Finding a place to live in Ocean County feels like a competitive sport lately. Honestly, if you've spent any time scrolling through rental listings in New Jersey, you know the "Silver Ridge" name pops up constantly. But here is the thing: half the people looking for Silver Ridge Apartments Toms River are actually looking for two completely different things.
You’ve got the 55+ retirement community (Silver Ridge Park) and the actual multi-family rental complex (Silver Ridge Apartments). Mixing them up is a classic mistake. If you’re a 25-year-old looking for a sleek commute to the Garden State Parkway and you accidentally call the HOA for the senior housing, you're gonna have a weird Tuesday.
What Silver Ridge Apartments Toms River Actually Is
Basically, the "actual" Silver Ridge Apartments is a residential community located at 21 Edgewood Drive. It’s tucked right into the heart of Toms River. It’s not a sprawling luxury resort, and it doesn't try to be. Built in 1979, it’s a solid, two-story complex with about 308 units.
The vibe here is very "neighborhoody." You'll find a lot of folks who have lived here for years because, quite frankly, it’s one of the few spots in town where the rent doesn’t make your eyes water. While the average 2-bedroom in Toms River can easily push past $2,300 these days, units here often sit significantly lower. We’re talking a roughly 25% to 28% discount compared to the city-wide average.
The Layout and the "Upgrades"
They offer one- and two-bedroom options.
One-bedrooms hover around 908 square feet.
Two-bedrooms give you a bit more breathing room at 1,037 square feet.
Management has been leaning into renovations lately. Some units now have hardwood flooring—which is a godsend if you hate vacuuming old carpets—and they’ve updated several kitchens. You’ve also got the washer/dryer situation. Some units have stackable units included, while others just have the hook-ups. If you don't have a machine, they just opened a new laundry facility on-site. It’s "state of the art," or at least as state of the art as a laundry room can be.
Location: The Real Selling Point
Let’s be real. You aren't moving here for a rooftop infinity pool. You’re moving here because of where it sits on the map.
Silver Ridge Apartments is basically five minutes from everything.
- Downtown Toms River: A quick jaunt to Main Street for the farmers market or Huddy Park.
- The Parkway: You can hit the GSP in minutes, which is vital if you're commuting north to Brick or south toward Atlantic City.
- The Beach: You’re about 15-20 minutes from the Seaside Park boardwalk.
- Shopping: You’ve got Addalia Plaza and Oakridge Shopping Center within a 3-minute drive.
If you’re a student or work in education, Ocean County College is about 14 minutes away. It’s a convenient hub, even if the "Walk Score" is pretty low. You definitely need a car here. Don't expect to hoof it to the grocery store unless you've got some very sturdy sneakers and a lot of patience.
The "Other" Silver Ridge: Don’t Get It Twisted
This is where the confusion peaks. Silver Ridge Park is the massive 55+ active adult community nearby. It’s divided into North, West, Westerly, and East sections.
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People often call the apartment complex asking about the shuffleboard courts or the "men's and women's clubs." Those are at the Park. The Park is a collection of over 3,000 single-family homes, not rentals. If you see a listing for a house on "Edgewater Court" for $250,000, that’s the retirement community. If you see a rental for $1,700 on "Edgewood Drive," that’s the apartment complex. One letter difference, totally different lifestyle.
What It’s Really Like Living There
Reviews are a mixed bag, like any apartment complex that's been around since the 70s.
One long-term resident mentioned they loved the "lax" nature of the management and the fact that most neighbors keep to themselves. It’s quiet. No massive parties. Just the occasional door slam or the sound of someone's alarm through the wall.
That brings up a point: the walls aren't soundproof. It’s a 1979 build. If your upstairs neighbor is a professional clog dancer, you’re gonna know about it. But for a first apartment or a "budget-friendly" move, most people seem to find the trade-off worth it for the price.
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Practical Insights for Potential Renters
If you’re thinking about signing a lease at Silver Ridge Apartments Toms River, keep these few things in mind.
- Check for Specials: They often run a "one month free" special if you return your application the same day. It's a hustle, but it saves you two grand.
- Verify the Utilities: Some units include gas/heat in the rent, which is a huge win in a Jersey winter. Always ask specifically which meter you're responsible for.
- Parking and Access: It’s a walk-up. No elevators. If you’re on the second floor, you’re hauling groceries up the stairs.
- The Office: They are mostly "By Appointment Only" on weekdays. Don't just show up on a Saturday morning expecting a tour; the office is closed on weekends.
The crime score in this specific pocket of Toms River is actually quite low—around a 4 out of 10 on the risk scale—which is better than many surrounding areas. It feels safe, it’s tucked away from the main highway noise, and the landscaping is generally kept up.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re serious about moving in, your first move shouldn't be a random Google Form.
Call the leasing office directly at 848-285-5426. Ask specifically for a "renovated" unit with the washer/dryer included, as the price difference is usually negligible compared to the headache of going to the laundry mat. If they don't have a renovated unit, ask when the next one is hitting the market; turnover happens fairly regularly.
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Map out your commute from Edgewood Drive during the 8:00 AM rush before you sign. The proximity to Route 9 is great, but that intersection can be a bear during peak hours. Once you’ve verified the utility inclusions and checked the stairs, you’ll have a much clearer picture of whether this "hidden gem" fits your budget and your legs.