Ben PhilipFour Seasons at Mirage is a retirement community located in Barnegat, Ocean County, New Jersey. It is designed for adults aged 55 and older who want to enjoy an active, low-maintenance lifestyle. The community features a welcoming atmosphere, single-family homes, a wide range of amenities, and a strong sense of belonging. Its location near the Jersey Shore gives residents easy access to beaches, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions while enjoying the comfort of a quiet and secure neighborhood.
Four Seasons at Mirage Retirement Community
Location and Setting
Four Seasons at Mirage is located in Barnegat Township, a charming coastal community in southern Ocean County, New Jersey. The location places residents just minutes away from the Jersey Shore, particularly Long Beach Island, and provides easy access to the Garden State Parkway, making it convenient for visiting nearby towns such as Toms River, Atlantic City, and even Philadelphia.
Barnegat is known for its small-town charm, local shops, and waterfront parks, offering retirees a slower pace of life while still remaining close to cultural and recreational opportunities. The area has mild summers, crisp autumns, and relatively mild winters compared to northern New Jersey, allowing retirees to enjoy all four seasons without extremes. This balance in weather is a major attraction for seniors who enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Community Overview
Four Seasons at Mirage is a 55+ active adult community built by K. Hovnanian, a respected builder of lifestyle-oriented developments. Completed in the early 2000s, the community is fully established, with more than 1,200 single-family homes spread across beautifully landscaped streets and cul-de-sacs.
Unlike some retirement developments that feel crowded, Four Seasons at Mirage is known for its spacious layout and thoughtful planning. The community blends manicured lawns, tree-lined streets, and scenic ponds, creating a serene and inviting environment. The gated entrance enhances security while fostering a sense of privacy and exclusivity.
Homes and Real Estate Options
One of the defining features of Four Seasons at Mirage is its variety of single-family home designs tailored for the needs of retirees. Homes range in size from about 1,200 to over 3,000 square feet, giving residents options whether they want a cozy retreat or a larger home to entertain guests and family.
Key Features of the Homes:
- Single-level living with layouts that eliminate the need for stairs
- Open floor plans with modern kitchens and spacious living areas
- Energy-efficient construction and systems to reduce long-term costs
- Customization options such as sunrooms, dens, or extended patios
- Attached two-car garages for convenience and storage
- Private outdoor spaces, perfect for gardening or relaxation
Resale prices in the community vary depending on size and condition, but Four Seasons at Mirage remains one of the more affordable retirement destinations at the Jersey Shore, making it attractive to retirees seeking both quality and value.
Amenities
The crown jewel of the community is the 21,000-square-foot clubhouse, which serves as the central hub for recreation, fitness, and socialization. Designed to feel like a resort, the clubhouse and its surrounding grounds provide nearly every amenity that active retirees could want.
Indoor Amenities:
- State-of-the-art fitness center with cardio and strength-training equipment
- Heated indoor pool and spa for year-round use
- Ballroom for dances, banquets, and community events
- Arts and crafts studio for creative projects
- Card and game rooms for social gatherings
- Library for quiet reading and study
- Billiards room for casual play and tournaments
Outdoor Amenities:
- Resort-style pool with sundeck
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Bocce ball and shuffleboard courts
- Walking and biking trails throughout the community
- Putting green for golf enthusiasts
These amenities encourage not just physical activity but also opportunities for building friendships and maintaining a vibrant social life.
Lifestyle and Activities
Life at Four Seasons at Mirage is far from ordinary. The community promotes an active lifestyle where residents can choose to be as social or as private as they wish.
Clubs and Interest Groups:
Dozens of resident-run clubs and organizations exist, reflecting the diverse interests of the homeowners. Popular options include:
- Book clubs
- Travel groups
- Fitness classes such as yoga, Zumba, and water aerobics
- Gardening club
- Photography club
- Art workshops
- Veterans association
- Theater and drama club
Events and Social Calendar:
The community also organizes dances, movie nights, lecture series, holiday parties, and group outings to nearby cultural attractions. Seasonal celebrations like summer barbecues or holiday galas bring residents together and strengthen the sense of belonging.
Volunteer and Community Service:
Many retirees also use their free time to contribute to local charities and civic organizations, strengthening ties to Barnegat and the surrounding region.
Nearby Attractions
Living at Four Seasons at Mirage means residents can easily access an array of local attractions:
- Beaches and boardwalks along Long Beach Island and Seaside Heights
- Shopping in nearby Manahawkin and Toms River
- Medical facilities including several hospitals and specialty centers
- Golf courses for both recreational and competitive play
- Atlantic City with casinos, dining, and shows
- The Pine Barrens, ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking
The community’s location strikes a balance between the quiet comfort of Barnegat and the vibrancy of nearby coastal towns.
Safety and Security
Four Seasons at Mirage is a gated community, providing residents with added security and peace of mind. The homeowners’ association manages landscaping, common areas, and snow removal, allowing retirees to enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle. Knowing that exterior upkeep is handled enables residents to spend more time on hobbies, travel, and relaxation.
Cost of Living
Compared to other coastal retirement communities, Four Seasons at Mirage offers affordability without sacrificing quality. The combination of reasonably priced homes, manageable HOA fees, and low-maintenance living makes it a financially appealing choice for retirees seeking long-term value. Additionally, New Jersey offers senior property tax relief programs, which can make ownership even more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Four Seasons at Mirage Retirement Community?
A: It is an active adult community built for residents aged 55 and older. It offers resort-style living, modern homes, and an engaging lifestyle with clubs, events, and recreational facilities.
Q: How many homes are in the community?
A: There are more than 1,200 single-family homes spread across landscaped streets, creating a spacious and welcoming environment.
Q: What types of homes are available?
A: The community offers a variety of single-family homes ranging from about 1,200 to over 3,000 square feet. Most homes are single-level with open floor plans, attached two-car garages, and outdoor spaces. Some homes also include features like sunrooms, dens, or extended patios.
Q: What amenities are available?
A: Amenities include a 21,000-square-foot clubhouse, fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce and shuffleboard courts, walking and biking trails, a putting green, a library, billiards, and activity rooms for arts, crafts, and games.
Q: Are there educational opportunities?
A: While there are no formal schools within the community, residents often participate in educational activities such as book clubs, lecture series, workshops, and classes organized by fellow residents or nearby community centers.
Q: What healthcare facilities are nearby?
A: Several hospitals, urgent care centers, and medical offices are located in and around Ocean County. Nearby facilities include Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin and larger hospitals in Toms River.
Q: What shopping and dining options are available?
A: Residents have access to local shopping centers in Barnegat and Manahawkin, as well as larger retail hubs in Toms River. Dining options include everything from casual eateries and cafes to fine dining restaurants along the Jersey Shore.
Q: What recreational activities are nearby?
A: The community is close to Long Beach Island beaches, golf courses, boating and fishing areas, the Pine Barrens for hiking and kayaking, and cultural destinations like Atlantic City and Seaside Heights.
Q: What committees are available for residents?
A: Residents can join various committees that help plan events, manage clubs, organize volunteer work, or oversee social and recreational activities. These committees give residents opportunities to get involved and shape the community’s lifestyle.
Conclusion
Four Seasons at Mirage is more than just a retirement community; it is a lifestyle choice for active adults who want to combine comfort, social engagement, and convenience. With spacious homes, a wide array of amenities, a strong community spirit, and a prime location near the Jersey Shore, it provides everything retirees need to enjoy their best years.