MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. –- John and Maryann Bruno had spent years enjoying the rural, suburban environment which surrounded their home near Southern New Jersey's Pinelands.

However, John worked in Manhattan requiring a long and tiresome commute. Exhausted with the daily routine, the couple agreed it was time for a lifestyle change.

"While we wanted a much shorter commute for my husband, we didn't want to give up the serene setting we were used to," says Maryann. "So we decided to look for a new home which offered a similar atmosphere, yet was situated much closer to Manhattan."

Not long into their search, the Brunos heard about The Highlands at Monroe, the new single-family community being developed by Matzel & Mumford in this sought-after Middlesex County Township.

"When we first visited The Highlands, we knew very little about Monroe Township," Maryann recalls. "But we were attracted to the area right away."

The Brunos particularly appreciated The Highland's picturesque setting which was reminiscent of their Southern New Jersey home. And best of all, the community's convenient location would considerably shorten John's trip to work in Manhattan.

While The Highlands at Monroe's spectacular model home was still under construction, the couple was able to visit Spruce Hollow, another Matzel & Mumford community in the area, to tour the models and see for themselves the superior quality and distinctive designs offered by the developer.

After viewing a variety of floorplans, the Brunos selected The Highland's elegant four-bedroom, four-bath Monet design.

"We were impressed by the spacious layout of the Monet," Maryann points out. "I also liked the convenience of having a second bedroom with its own private bath."

The Brunos moved into their new home in August at The Highlands and have been enjoying life ever since.

"Everything has been perfect," delights Maryann. "Matzel & Mumford has been very accommodating and responsive throughout the entire process."

A desirable combination of award-winning designs, a picturesque suburban location and a highly-regarded school system continues to spur sales at The Highlands at Monroe, indicates Richard Selikoff, Matzel & Mumford's Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

As a result, the community of 64 half-acre homesites and larger is now approaching a sell-out. The remaining homes, including three Express Delivery homes with early 2003 delivery dates, are priced from the upper-$400,000s.

Residents of The Highlands enjoy residing in a township with a highly-regarded school system, as well as numerous recreational pursuits on more than 631 acres of park and recreational space, including Thompson Park -- Middlesex County's largest park -- which features a 40-acre lake, baseball and soccer fields, picnic groves, a facility for horse shows and hiking and bicycling trails.

The Highlands at Monroe's award-winning designs offer several traditional exterior treatments brightened by huge windows and made dramatic by soaring vertical spaces. The homes offer four or five bedrooms, up to 3 1/2 baths, 2,900 to 3,675 square feet of well-planned living space, a full basement, a two-car garage, and an impressive array of architectural features.

Matzel & Mumford is a K. Hovnanian company.