Surrey Downs in Freehold, NJ

Information last verified:

1 Queen Anne Boulevard, Freehold, NJ 07728

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

4.2 from 28 reviews
5 stars
17
4 stars
7
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 stars
4

Overall Review of Surrey Downs

Pros

  • pro The community is very nice.
  • pro It is a great place to live.
  • pro The updated clubhouse offers games, bingo nights, parties, and social events.
  • pro It is a nice quiet place to live with lots to do and close to everything.
  • pro The facility has been redone very nicely.
  • pro The area is lovely and most people are very friendly.
  • pro It is a hidden gem among 55+ communities.
  • pro The venue is well-equipped with a nice kitchen, coat rooms, restrooms, and easy parking for events.

Cons

  • pro The board is described as tyrannical and capable of making residents' lives miserable.
  • pro The association fees have risen to $285, with no clear explanation of what the extra $60 pays for.
  • pro Reduced garbage collection is blamed for foul smells and vermin entering homes.
  • pro The management company is listed in the budget as costing $25,000 more this year, yet there is no transparent account of the spend.
  • pro The board promised transparency but remains tight-lipped and evasive when questions are asked.
  • pro The board roams the grounds looking for infractions to fine, creating an unfriendly atmosphere for residents.
  • pro Surrey Downs is not recommended by some residents.
  • pro The office staff are nasty and the administration is not welcoming or friendly.

Review

Surrey Downs in Freehold is best suited for hands-on, social retirees who want a true neighborhood feel with a steady stream of organized activities, clubs, and a clubhouse that acts as the community’s social hub. This 55+ enclave centers on single-family detached homes and a refreshed clubhouse that hosts games, bingo, parties, and regular gatherings. Residents who prize ongoing activities, a sense of belonging, and easy access to amenities will find the environment inviting. The property supports a routine of group-centered living, with a Great Room, exercise room, library, billiards, ceramics, and a kitchen ready for gatherings. For the right resident, Surrey Downs delivers genuine peer connection and a lively cadence to retirement.

However, Surrey Downs may not fit households that demand flawless governance, predictable expenses, and consistently welcoming administration. Several reviews flag concerns about board transparency and expense allocation, describing a climate where questions about budgets can feel fruitless. Some residents characterize the office staff as unfriendly, and the enforcement style, fines for infractions, can come across as punitive rather than collaborative. Dues have risen from $225 to $285, and while that 60-dollar hike over three years is framed as market-appropriate, there is a sense that the cost-to-service balance is not uniformly explained or validated. For buyers who require crystal-clear financial stewardship and a consistently warm administrative tone, alternatives deserve consideration.

On balance, the positives do carry substantial weight. The social infrastructure is robust: a well-used clubhouse and a calendar filled with events that nourish neighborliness, plus the practical benefit of rooms designed for hosting gatherings. The communal vibe is repeatedly described as friendly, with residents who are helpful and engaged, and the proximity to everyday needs is a practical advantage. The amenities, great room, exercise options, library, billiards, ceramics, provide tangible value for those who want a turnkey social life without chasing activities. In this sense, the community’s core strength, vibrant social life and well-maintained facilities, can offset governance tensions for residents who prioritize connection and organized leisure over spotless process control.

Yet the downsides are real enough to impact long-term satisfaction. Fee increases matter, and the lack of transparent budget explanations fuels skepticism about whether every dollar is well spent. The perception of a “tyrannical” board and a front-office dynamic that feels unwelcoming can erode the calm, easy atmosphere that many seek in retirement living. Reduced garbage collection frequency is a concrete daily nuisance, and questions about pest control and service reliability dampen the sense of reliability expected from a well-run community. When governance and maintenance questions remain unresolved, the risk grows that the overall living experience becomes more about navigating friction than savoring community life.

Those who should explore alternatives are households prioritizing a more serene governance experience, with budgets that feel predictable and an administrative culture that is consistently resident-friendly. If transparency and approachable management matter as much as social opportunity, it makes sense to look at other 55+ communities where minutes, budgets, and service commitments are openly discussed and sustained over time. For buyers who want similar amenities and social opportunities without the accompanying governance frictions or unclear cost justifications, researching options with stronger resident communication and steadier dues is prudent. Surrey Downs remains attractive for social vitality, but governance dynamics and cost clarity push some buyers toward peers offering smoother administration.

Practical steps to assess Surrey Downs before making a commitment are clear. Request the latest financial statements, the current budget, and minutes from recent board meetings to gauge how allocations are tracked and communicated. Talk to a spectrum of residents about day-to-day interactions with staff and board leadership to gauge consistency of tone and responsiveness. Schedule a tour during a community event to observe whether the social atmosphere feels inclusive and well-supported or clubby and tension-filled. Look for a clearly defined maintenance plan and a transparent schedule for upcoming upgrades. If these checks align with personal expectations, Surrey Downs can be a solid choice for an active, connected retirement; if not, it’s wise to widen the search to alternatives that deliver similar amenities with more predictable governance and cost clarity.

