Lifestyle
From quiet suburbs to lush forests and active cities, New Jersey has a wide range of environments for retirees to choose from. While some depictions of the Garden State would have you believe it’s an endless stretch of highway, New Jersey is home to bountiful parks, lakes, and other sources of natural beauty, while offering easy access not just to its own metropolises, but also New York and Philadelphia. Read on to learn the 10 best cities to retire in New Jersey and what makes them each so special.
C.E Larusso
Published March 3rd, 2026
Updated March 3rd, 2026
C.E Larusso
•
Published March 3rd, 2026
•
Updated March 3rd, 2026
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
New Jersey is diverse, rich with busy, bustling cities as well as quaint, quiet towns—there’s something for everyone
Many residents love the state’s natural beauty, with plentiful state parks, forests, and beaches
The Garden State is also home to many cultural attractions, museums, and arts centers
For those craving a metropolis, locals are able to get to either Philadelphia or New York with relative easy
New Jersey has the highest property taxes of any state in the country
With vibrant communities and uniquely beautiful green spaces, it’s no surprise that many seniors are looking to New Jersey as a retirement location. Retirees are often drawn to the Garden State for its beach towns, proximity to New York and Philadelphia, and diverse communities. It’s important to know, however, that New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the country—though the state offers some programs for seniors to offset this.
Is New Jersey a good place to live for retirees?
There is much to recommend New Jersey for retirement. The state is home to all kinds of locations, from small quaint towns, to beachfront communities, to urban cities—seniors can choose which environment they feel comfortable in, but know that the other environments are just a stone’s throw away.
In addition, two major metropolises bookend the state—New York and Philadelphia. This opens up a wealth of opportunities for retirees to enjoy either city’s cultural activities or access specialized healthcare.
New Jersey is not the most tax-friendly state, as it does tax some retirement income. It also has very high property taxes, but if you are in a lower income bracket, there are some programs for tax credits.
Is New Jersey tax-friendly for seniors?
New Jersey is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. While Social Security is not taxed, other retirement income—such as that from an IRA or 401(k)—is, though the state offers significant deductions for those with adjusted gross incomes below $150,000.
New Jersey wins the unfortunate award for highest property taxes in the US—$9,358 is the median property tax paid. Sales tax is closer to the country average, with the statewide rate set at 6.625%. However, there are several “Urban Enterprise Zones” where the sales tax gets reduced to 3.125%. As of 2025, there were 37 Urban Enterprise Zones in New Jersey, including parts of Trenton, Bayonne, and Vinelan—three locations on this list.
The state has no estate tax. You should be aware, however, of New Jersey’s inheritance tax, which states that bequests can be taxed at rates ranging from 11% to 16%. The first $25,000 is exempt from the tax.
Do seniors in New Jersey pay property taxes over 65?
Seniors over 65 do indeed need to pay taxes, however there are some programs to help lessen the burden.
Starting in 2026, a program called StayNJ offers homeowners 65 and over tax credits worth up to half of their property, with a cap of $6,500. StayNJ is limited to those who make no more than $500,000 a year.
Lower-income residents, regardless of age, are eligible for ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) benefits. Homeowners with incomes below $250,000 are eligible for a benefit of $1,000, and those over 65 can receive an additional $250. Those making under $150,000 can receive $1,500, and the $250 bonus for those over 65 still applies.
What benefits do seniors get in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers many benefits to seniors that are intended to offset the cost of medical care. The state has a program to lower the cost of prescription drugs, so no medications cost over $7—seniors must be enrolled in Medicare Part D to qualify.
NJ FamilyCare Medicaid is intended to help all lower income individuals in the state, including seniors. If you qualify, many medical services are available at a greatly reduced cost.
Finally, seniors can apply for assistance with the cost of heating bills and for reduced fare prices on NJ Transit.
Where is the best place to retire in New Jersey?
Choosing the best place to retire in New Jersey largely depends on your preferences, as the state is home to woodsy areas, bustling urban environments, and suburbs. You should also consider how far away the location is from major metropolises, if that is important to you—luckily, New Jersey is close to both New York and Philadelphia, giving seniors access to more healthcare options, art institutions, cultural activities, and more.
