Buying a home in New Jersey usually feels like a series of compromises. You want the space, but you don't want the 90-minute commute. You want the modern open floor plan, but all the "charming" houses in Monmouth County were built in 1974 and have those weirdly small kitchens. K. Hovnanian Homes Views at Monmouth Manor basically stepped into that gap in Howell Township, and honestly, it’s one of the few spots where "new construction" doesn't just mean "beige box."
It’s tucked away in the Fort Plains neighborhood. If you know Howell, you know this is a sweet spot. You aren't quite in the chaos of Freehold's main shopping veins, but you’re close enough that a Target run doesn't require a packed lunch.
What’s the real deal with the layout?
Most people walking into a sales office expect three models. Here, they actually pushed it a bit further. The community is a mix—about 319 units in total—which sounds like a lot until you realize it’s split between single-family homes, townhomes, and some affordable housing condos. It keeps the vibe from feeling like a giant, monotonous grid.
The single-family homes are the heavy hitters. We’re talking up to 5 bedrooms and 3,580 square feet if you go for the bigger specs like the Knoxville. One thing that’s actually smart? The "Extra Suite."
It’s not just a guest room. It’s a full-blown living space with its own bathroom, usually tucked on the first floor. If you’ve got parents moving in or a kid who "graduated" but hasn't exactly left the nest, it’s a lifesaver. It beats the heck out of sharing a hallway with a teenager's laundry pile.
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The "Looks" system: Design for people who hate picking tile
K. Hovnanian does this thing called "Looks." Basically, they realized most of us have terrible taste or get overwhelmed by 400 shades of white. They’ve got four main palettes:
- Classic: It’s exactly what you think. Timeless, safe, resale-friendly.
- Farmhouse: Lots of whites and blacks. Very "Pinterest-y" but executed well.
- Loft: More industrial, cooler tones.
- Elements: The baseline, but still pretty sharp.
They use things like Sinclair white cabinets and Valle Nevado granite. It’s nice because the house actually looks cohesive. You don't end up with a kitchen that looks like a different decade than the primary bath.
The location is the actual "View"
The name "Views at Monmouth Manor" might feel like marketing fluff, but the location in Howell is the real selling point. You’re right near the Manasquan Reservoir. If you haven't been, it’s a 1,200-acre park with a 5-mile perimeter trail. It’s where everyone goes to pretend they’re "outdoorsy" on Saturdays.
Commuting is the other side of the coin. You’re minutes from the Garden State Parkway and Route 9. If you work in North Jersey or even NYC, it’s doable, though the Route 9 bus is a rite of passage every resident eventually survives.
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Is it actually worth the price tag?
Let’s be real. Prices in this development have hovered around the $850,000 to $1,000,000+ mark for the single-family units. That’s a lot of money. But in the current Monmouth County market, where a 50-year-old ranch with a leaky basement goes for $700k, the math starts to make sense for people who just want to move in and not think about a roof replacement for 25 years.
The HOA handles the annoying stuff. Snow removal? Done. Landscaping? Not your problem. For a lot of families, that time back on the weekends is worth the monthly fee.
Why it's not for everyone
If you want a three-acre wooded lot where you can't see your neighbors, keep looking. This is a community. Your neighbors are going to be there. You’ll see them at the mailbox. You’ll see them walking their dogs. It’s a "waving hello" kind of neighborhood.
Also, it’s car-dependent. You aren't walking to a coffee shop from your front door. You’re driving to Howell Plaza or the Freehold Raceway Mall. That’s just the reality of suburban Monmouth County.
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The "Sold Out" factor and what to do now
As of early 2026, many of the initial phases have moved quickly. K. Hovnanian often has "Quick Move-In" (QMI) homes, but at Views at Monmouth Manor, the demand has been high enough that you really have to watch the resale market or catch the very tail end of construction.
If you're looking at this spot, here’s how to actually handle it:
- Check the tax map. Howell has different tax rates than neighboring Freehold or Wall. It’s usually a bit more palatable, but verify the specific lot.
- Visit the Reservoir first. Walk the trail. If you don't see yourself using that park, you’re missing half the benefit of living in this specific part of town.
- Look at the "Extra Suite" models specifically. Even if you don't think you need it now, it’s a massive booster for resale value in a market that is increasingly multi-generational.
- Drive the Route 9 stretch at 8:00 AM. Seriously. Do it before you sign a contract. You need to know if you can handle the "Howell crawl" before you commit to a million-dollar mortgage.
It’s a solid, modern neighborhood that solves the "old house headache" while keeping you close enough to the shore to smell the salt air on a windy day. Just make sure you’re okay with the suburban trade-offs.