7 Best Small Towns to Retire in New Jersey in 2024
While New Jersey is known for its densely populated urban areas, several smaller towns offer a quieter pace of life and a welcoming community for retirees. From the exciting community of Montclair to the tranquil charm of Cape May Court House, each town offers a unique blend of attractions and amenities. Whether it is the outdoor adventures in Hackettstown, the cultural scene in Collingswood or Morristown, the laid-back lifestyle of Phillipsburg, or luxury living in Summit, New Jersey’s small towns are the perfect setting to embark on this new chapter of life.
Montclair
Known as the “Park Slope” of New Jersey, after the vibrant Brooklyn borough, Montclair is 12 miles west of Manhattan. It has a population of approximately 39,000 and abundant green spaces like 20 public parks, two golf courses, 18 public tennis courts, and two nature reserves to engage in outdoor activities. Downtown Montclair has plenty of boutique shops, trendy bistros and restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. The Montclair Art Museum honors the creative accomplishments of American and Native American art, the Montclair State University's Kasser Theater, and the Wellmont Theater, whose 2024 event schedule includes a variety of musical styles like R&B, jazz, blues, and more. Montclair also hosts events like the annual Montclair Jazz Festival—one of the largest free jazz festivals in the greater NYC area.
Montclair has higher-than-average house prices than other New Jersey towns, but its desirable location and numerous community amenities contribute to its higher housing costs. Thanks to the town’s well-policed neighborhoods and community-oriented policing efforts, Montclair typically has lower crime rates. Montclair is located within close proximity to several esteemed medical facilities and hospitals in neighboring towns, such as the Mountainside Medical Center in Glen Ridge and Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack.
Cape May Court House
Just a short 16-minute drive from the popular tourist destination of Cape May, Cape May Court House offers a quieter alternative with lower housing costs. It's close enough to Cape May’s beautiful white sandy beaches and pods of dolphins swimming offshore but far enough to avoid the busy tourists who descend upon Cape May every summer. With a population of 5,500 residents, Cape May Court House is a peaceful and safe community with a low crime rate. Cape May Regional Medical Center is the primary hospital serving the area and is located right in Cape May Court House.
Cape May Court House and the surrounding area provide a rich cultural environment that can appeal to retirees. The town's historic charm, natural beauty, and proximity to the seashore offer plenty of opportunities for leisure activities, such as early-morning beachcombing, birdwatching at one of the “World’s Best” birding destinations, and exploring historic sites like the Cape May Point Lighthouse—the second oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the U.S., or Historic Cold Spring Village—a replica of an 1800s American village complete with period clothing and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Hackettstown
Home to the Mars Chocolate North America plant, Hackettstown produces milk chocolate, minis, and peanut M&Ms and is one of the biggest and sweetest companies to work for in Hackettstown. Its small-town charm and proximity to outdoor recreational areas like Stephens State Park allow active seniors to take advantage of six miles of marked trails with surfaces ranging from flat to steep and rocky for walking, hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area allows residents of Hackettstown to experience tranquil landscapes and striking scenery and offers year-round hiking, paddling, and fishing.
Hackettstown has affordable housing options, and 10,500 residents enjoy a lower crime rate than larger cities. Healthcare for seniors is available at the Hackettstown Medical Center. The town has a rich cultural heritage and hosts events and festivals yearly; 2024 is no different. Attend one of the town’s popular outdoor events, such as the Hackettstown Maifest & International Day, the Czig Meister Brewing 8th Anniversary street party with live music, food vendors, an artisan market, and a special tap, or the annual Hackettstown Street Fair. Admission to all events is free and the perfect way to spend an afternoon with neighbors and friends.
Collingswood
Minutes from “The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Collingswood has become a tourist hotspot, attracting visitors from the tri-state region and beyond to its trendy annual events. With a population of 14,000 residents, the small town is well known for its long-running Farmers Market, which celebrates its 25th season in 2024 and has become a part of the town’s social fabric. The Collingswood Book Festival called “the quietest fun experience thousands of people can have,” is in its 22nd year and draws in writers and readers from across North America..