1. Toms River
CITY POPULATION: 99,873
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 20%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 17% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $446,520
MEDIAN RENT: $3,050
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Toms River is an excellent choice for retirement if you long to live near the shore but don’t want to pay what it costs to live in any of the more expensive coastal towns of New Jersey, as the town is on par with the state’s average cost-of-living. It’s nearly equi-dustant to both Philadelphia and New York, and—in addition to the shoreline—is home to some wonderful parks, such as Shelter Cove, which has seven miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
2. Montclair
CITY POPULATION: 41,076
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 14%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 35% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $1,081,750
MEDIAN RENT: $2,895
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Retirees who want to live close to a big city will love that Montclair is only 35 minutes, via NJ Transit, to New York’s Penn Station. This gives seniors a wealth of cultural opportunities. Montclair is also excellent for those looking for nature, as it has an abundance of parks and green spaces, such as Eagle Rock Reservation, a 400-acre forest reserve. The township is also known for its excellent art scene—it has its own art museum—and diverse, well-regarded dining options.
3. Clifton
CITY POPULATION: 90,322
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 18%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 29% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $593,880
MEDIAN RENT: $2,325
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Another city close to New York, Clifton was recently named one of the best places to live in the Northeast, according to Travel+Leisure. It has many different, distinct, charming neighborhoods, lots of green spaces, and having a diverse population, offers many different dining options with cuisines from all over the world.
4. Princeton
CITY POPULATION: 31,445
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 4% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $934,404
MEDIAN RENT: $3,375
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Princeton, home to the renowned Princeton University, has endless cultural opportunities, thanks to the school’s presence. In addition, those living near the campus are eligible to enroll in its Continuing Education classes, a great way for seniors to stay sharp. Princeton is also considered one of the most walkable cities in New Jersey; Lake Carnegie offers scenic trails and opportunities to kayak, fish, and more.
5. Vineland
COUNTY POPULATION: 62,070
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 17%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 14% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $297,104
MEDIAN RENT: $1,800
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Vineland is an appealing retirement location for many reasons: it is culturally diverse, boasts a cost-of-living that is lower than the state average, and, as a smaller city, has a tight-knit community vibe. Golfers can enjoy its two public golf courses, or one of the 14 others within 20 miles of the city. Parvin State Park has lakes for boating and fishing, as well as trails for hiking and nature walks.
6. Lambertville
CITY POPULATION: 4,141
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 30%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 23% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $617,434
MEDIAN RENT: $2,975
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Picturesque, with stunning Victorian architecture and riverfront views, Lambertville is known for its quaint charm, walkability, and friendliness. In addition, the town is near Rider University—offering classes for adults to audit—and several high-quality medical facilities, such as Capital Health Medical Center.
7. Mays Landing
CITY POPULATION: 6,178
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 21%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $301,571
MEDIAN RENT: $2,189
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Mays Landing is a surprisingly affordable place, with the average mortgage cost coming in at $1,978—about $200 less than the national average. This small, historic town is a stone’s throw (about 30 minutes) from Atlantic City, and sits on the bank of the Great Egg Harbor River, where locals enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, and more.
8. Ocean City
CITY POPULATION: 11,260
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 34%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 22% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $1,049,426
MEDIAN RENT: $2,995
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
If you’re looking for a Jersey Shore town without the party scene, look into Ocean City. A “dry” town, there is no alcohol sold within its city limits, as it intentionally wants to promote a family-friendly atmosphere. Retirees can enjoy walking on the boardwalk, the many senior programs available at Ocean City’s community centers, and proximity to medical facilities in Atlantic City and Somers Point.
9. Trenton
CITY POPULATION: 89,607
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 12%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 4% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $341,613
MEDIAN RENT: $1,909
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Trenton is one of the more affordable places to live in New Jersey, and is situated between two major cities—New York and Philadelphia. As the state capital, Trenton has a wealth of historical buildings and sites, making it perfect for history buffs. The Grounds for Sculpture is just outside of downtown, offering 42 acres to explore art and the arboretum.
10. Bayonne
CITY POPULATION: 70,303
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 23% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $575,331
MEDIAN RENT: $2,114
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Highly walkable, Bayonne offers many services for seniors, especially through its Office for Aging. While just a stone’s throw from New York City, Bayonne has a small-town feel and tight-knit community, with some housing reserved specifically for retirees. Seniors can explore the 100 acre Bayonne Park, which offers trails, sports facilities, and a lake. There is also bountiful public transit options, such as the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail.
Bottom Line
New Jersey suffers from extremely high property taxes, but the state still has much to recommend it: proximity to major cities such as New York, beautiful green spaces, and easy access to the beach. In addition, the Garden State does have several programs to help offset the property tax burden, for those who qualify. If you have your heart set on New Jersey, consider one of the locations on our list, and be sure to speak to a financial advisor at Retirable to review your investments and budget so you can determine which will allow you to live out your golden years in comfort.
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A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.
Share this advice
A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.