The average household income in Lakewood, NJ, is approximately $60,000 to $65,000 per year. This income level reflects the town’s diverse economy, which includes retail, healthcare, and service industries.

Ranking of Lakewood among Top Cities in New Jersey

Lakewood is considered one of the top cities in New Jersey for families and retirees, ranking high for its quality of life and access to healthcare and education. While it may not be the highest in terms of wealth or prestige compared to cities like Hoboken or Princeton, it holds a unique position as a growing community with a significant senior population.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in Lakewood, NJ:

The Lakewood Courtyard
The Willows at Lakewood
The Arbors
Leisure Park
Bella Terra Assisted Living

Leisure Village West Association Offices

4.0

959 Buckingham Dr, New Jersey 08759

Independent Living

Leisure Village West Association Offices isn’t your typical senior facility—it’s the hub that keeps a sprawling, resident-run 55+ community humming. Instead of medical or hands-on care, the association focuses on keeping daily life smooth for nearly 4,000 older adults who want to stay active and independent. The staff includes on-site management, maintenance, groundskeepers, and recreation coordinators.

Estimated Pricing

$4,976–$7,106 / mth

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Silverwoods

3.9

NJ-37, New Jersey 08757

Independent Living

Silverwoods in Toms River isn’t your typical senior living spot—it feels more like a close-knit neighborhood than a facility. Residents here get their own modern, garden-style apartments, complete with plenty of storage and a little green space to call their own. What stands out is how the staff handles the day-to-day stuff: laundry, housekeeping, and even shoveling snow, so residents don’t have to worry about chores and can focus on enjoying their days.

Estimated Pricing

$4,813–$7,394 / mth

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Spring Oak at Toms River

3.9

2145 Whitesville Rd, New Jersey 08755

Memory Care

Independent Living

Spring Oak at Toms River is one of those places families often check out because it's not just another cookie-cutter senior residence. The building itself feels open and bright—residents and families mention the high ceilings and spacious apartments, even in studios. Rooms have big closets and enough space for personal touches, which matters when someone is making a big move. What stands out most is the staff.

Estimated Pricing

$4,329–$9,060 / mth

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Holiday City West Homeowners

3.8

45 Cabrillo Blvd, New Jersey 08757

Independent Living

Holiday City West isn't a care facility in the traditional sense—it's a large, well-established 55+ community where most residents own their homes and live independently. The heart of daily life here is the clubhouse, which is always buzzing with activity. You'll find folks gathering for card games, fitness classes, and hobby clubs—gardening, arts and crafts, and bocce are especially popular. The outdoor pool is a favorite in the summer, and the walking paths are well-kept for morning strolls.

Estimated Pricing

$4,813–$7,394 / mth

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Holiday City At Berkeley

3.8

631 Jamaica Blvd, New Jersey 08757

Independent Living

Holiday City At Berkeley is more like a small town than a typical senior living community. Instead of a single building, it's a sprawling 55+ neighborhood where folks live in their own homes but have access to a huge range of activities and amenities. Think clubhouses (there are several!), outdoor pools, a woodworking shop, and even a ceramics studio. People here stay busy with everything from yoga and Zumba to fishing and bowling clubs.

Estimated Pricing

$4,813–$7,394 / mth

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Mattison Crossing

3.8

93 Manalapan Ave, New Jersey 07728

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Mattison Crossing is one of those places that feels less like an institution and more like a busy, lived-in community. They offer independent living, assisted living, and a memory care program called Reflections, which is designed for folks with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Estimated Pricing

$3,651–$12,000 / mth

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AristaCare at Manchester

3.7

1770 Tobias Ave, New Jersey 08759

Memory Care

Independent Living

AristaCare at Manchester is a nursing home and rehab center that handles a mix of short-term rehab and longer-term care for older adults. They offer skilled nursing, memory care for folks with dementia, and support for people who need help with daily living. Some residents are there for rehab after a hospital stay, while others live there full-time. From what I found, the staff is a mix of registered nurses, aides, and activity coordinators.

Estimated Pricing

$3,672–$12,225 / mth

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Bartley Healthcare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

3.7

175 Bartley Rd, New Jersey 08527

Memory Care

Independent Living

Bartley Healthcare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is known around Jackson for being more than just a place to get care—it’s a spot where people actually build relationships. Families say the building is spotless, and residents often mention the food is surprisingly good. You’ll find a mix of long-term residents and folks there for short-term rehab, all sharing the same dining rooms and activity spaces.

Estimated Pricing

$2,615–$11,874 / mth

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Cornerstone at Toms River 55+

3.7

2121 Massachusetts Ave, New Jersey 08755

Independent Living

Cornerstone at Toms River 55+ is a bit different from the usual senior living options you’ll find in Ocean County. It’s not an assisted living facility or a sprawling campus with medical care on site—instead, it’s an affordable, independent living apartment community for folks 55 and older who want their own space but also want to stay social and active. The management is on-site 24/7, which is a comfort for families who worry about maintenance issues or building security.

Estimated Pricing

$4,813–$7,394 / mth

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Friendship Gardens

3.7

124 Friendship Gardens, New Jersey 07731

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Friendship Gardens is a smaller, low-key senior living community in Howell that focuses on independent and assisted living for older adults who want a sense of privacy without losing the chance to socialize. The staff here is known for being approachable and easy to talk to—families often mention how they feel comfortable asking questions or raising concerns, and that the team responds quickly.

Estimated Pricing

$2,567–$7,797 / mth

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The Willows at Toms River

3.7

1000 Axl Dr, New Jersey 08755

Independent Living

The Willows at Toms River isn’t your typical senior care provider—it’s actually an affordable apartment community designed for families, including seniors who want more independence but still value some support. What stands out is that every apartment comes with its own washer and dryer, spacious closets, and a kitchen with quartz countertops and modern appliances.

Estimated Pricing

$4,813–$7,394 / mth

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Cedar Glen Village Recreation Hall and Office

3.6

2 Beech St, New Jersey 08757

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Cedar Glen Village Recreation Hall and Office is part of a long-standing senior community at 2 Beech St in Toms River. The Recreation Hall acts as the main social hub, hosting everything from bingo nights to arts and crafts, and it's where neighbors catch up over coffee or club meetings. This isn't a traditional assisted living facility—it's more of a close-knit, independent living setup, where residents have their own homes but come together for activities and support.

Estimated Pricing

$4,329–$7,394 / mth

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Sunnyside Manor

3.6

2500 Ridgewood Rd, New Jersey 07719

Memory Care

Independent Living

Sunnyside Manor stands out in Wall for being family owned and operated, which isn’t something you see every day in this area. The Keane family runs the place and is known for being hands-on—families mention them by name in reviews, saying they go above and beyond to make residents and visitors feel welcome. The staff gets a lot of praise for being genuinely caring and attentive, and several families say it feels more like a home than an institution.

Estimated Pricing

$2,926–$15,839 / mth

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Surrey Downs Clubhouse

3.5

1 Queen Anne Blvd, New Jersey 07728

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Surrey Downs Clubhouse is the heart of a lively 55+ community in Freehold, where neighbors seem to genuinely know each other. It’s not a traditional assisted living facility—what you’ll find here is more of an independent, active adult neighborhood with a clubhouse that acts as a social and recreational hub.

Estimated Pricing

$3,651–$6,977 / mth

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Important things to know about Independent Living

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

Added: Jun 1, 2023

4 min read

Last modified: Nov 26, 2023

Seniors in independent living manage their day-to-day lives on their own. There is no staff to help with personal care

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