10 Best Towns In New Jersey To Retire Comfortably

Long before their final workday New Jersey retirees will have a location in mind. Ideally these towns will encourage a stable financial situation while still allowing for a rewarding lifestyle. We've chosen 10 of the most ideal hamlets that offer a comfortable foundation for you to maximize your time and money. No two choices are quite the same but most balance realistic pricing with accessibility, quality downtowns, and healthcare within reasonable distances. Explore these lively shore destinations and quiet mountain getaways to see which could become your forever home.

Manchester Township

Home to just under 50,000 residents, Manchester Township is located in central New Jersey's Ocean County, a few miles inland from popular shore spots like Toms River and Seaside Heights. It is one of the state's most retirement-oriented areas, with nearly half of residents aged 65 or older. That is a result of the extensive amount of age-restricted and retirement-oriented communities, including Leisure Knoll and Leisure Village West, among others. Homes in the area sell in the low $300,000s, substantially less than New Jersey's statewide median of close to half a million dollars.

Barnegat Township

Barnegat Township is an ideal retirement choice for those looking to enjoy some of the best of the New Jersey shore nearby, while avoiding the crowds and seasonality of some better-known areas. Residents are a short drive from both highly developed, amenity-rich areas like Long Beach Island and Seaside Heights and peaceful oceanfront escapes such as Island Beach State Park. It also straddles the Garden State Parkway, providing residents easy access to one of the state's biggest highways for retirement road trips or visits to family elsewhere in the area. Although home prices in the mid-$400,000s are not dramatically lower than the statewide average, they still offer some savings while providing a desirable lifestyle boost for many.

Hackettstown

New Jersey's northwestern corner is home to some truly remarkable mountain, forest, and river landscapes, and Hackettstown provides an ideal small-town launching point for exploring them. In addition to quick access to Stephens State Park, Jenny Jump State Forest, and Hacklebarney State Park, countless other natural escapes are within easy reach for active retirees. Those who prefer to stay closer to home can stroll the historic Main Street corridor, home to a steady mix of shops, restaurants, breweries, and more. This compact town of barely 10,000 residents offers homes in the low- to mid-$400,000s, a noticeable savings compared to some parts of the state.

Little Egg Harbor Township

Little Egg Harbor Township offers a coastal option for retirees seeking affordability and coastal living without the crowds. Typical homes sell in the low to mid-$400,000s, although substantially cheaper options are also available. A quieter spot along this marshy stretch of the coast, residents can just as easily access the waters of Great Bay as they can the expansive wilderness of Bass River State Forest, just inland. Despite this more low-key character, the community is still close enough to more developed areas for day trips and activities.

Hammonton

Set in the center of South Jersey at the edge of Wharton State Forest and home to around 15,000 residents, Hammonton is another top comfortable retirement spot in New Jersey. It is known for its blueberry growing heritage and hosts an annual "Red, White, and Blueberry" festival every summer. It features a walkable downtown district with a variety of beloved local restaurants such as Bagliani's Market, an Italian-American staple of the community. Hammonton sits on the Atlantic City Expressway for easy travel by car from the shore to the Philadelphia area, and it is also on NJ Transit's Atlantic City rail line, allowing retirees to leave their cars at home and avoid parking worries on trips to the shore, Philadelphia, and other nearby destinations. Home values range from the high $300,000s to the low $400,000s, helping those on fixed incomes more easily maintain their retirement lifestyles compared to higher-dollar parts of the state.

Berkeley Township

Bordering Barnegat Bay and across Toms River from the town of the same name, Berkeley Township is another town that seems tailor-made for retirees. That is thanks to large, popular age-restricted communities such as Holiday City and Sonata Bay, among others. Although it may not offer the attractions of other coastal communities, it provides a quieter, affordable option that is still just a short drive from popular destinations and services like healthcare. Berkeley Township homes typically list in the high $300,000s on average, substantially under the statewide average.

Vernon

Set among the mountains, woods, and lakes of North Jersey, Vernon offers an excellent place to retire for those who prize both natural beauty and affordable living. Homes sell from the high $200,000s to the low $300,000s, a notable departure from the area's typically pricey properties. Stretching along the border with New York, it offers a nearly limitless selection of outdoor exploration at spots including Wawayanda State Park, Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, and a variety of campgrounds, local parks, trails, and other unique attractions. It is particularly appropriate for retirees seeking privacy and peace and quiet over plentiful amenities and nearby neighbors.

Lower Township

Lower Township's name is quite literal: it is the lowest municipality at the very southernmost tip of New Jersey, and it offers lower-than-average home prices for budget-minded retirees. It is close to some of the most beloved and historic spots on the coast, including Cape May and the boardwalks and beaches of the Wildwoods for trips with the grandkids. Despite the proximity to these premier destinations, homes are still sold in the mid-$400,000s, slightly less than the New Jersey average. Lower Township is also home to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which makes it easy to take day trips to some of Delaware's most popular and beautiful coastal towns.

Somers Point

Somers Point is located just across Great Egg Harbor Bay from family-friendly Ocean City and adjacent to the quieter, more residential Linwood. This small, relatively dense city includes a busy waterfront full of marinas, beloved seafood restaurants like The Crab Trap, and other attractions and amenities. Additionally, it offers immediate access to the Garden State Parkway for easy trips around the state. Home values range from the low to mid-$400,000s, providing a bit of extra breathing room for retirement budgets.

Phillipsburg

Home to around 15,000 residents, Phillipsburg is a distinct community set on the Delaware River just across from the better-known Easton, Pennsylvania. With home prices in the low to mid-$300,000s, it is one of the most affordable options for New Jersey retirees. In addition to access to the nearby river, Easton offers a wide selection of premium shopping, dining, museums, and attractions such as the family-friendly Crayola Experience, perfect for when the grandkids are visiting. To the east, New Jersey's north-central counties offer even more outdoor recreation opportunities.

A Place To Call Home For All Types Of Retirees In New Jersey

Finding a place to call home in retirement is not easy, especially when budget is a factor. That is doubly true in a state like New Jersey, where homes can often soar well into the high six or seven figures. Those seeking a comfortable retirement in a desirable community should consult this list for their best options among other, less financially friendly New Jersey communities.