Features

Housing

  • 6 resident community capacity 6 resident community capacity

Types of Care

  • Active Adult Communities (55+) Active Adult Communities (55+)Active Adult Communities provide seniors with opportunities for socialization, activities, and wellness programs tailored to their needs. These communities offer a sense of belonging and security while promoting an active and independent lifestyle for those aged 55 and older.

Amenities

  • Housekeeping services Housekeeping servicesHousekeeping services are important for seniors because they help maintain a clean and safe living environment, promote independence, and reduce the risk of accidents or illnesses. Additionally, having assistance with household chores can alleviate physical strain and allow seniors to focus on other aspects of their well-being.
  • Telephone TelephoneTelephones are important for seniors as they provide a lifeline for communication with loved ones, emergency services, and healthcare providers. They offer a sense of security and independence, enabling seniors to stay connected and access assistance when needed.
  • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available Wi-Fi/high-speed internet availableWi-Fi/high-speed internet is important for seniors to stay connected with loved ones, access online resources, and participate in virtual activities to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also allows them to easily manage healthcare needs, access entertainment, and engage in lifelong learning opportunities.

Care Services

  • Assistance with dressing Assistance with dressingAssistance with dressing is important for seniors because it helps maintain their independence, promotes personal hygiene, prevents accidents and injuries, and improves overall quality of life. This service ensures that seniors can continue to dress comfortably and confidently, despite any physical limitations they may have.
  • Meal preparation and service Meal preparation and serviceMeal preparation and service are crucial for seniors as they may have limited mobility or energy to cook nutritious meals. Having access to healthy and convenient food options can ensure they are getting the proper nutrition needed to maintain their overall health and well-being.
  • Medication management Medication managementMedication management is crucial for seniors to ensure they are taking the right medications at the correct dosages and times. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and promotes overall health and well-being. Proactive management also allows for adjustments as needed based on changing health conditions or new prescriptions.

Dining

  • Diabetes diet Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
  • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications.

Description

Surrey Downs in Freehold, NJ is an assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of its residents. Our facility features telephone and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet, ensuring that residents can stay connected with their loved ones and the outside world.

At Surrey Downs, we understand the importance of nutrition and offer meal preparation and service to our residents. Our staff is trained to accommodate special dietary restrictions, ensuring that each resident receives meals tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

We also provide medication management services to ensure that residents are taking their medications as prescribed by their healthcare professionals. Our trained staff members will assist with administering medications and creating personalized medication schedules for each resident.

In terms of location, Surrey Downs is conveniently situated near various amenities. There is a park nearby where residents can enjoy leisurely walks or engage in outdoor activities. Additionally, there are five pharmacies located in close proximity for easy access to medications.

For medical needs, there are nine physicians and a hospital nearby, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare services when required.

Residents at Surrey Downs can also enjoy dining experiences at various restaurants located nearby. Whether they prefer grabbing a quick bite or indulging in fine dining, there is a wide range of options available within easy reach.

Furthermore, for those interested in entertainment options such as movies or theater shows, there is a theater located close by, providing opportunities for residents to enjoy cultural experiences.

In summary, Surrey Downs in Freehold, NJ offers a comfortable and convenient assisted living community with an array of amenities and services aimed at making the lives of our residents enjoyable and fulfilling.

Nearby Places of Interest

Pharmacies

  • Walgreens (1.2 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
  • Walgreens (3.2 miles)
  • Walgreens (4.6 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (5 miles)
  • Rite Aid (5.4 miles)
  • Wegmans (5.5 miles)

Restaurants

  • Tommys Tavern + Tap (1.6 miles)
  • Chapter House (1.9 miles)
  • McDonald's (2.3 miles)
  • Tre Pizza, Pasta, Beer Garden (2.3 miles)
  • Escondido's Mexican Restaurant (3.1 miles)
  • P.F. Chang's China Bistro (3.4 miles)
  • The Cheesecake Factory (3.4 miles)

Physicians

  • Pediatric Health PA (2.9 miles)
  • Freehold Ophthalmology (3 miles)
  • Professional Orthopaedic Associates (3.1 miles)
  • Millennium Eye Care (3.1 miles)
  • Dr Minzter's Office (3.3 miles)
  • University Radiology (3.4 miles)
  • 1001 Medical Plaza (3.5 miles)

Theaters

  • AMC Freehold 14 (3.1 miles)
  • AMC Monmouth Mall 15 (11.5 miles)

Parks

  • East Freehold Park & Showgrounds (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

  • Bright Horizons At Centrastate Medical Center (3.4 miles)
  • Meridian Health System (6.1 miles)
  • Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center (11.1 miles)
  • K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital (11.1 miles)
  • Ocean Medical Center (11.7 miles)

Transportation

  • Union Hill Rd Park & Ride (8.7 miles)

Cafes

  • Starbucks (9.8 miles)
  • Starbucks (11 miles)
  • Rook Coffee (11.3 miles)
  • Rook Coffee (11.5 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Surrey Downs?

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