Local Couple Finds Space and Ease at East Gate in Ft. Monmouth

A spacious and luxurious single-family home, the allure of a storied setting and the many advantages of maintenance-free living made East Gate in historic Fort Monmouth the perfect Jersey Shore neighborhood for Sandra Craig-Barry and her husband to enjoy their empty-nester years.

For the past 16 years, the couple owned a large single-family home in Middletown, NJ, and while they were unquestionably ready to downsize and put the chores and worries of maintenance behind them, they were not quite prepared to sacrifice the comfort, space and appeal of single-family living.

“We knew it was time to trade in our home in Middletown,” Mrs. Craig Barry recalls. “We were tired of dealing with the maintenance issues of a large property. However we also weren’t ready to transition into a smaller townhouse or duplex residence. So we began a search in Monmouth County where we could find a home that offered the best of both worlds and was still located in close proximity to our work in Farmingdale, NJ.”

The couples initially researched the area’s active adult communities which traditionally draw empty-nesters from throughout the state seeking a maintenance-free environment. However, they quickly discovered the price to enjoy a care-free, single-family lifestyle at an age-restricted neighborhood has expensive associated costs and the atmosphere wasn’t exactly what they desired.

“The homeowner association fees in many of the 55 and over communities were pricey, ranging from $650 to $750 per month,” Mrs. Craig-Barry says. “We also felt like we didn’t want to move into a community that didn’t have young neighbors.”

As local residents, the couple had heard about the many development initiatives going on at the 1,226-acre former Fort Monmouth army post in Oceanport, N.J., including the introduction of a new luxury residential neighborhood – East Gate. They decided to take a look. It only took one visit to convince Mrs. Craig-Barry and her husband they found the ideal retirement destination in a roomy single family residence at East Gate.

“We immediately loved the historical features, along with the interior finishes,” she says. “Additionally, the garage and basements added to the appeal. We are truly in love with this community. We intend to use this property as our primary home – until we find a property in Florida. At that time, East Gate will become our summer residence.”

East Gate is a unique collection of 68 townhomes, duplexes and single-family residences being created in century-old Officer’s Housing buildings on Fort Monmouth. Upscale single-family homes at the community boast over 3,000 square feet of lavish living space, and are priced from the mid-$800,000s.

The East Gate community is the first residential component to open at Fort Monmouth, which is fast becoming the Jersey Shore’s most notable and newest live/play center. The former army post has emerged as a year-round lifestyle destination with amenities and services, including the nearby Marina at Oceanport, parade grounds and open space, as well as an expected bowling alley, microbrewery, walking trails and The Fort Athletic Club which is slated to open soon.

East Gate boasts eye-catching architecture and distinctive homes that offer an attractive alternative to the area’s conventional housing stock. To create a nostalgic, yet modern living experience at the community, RPM Development has masterfully blended the original building exteriors which date back to the early 20th century with contemporary interiors boasting expansive living spaces and designer finishes and appointments. In addition to the single-family homes, a number of duplex residences are available at East Gate priced from the $500,000s.

Palermo Edwards Architecture has remodeled the buildings’ interiors to create new two- and three-story homes with luxurious kitchens and bathrooms and a high level of style and comfort. Generous floorplans feature designer elements, including modern kitchens with granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel Kohler fixtures and GE appliance packages; and master-bathroom suites with double vanity countertops, Moen Eva faucets and showers with built-in benches and frameless shower doors. Residences also provide hardwood flooring throughout first floors in the townhome designs and throughout both first and second floors in the duplex and single-family floorplans.

Oceanport is one of Monmouth County’s most desired residential settings, combining a distinctly suburban environment with award-winning schools. The Borough also provides an incredibly commuter-friendly location with easy access to all that makes Jersey Shore living so special.

East Gate itself is situated just minutes from popular New Jersey beaches and the banks of the Shrewsbury River, and is in proximity to the entertainment, dining and culture of Red Bank and Asbury Park.

For additional information, please call 732-523-5566 or visit www.EastGateOceanport.com. The on-site sales program is being conducted by Coldwell Banker New Homes of Florham Park, NJ. The community’s sales and model complex is located at 33 Russel Avenue, Oceanport, NJ 07757.

About RPM Development Group

Founded in 1986, RPM is one of the leading developers of high-quality homes in New Jersey. RPM brings all aspects of the development process under one roof, with expertise across all phases of construction. We take pride in creating attractively designed and sustainably crafted homes.