In addition to its vibrant arts scene, the town has been named the “Best Small-Town Food Scene” in the nation by USA Today and a “Top 10 Transformed Community” by Forbes. It has recently experienced a dining renaissance, with diverse dining options in restaurants like Sagami, which serves fresh raw seafood; Indiya, which serves modern Indian fare; and the elegant French restaurant June BYOB.
The Collingswood Senior Community Center is a beehive of activity and holds regular senior programs like chair yoga, line dancing, and Scrabble meet-ups. The town has relatively affordable housing, several senior living communities, low crime rates, and access to healthcare facilities like Cooper University Health Care in Camden and hospitals in Philadelphia.
Summit
Known for its tree-lined streets and upscale downtown area, Summit offers retirees a mix of luxury living, community charm, and relatively low crime rates. Overlook Medical Center serves its residents and is recognized as one of “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” this year by Healthgrades and a 2024 “World’s Best Hospital” by Newsweek. Summit hosts cultural events at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, like the Garden State Art Weekend, a one-of-a-kind state-wide celebration of art in New Jersey, and offers recreational opportunities at nearby parks like Briant Park, which has a fitness trail, a multi-use path, fishing, and ice skating spread over 6,200 acres.
Summit has a population of approximately 22,000 and offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Summit's downtown area, the Summit Village Green, is a hub of activity with cultural events, festivals, and community gatherings. The Hot Summer Night’s Concert series, the Screen on the Green Movie series, and weekly family dance parties are all Summit summertime traditions. Summit's proximity to New York City also provides residents with easy access to world-class cultural attractions, entertainment, and dining options.
Phillipsburg
In Phillipsburg, retirement is about embracing a vibrant community, enriching experiences, and enjoying life along the picturesque Delaware River. The town's proximity to the Delaware River opens a world of outdoor recreational possibilities for active seniors, from strolls along the riverbanks to adventurous kayaking trips. Phillipsburg boasts a cozy community of around 15,500 residents, making it a welcoming spot for retirees seeking tranquility. The town boasts a lower cost of living, allowing retirees to stretch their budgets a little further. Quality medical services are within reach at nearby St. Luke's Warren Hospital.
For over 35 years, Phillipsburg has hosted the Phillipsburg Ole Towne Festival—a day jam-packed with live entertainment, food and crafts, and fireworks. Every December, the town embraces the festive season with a weekend holiday market in Union Station and regular railroad excursions on The Polar Express. The Phillipsburg Railroad Historians Museum, a tribute to Phillipsburg’s past, offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s railroad roots and hosts events throughout the year, like the Phillipsburg Railroad Festival, Pork Roll Palooza, and an annual Santa Train.
Morristown
Morristown maintains a strong sense of community and offers retirees a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. The town has a lower crime rate than larger cities, and the Morristown Medical Center is rated the number one hospital in New Jersey by Newsweek. While Morristown has higher house prices than other towns in New Jersey, its well-preserved historic homes, abundant community services, and central location are contributing factors.
Morristown's diverse population of 20,500 residents adds to its vibrant cultural fabric, with various international cuisines, festivals, and cultural traditions celebrated throughout the community. The city holds a Diversity Celebration on Morristown Green every summer, which consists of an interfaith worship service followed by an afternoon of multicultural music, international food, and community allyship. The Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival is a two-day community mainstay every autumn.
Morristown National Historical Park honors General Washington and the Continental Army's winter encampment from December 1779 to June 1780, during which they endured the coldest winter on record. The park features a museum and library focused on George Washington and pre- and post-Revolutionary America.
Retiring in New Jersey does not have to mean slowing down, with many small towns offering diverse activities. There is something for everyone to enjoy in the twilight years, whether it is by engaging in welcoming community life, coastal living, affordable housing, quality healthcare, cultural scenes, or luxury amenities. Each town provides unique benefits, making New Jersey an appealing destination for retirees seeking an enriching retirement experience.
