Burlington County is home to some of the best retirement communities in South Jersey. Whether you are looking for an active adult community with golf, pools, and social clubs, or a continuing care community that will support you through every stage of life, the options here are diverse, well-maintained, and welcoming.
After 20 years in South Jersey real estate and more than 636 homes sold, I have walked through nearly every retirement community in the county. This guide covers the types of communities available, what to look for when choosing one, and the top neighborhoods and developments worth exploring in Burlington County.
What Types of Retirement Communities Are Available?
Understanding the different types of retirement communities is the first step to finding the right fit. Each type serves a different lifestyle and level of need:
- Active Adult Communities (55-plus): These are age-restricted neighborhoods where residents must be at least 55 years old. They typically offer low-maintenance homes, clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, and social activities. You own your home and manage your own daily life, but the community handles exterior maintenance and landscaping. Examples include Four Seasons at Mount Laurel and Traditions at Medford.
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): These provide a full spectrum of care on one campus, from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing. You pay an entrance fee and monthly fees, and you have access to higher levels of care as your needs change without having to move to a new facility. Medford Leas is a well-known CCRC in Burlington County.
- Independent Living Communities: Similar to active adult but usually not age-restricted. You live independently in an apartment or cottage with access to communal dining, activities, and transportation. These are often part of a larger CCRC campus.
- Assisted Living and Memory Care: For seniors who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management. These communities provide 24-hour staff support and are available throughout Burlington County.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Retirement Community?
Every retirement community is different. The best one for you depends on your priorities. Here are the key factors I encourage my clients to evaluate:
- Location and proximity to family. The best community in the world is the wrong one if it is too far from the people you want to see regularly. Burlington County's retirement communities are spread from the river towns in the west to the Pine Barrens in the east.
- Monthly fees and what they cover. In active adult communities, HOA fees typically cover lawn care, snow removal, and common area maintenance. In CCRCs, monthly fees cover meals, activities, and access to healthcare. Ask for a complete list of what is and is not included.
- Home styles and sizes. Active adult communities offer single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and condos. Some communities skew toward larger homes (1,800 to 2,400 square feet), while others focus on smaller, more manageable layouts. Visit both to see what feels right.
- Amenities that match your lifestyle. Do you want a pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, walking trails, a wood shop, or a community garden? The best communities have amenities you will actually use.
- The community culture. Visit more than once. Attend a community event if possible. Talk to residents. Is the community active and social, or quiet and private? Both are fine, but you want to know which you are getting into.
- Healthcare access. How close is the community to hospitals, doctors, and specialists? Burlington County has excellent healthcare through Virtua Health, Jefferson Health, and Cooper University Health Care systems. Some communities offer on-site health clinics or wellness programs.
- Age of the community and reserve funds. Older communities may have deferred maintenance or special assessments. Ask for the most recent reserve study to understand the financial health of the association.
What Are the Top Retirement Communities in Burlington County?
Based on my experience walking through and helping clients buy and sell in these communities, here are some of the most popular and well-regarded retirement communities in Burlington County:
Four Seasons at Mount Laurel
One of the premier active adult communities in South Jersey. Located in Mount Laurel, this 55-plus community offers single-family homes and townhomes with a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, fitness center, and an active social calendar. Convenient to Route 73, Route 38, and the Moorestown Mall. Homes typically range from the high $200,000s to the mid $400,000s.
Traditions at Medford
Located in Medford, this active adult community features ranch-style and two-story homes with first-floor master suites. Amenities include a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and walking trails. The community is close to Medford's historic downtown and the Pine Barrens. Home prices generally range from the mid $300,000s to the low $500,000s.
Medford Leas
A nationally recognized Quaker-affiliated continuing care retirement community in Medford, set on 160+ wooded acres. Offers independent living cottages and apartments, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Known for its environmental stewardship, on-site arboretum, and exceptional dining program. Entrance fees vary widely depending on residence size and level of care.
LeisureTowne
A well-established active adult community in Southampton (near Medford). Offers ranch-style and townhome living with a golf course, clubhouse, pools, and tennis courts. More affordable than some newer communities, with home prices typically in the $200,000s to $300,000s. A great option if you want an active lifestyle without the premium price tag.
Winslow Crossing at Marlton
A newer active adult community offering single-family homes and townhomes in a prime Marlton location. Clubhouse, pool, walking trails, and easy access to shopping, dining, and Route 73. Home prices typically range from the low $300,000s to the mid $400,000s.
How Much Do Retirement Communities in Burlington County Cost?
Costs vary significantly by community type and home size. Here is a general range based on current market conditions:
- Active adult home purchase: $200,000 to $600,000 depending on community, location, and home size.
- Monthly HOA fees: $150 to $500 for active adult communities. Covers lawn care, snow removal, exterior maintenance, and amenities.
- CCRC entrance fees: $100,000 to $700,000+ depending on residence size and contract type.
- CCRC monthly fees: $2,000 to $5,000+ depending on level of care and services included.
Property taxes in Burlington County are also an important factor. New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the country, but Burlington County's rates are generally lower than those in counties closer to New York. Each town has a different tax rate, which I can help you compare when evaluating specific communities.
What Are the Benefits of Moving to an Active Adult Community?
My clients who have made the move to an active adult community consistently report the same benefits:
- Less maintenance, more freedom. No more mowing, shoveling, or worrying about the roof. The time and energy you used to spend on home maintenance is yours again.
- Built-in social life. Active adult communities are designed for connection. Neighbors are at the same life stage, and there are clubs, events, and activities for every interest.
- Lower utility and insurance costs. A smaller home means lower heating, cooling, and insurance costs. Many communities also have energy-efficient construction.
- One-floor living options. Many active adult homes offer first-floor master suites, reducing the need to navigate stairs. This is a key feature for aging in place within the community.
- Peace of mind for family. Adult children often feel better knowing you are in a community with neighbors nearby, activities to keep you engaged, and maintenance handled.
How Do You Know Which Retirement Community Is Right for You?
The best way to find the right community is to experience it firsthand. I recommend visiting at least three communities before deciding. Tour the model homes, eat at the dining room, walk the grounds, and talk to residents. Pay attention to how you feel in each place.
I can help you narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and lifestyle priorities. With my knowledge of Burlington County's retirement communities, I can save you time and help you avoid communities that do not fit. And if you are selling your current home to fund the move, I can guide you through that process too. Explore my selling options for different approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be 55 to live in an active adult community?
Are pets allowed in retirement communities?
Can I finance a home in an active adult community?
What happens if my health needs change after I move into an active adult community?
Find the Right Retirement Community for You
Choosing a retirement community is a big decision. I have helped many South Jersey families explore their options, tour communities, and make confident choices. I would be happy to help you too.
Contact Bob or schedule a consultation to discuss your retirement living goals.
Bob Millaway
Epique Realty Agent · AI Certified Agent™ · 636+ homes sold. I have helped hundreds of South Jersey families find the right retirement community. Let me help you find yours.
Contact Bob