7 Friendly Towns To Retire In New Jersey
New Jersey offers welcoming communities that blend culture, convenience, and a strong sense of connection. Towns like Montclair and Princeton provide engaging cultural activities in world-class venues like the MAM and the McCarter Theater, while other spots like Fort Lee boast scenic locations along the Hudson River and dependable services that appeal to retirees seeking comfort and enrichment. From academic resources to lively festivals, each destination offers opportunities to stay active and socially involved. These towns highlight the values of friendliness and accessibility, making New Jersey a welcoming place for those planning their next chapter.
Princeton
With its vibrant culture, tree-lined neighborhoods, and transit system that puts it a quick train ride away from New York City and Philadelphia, Princeton checks almost every box in the retirement ecosystem. Princeton University, one of the best in the world, offers interesting cultural amenities that go far beyond campus life, including the Princeton University Art Museum, which was established in 1882 and houses more than 100,000 works of art across a range of genres and time periods.
The McCarter Theatre is another fantastic community resource. It is one of the most active cultural centers in the nation and offers more than 200 performances each year. Also, the Center for Modern Aging offers classes and social events designed for seniors aged 55 and above. As for healthcare, there’s Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, a premier teaching hospital for more than 40 years.
Haddonfield
From meeting neighbors during the Annual Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival, a two-day outdoor event, where more than 200 artists showcase the best of fine art and craft from the region and beyond, to grabbing a filling brunch at one of the family-run cafes and restaurants that dot the town, Haddonfield is certainly a friendly place to retire. There’s also Cooper River Lake and the adjoining Cooper River Park, which provide a nice place to fish, walk, play bocce ball, or ride your bike as you soak up the scenery.
Another social venue is the Haddonfield Plays and Players, which has produced nearly 650 shows since its founding in 1935. Meanwhile, the Mabel Kay Senior Center, a neighborhood gem that provides social opportunities and exercise classes, and the highly-rated Cooper University Hospital nearby, one of the busiest health centers in the region, and the only Level 1 Trauma Center in South Jersey.
Collingswood
One of Collingswood's most attractive qualities as a small town is the fact that most attractions and amenities are within walking distance, whether you're meeting with friends to enjoy delicious agedashi tofu at Sagami Japanese Restaurant or taking a quiet walk along the Cooper River for sweeping views of the Philadelphia skyline and dazzling sunsets. You can see a production by the Collingswood Community Theatre, or any number of live shows or concerts hosted at the beautiful and historic Scottish Rite Auditorium.
The Collingswood Senior Community Center is a fantastic place to attend community events that bring people together, while The Collingswood Crafts and Fine Art Festival, one of the most anticipated annual events in town, features over 160 craft and fine artists alongside food vendors and live music. The festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026.
Swedesboro
Swedesboro has a nice downtown and laid-back atmosphere, and the nearby Glassboro Senior Centre offers a range of programs and exercise classes, including chair yoga, tai chi, and Zumba. Inspira Medical Center Elmer Mullica Hill, just 10 miles down the road, is a comprehensive hospital with services such as emergency, cardiac, and orthopedic. Swedesboro Day is a yearly event to kick off the holiday season that sees the community come together along Kings Highway for a celebration that features vendors, live music, and plenty of food options. In the meantime, outdoor lovers have year-round access to Lake Narraticon Park, a great place for birdwatching or a quiet paddle in the warmer months.
Montclair
As with many towns in eastern New Jersey, retirees in Montclair have relatively easy access to Manhattan by train or by car, where they can enjoy an incredibly epic cultural scene. Even without leaving town, however, trendy bistros and restaurants abound, and the Montclair Art Museum boasts an extensive collection and hosts a wide range of events, from art auctions and holiday craft fairs to classes and workshops. Montclair State University's Kasser Theater is another treasure, presenting concerts, plays, and other live performances throughout the year.
The annual Montclair Jazz Festival is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the region, bringing performers and attendees from across the country and around the world. Meanwhile, Eagle Rock Reservation sits on more than 400 acres and offers stunning views of New Jersey and the New York City skyline.
Red Bank
Red Bank is a friendly riverfront community, fine-tuned for retirees who enjoy live performances and a walkable downtown area. The historic Count Basie Center for the Arts is a premier cultural and performing arts venue dedicated to staging quality live shows, from concerts to musical theatre. In the same vein, Two River Theater produces local plays and stage shows from Shakespeare to Broadway. For outdoor enthusiasts, the beautiful Navesink River serves both aesthetic and recreational purposes, with direct access at Swimming River Park. Meanwhile, the Red Bank Senior Center offers daily programs, congregate meals, and transportation assistance, and HMH Riverview Medical Center has been serving the region for nearly 100 years.
Fort Lee
Rounding the list of the most friendly towns in New Jersey to retire is the adorable town of Fort Lee. Here, the Barrymore Film Center is a cultural institution dedicated to presenting an exceptional range of movies and live shows in the birthplace of American cinema. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy access to the Hudson River via the River Waterfront Walkway, which begins at the George Washington Bridge and extends all the way to Bayonne, or play a round at Overpeck Golf Course, a challenging 18-hole course with special rates for seniors. There is also the Richard & Catherine Nest Adult Activity Center, a senior center facility that offers opportunities for volunteer activities, theatre trips, monthly luncheons, and daily card tables, and the Hackensack University Medical Center is close at hand for healthcare needs as they arise.
Retirees exploring New Jersey will find inviting experiences in places like Collingswood and Haddonfield, where cultural venues, walkable streets, and community programs create a pleasant daily rhythm. These towns present opportunities to stay engaged, enjoy local traditions, and build meaningful connections. With welcoming neighborhoods and dependable amenities, they provide a warm setting for relaxed and fulfilling retirement living.
