8 Cost-Effective Retirement Towns In New Jersey

Many retirees are moving to New Jersey to enjoy their golden years. The state does not tax Social Security benefits or military pensions/survivor benefits. Strong healthcare systems are also found throughout the state. One catch to retiring in New Jersey is finding homes that are below the state's high median home price of $564,000. The nine towns featured here all offer housing at or below the state median. Read on to discover 9 of the most cost-effective retirement towns in the Garden State.

Bridgeton

Cumberland County's seat, Bridgeton, is situated on the Cohansey River, near the Delaware Bay, in South Jersey. This town, with a population of about 28,000, is proud of its housing, which averages a comfortable $251,000. It is about 49 miles from Philadelphia. Many retirees appreciate Bridgeton's affordability, which helps them stretch their budget.

The Cohanzick Park and Zoo in Bridgeton covers about 1,100 acres of animals and nature in the heart of town. Within the park is the fascinating Swedish Village Living History Display, a great way to experience the area's history. The West Cumberland Senior Center in Bridgeton is open to area residents age 55 and up. Inspira Medical Center Vineland is just 10 miles away for any medical needs.

Collingswood

The Camden County town of Collingswood, home to approximately 14,000 residents, is appealing to retirees due to its median home price of $436,000, which is significantly lower than the state average. Its placement, just six miles from Philadelphia, is another draw for retirees seeking proximity to city amenities.

One of Collingswood’s most popular annual events is the Collingswood Book Festival, held each October, when readers and writers converge on the town. The Collingswood Farmers Market is open on Saturdays from May through Thanksgiving, offering a variety of produce, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The Collingswood Senior Community Center is open Monday through Friday for socializing and activities. One of the closest hospitals to Collingswood is Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, about two miles away.

Hainesport

The township of Hainesport, located in Burlington County, is home to approximately 6,000 residents. Home prices are $515,000, still under the state median. Hainesport is an ideal small town for retirees seeking open space and social opportunities with like-minded seniors.

Long Bridge Park in Hainesport encompasses 115 forested acres along the Rancocas Creek. It presents opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. The Hainesport section of Rancocas State Park contains more than eight miles of hiking and biking trails, canoeing, and fishing on the Rancocas Creek. Although the town does not have a senior center, seniors gather for Senior Citizen Game Day on the second Thursday of each month. The Senior Citizens Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month. Virtua Mount Holly Hospital in Mount Holly is the nearest hospital to Hainesport, about five minutes away.

Mays Landing

The county seat of Atlantic County, Mays Landing is home to 5,000 residents and provides wallet-friendly housing averaging $309,000. Retirees wishing to be nearer to the Jersey Shore might appreciate the fact that Mays Landing is just 25 minutes from Atlantic City.

Lake Lenape Park in Mays Landing spans approximately 2,000 acres and is divided into two sections: east and west. Boating is allowed on Lake Lenape with proper permits. Hamilton Trails Golf Club invites golfers to play nine holes and provides a full bar and snacks. As Mays Landing is located in Hamilton Township, the Hamilton Township Senior Center serves the area's seniors. Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, about 15 miles away, is the nearest medical center.

Millville

The Cumberland County town of Millville is home to approximately 27,000 people and has surprisingly affordable housing, with an average price of $250,000. It is about 46 miles from Philadelphia and 130 miles from New York City. Retirees hoping to save money on housing while staying between two major metropolitan areas may want to consider Millville.

The Down Jersey Folklife Center presents programs and exhibits that encompass a wide range of art and traditions, from Native American communities to Ukrainian culture. Another Millville attraction, the Museum of American Glass, is one of only nine museums in the state accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Millville Regional Senior Center on Second Street offers programs and activities for seniors aged 60 and up. Inspira Medical Center in Vineland is the closest hospital to Millville, about seven miles away.

Pennsauken

Pennsauken's median home price of $282,000 attracts many retirees to this Camden County town. Located just 15 minutes across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, this community of approximately 37,000 offers retirees a suburban haven with numerous activities available.

Cooper River Park, about 350 acres along the Cooper River, is a Camden County park accessible from Pennsauken. It offers bike paths, walking tracks, pavilions, and other amenities. The Meadowbrook Farmers Market, a family-owned business since 2000, is a popular gathering place for residents in Pennsauken and sells fresh produce. Senior Citizens United Community Services meets at the Pennsauken Library. One of the nearest hospitals to Pennsauken is Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, about three miles away.

Phillipsburg

Warren County's Phillipsburg, with a population of 15,000, attracts retirees with its affordable home prices, averaging $333,000. The town sits along the Delaware River, midway between Philadelphia and New York City, with travel to each city taking about an hour and a half. Retirees seeking a small town that is easily accessible from these cities should consider Phillipsburg.

The Delaware River Railroad Excursions start in Phillipsburg and take steam train trips exploring the area. Harkers Hollow Golf Club welcomes golfers to its course as well as its bar and grill. The Phillipsburg Senior Center, located on First Street, also offers virtual activities for homebound seniors. Phillipsburg has its own hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Warren Campus.

Rahway

The Union County town of Rahway, home to 30,000 residents, is about 25 miles southwest of Manhattan, but boasts much more affordable housing than can be found in the Big Apple, averaging $529,000. Retirees who want to live near New York City but not pay its exorbitant housing costs often choose Rahway as an alternative.

Rahway River Park is one of the most used green spaces in the area, with a multi-use path, running track, sports fields, and more. The Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway presents a diverse range of live performances, including concerts, films, dance, and theater. The Rahway Senior Citizens Center offers programs and activities for residents age 60 and older. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is located in Rahway for medical needs.

Retire to the Garden State

These small New Jersey towns offer retirees something that can be hard to find in the state: affordability. Each of them features homes that are below the state median home price. Whether you want to live near the Jersey shore, in a town close to a larger city, or somewhere in between, choosing any of these 10 cost-effective New Jersey towns for your retirement could be a smart move.