Covered Bridge in Manalapan Township is a well-established and vibrant residential community located in Western Monmouth County, New Jersey. Nestled in a peaceful suburban area, Covered Bridge offers an ideal setting for active adults seeking both comfort and connection. Its proximity to the New Jersey shore—less than fifteen miles away—and just forty-five miles southwest of New York City makes it an attractive place for those who want the tranquility of suburban life without sacrificing access to metropolitan amenities.
Designed as an affordable, age-restricted community, Covered Bridge consists of 1,557 homes primarily arranged in condominium buildings with eight to ten units per building. Each unit comes with either one or two bedrooms, and every home is equipped with electric heat. The development ensures that at least one resident in each household is 55 years of age or older, and no resident under the age of 19 may live there full-time. In addition to comfortable living spaces—many of which offer screened porches, spacious living and dining areas, and walk-in closets—residents enjoy an impressive suite of amenities designed to foster an active and social lifestyle.
The focal point of community life is the clubhouse, which serves as a hub for diverse activities and gatherings. A ballroom hosts frequent events, such as bi-weekly dance classes including line dancing and folk dancing, while large multipurpose and gathering rooms provide space for holiday parties and social events. Residents can unwind in recreational spaces such as a sauna, lounge, outdoor patio areas, and the swimming pool, or get outdoors in picnic areas and gardening plots. Covered Bridge boasts two separate clubhouses—Covered Bridge One and Covered Bridge Two—each with its own pool, fitness center, and tennis courts, so that amenities are never overcrowded.
Artistic pursuits flourish here, with an Arts and Crafts Studio, a Woodworking Shop, and creative programming like 3D classes, ceramics, creative writing sessions, and the Covered Bridge Singers group. For those inclined to games and sports, there are options galore: bocce courts, four shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, table tennis facilities, basketball courts, tennis, billiards, and organized groups for bowling and golf. Active adults also enjoy privileged access to the nearby Pine Brook eighteen-hole, par sixty-one executive golf course, with discounted rates provided to local residents.
A full-time activities director works diligently to coordinate year-round events, classes, and clubs, ensuring there's always something happening no matter the season. Among the many social and recreational groups are the book club, baby boomer couples club, canasta, chess, mahjong, Yiddish club, meditation groups, water aerobics, bingo, duplicate bridge, table tennis team, and Zumba Gold. Residents also participate in unique community events such as Halloween parties, Columbus Day celebrations, a labor day barbeque, a riverboat cruise, veteran recognition breakfasts, breast cancer walks, movie showings, and green thumb gardening.
Conveniences at Covered Bridge extend beyond leisure. Amenities such as a well-stocked library, a computer room with assistance for residents to set up and use email accounts, a driving range practice net, a pro shop, and even a peaceful koi pond enrich the day-to-day experience. The community provides Monmouth County bus service to supermarkets, local shopping centers, and malls, as well as social services and connections to other transportation modes. For those who require medical attention, the CentraState Medical Center and various other health facilities are located conveniently nearby in Freehold. The county also offers non-emergency medical transportation for residents, contributing to the overall ease and peace of mind found at Covered Bridge.
Whether enjoying ceramics, playing a round of golf, exercising in the fitness center, attending organized meditation, or joining any of the dozens of interest groups, residents of Covered Bridge in Manalapan will find a warm, engaging, and supportive environment, built specifically for those embracing the joys and opportunities of active adult living.