Retirees who want easy access to a coast – but not in Florida where the heat is unforgiving – are discovering that New Jersey is a great state to settle down. Here, retirees enjoy proximity to the white sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the thrills of the Big Apple.
NewHomeSource has named the top 10 cities for retirees in New Jersey. We make it easy to find the city in New Jersey that best suits your ideal lifestyle for your retirement.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in New Jersey
1. Camden
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 9.6%
Median Home Value: $84,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,161
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,122
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 55
Camden is a great Philadelphia suburb that lets retirees enjoy affordable urban living. You can take advantage of all the amenities and recreational activities that East Coast city living offers; retirees never tire of exploring the numerous museums that celebrate the arts and local history. Another bonus of living in Camden is the abundance of lovely parks along the Delaware River.
2. Trenton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.1%
Median Home Value: $95,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 954
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,818
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 34
Trenton, NJ has something for all types of retirees. Museum lovers can explore everything from art to local history, natural history, and architecture. Fun parks line the Delaware River, making it easy for active adults to amble around and stay active during their retirement. No matter how you want to spend your days, you’ll always have something to do in Trenton.
3. Bridgeton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 7.1%
Median Home Value: $109,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 223
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 848
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Located on the Cohansey River, Bridgeton is a haven for saltwater and freshwater fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. Spend your free time exploring the native and exotic wildlife at the Cohanzick Zoo, or admiring the national, famous regional and local athletes in the Bridgeton Hall of Fame All Sports Museum.
4. Gloucester Township
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.1%
Median Home Value: $125,800
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 20
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 284
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 40
Gloucester Township is a suburban retreat from Philadelphia on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River. Retirees can take advantage of easy access to the City of Brotherly Love and enjoy a peaceful community. While couch potatoes might not like life in Gloucester Township, active adults will always have something new to explore.
5. Mancester Township
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 49.4%
Median Home Value: $139,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 12
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 266
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 10
Manchester Township proves that East Coast beachside living doesn’t have to break the bank. This affordable New Jersey township lets retirees make their dreams of a coastal retirement a reality. When you aren’t in the mood for scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Manchester Township has plenty of museums for you to visit.
6. Atlantic City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.0%
Median Home Value: $156,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 323
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,181
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 2
The urban jungle doesn’t get any better than Atlantic City. Retiring in this exciting coastal city means getting to live life to the fullest every single day. Alternate between relaxing days at the beach and boardwalk and fun-filled trips to the local casinos. Visit local wineries to enjoy life in the lap of luxury.
7. Pensauken Township
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.5%
Median Home Value: $158,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 63
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 447
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 56
You don’t have to slow down during your retirement when you make Pennsauken Township your home. This great suburb of Philly offers easy access to urban amenities like amazing museums, great restaurants, and intriguing culture, while still providing you with an affordable cost of living and comfortable home.
8. Millville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.5%
Median Home Value: $159,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 130
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,107
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
Invest in your lifestyle when you retire to Millville, NJ. When you live in this amazing town on the Maurice River, you will be encircled by scenic views and great parks, making it easy to stay active and healthy. The Glasstown Arts District lets you enjoy the great indoors when the temperature outside doesn’t appeal to you. Take a walk on the wild side at one of Millville’s local wineries.
9. Willingboro Township
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.0%
Median Home Value: $166,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 102
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 421
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 52
Nature lovers will love retired life in Willingboro Township. This charming community has miles of scenic trails that twist and turn around numerous parks, ponds, lakes, and rivers. Stay active and healthy by exploring your new home and enjoying some of the best scenery Mother Nature has to offer.
10. Vineland
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.7%
Median Home Value: $167,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 211
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,686
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
With a name like Vineland, this delightful Philadelphia suburb brims with local wineries. Retiring in Vineland means you can take advantage of the best of East Coast living – from beautiful views to a culture of laid-back luxury. What’s not to like about that?
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Common Questions About Retiring in New Jersey
Most retirement income is not taxable under New Jersey’s state income taxes, including social security benefits, Railroad retirement benefits, and payments from a public or private pensions as a result of total and permanent disability.
To retire comfortably in New Jersey you need to plan to have about $61,215 a year.
Not everyone wants to deal with the humidity and alligators in Florida. If this includes you, New Jersey serves up beachfront living without the heat and humidity, making it a great state for retirees.
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city.
Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for New Home Source. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
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