8 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In New Jersey
With hospitals frequently ranked among the nation’s best for quality of care, a population boasting the fourth-highest share of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a cultural scene that is both diverse and stimulating, New Jersey remains an exceptional place to retire. However, while the Garden State provides convenient access to first-rate amenities and major cities, affordability can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve identified eight wallet-friendly small towns where retirees can enjoy New Jersey’s advantages without the heavy price tag.
Fort Lee
Fort Lee reclines along the Hudson River in an endearingly bucolic area. The median listing home price in Fort Lee is $399,000, about 71% of the statewide median. Hackensack University Medical Center, just about 6 miles to the east, has received countless excellence awards, including America's 250 Best Hospitals Award and Patient Safety Excellence Award. Residents can kayak on the Hudson River, play a round at Overpeck Golf Course, or paddle through Overpeck County Park. Of course, Fort Lee Historic Park offers lovely views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline.
Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville is in New Jersey’s Mercer County and exudes a captivating blend of old-world charm, stunning outdoor beauty, and a strong sense of community. The town features charm-filled streets and a broad range of amenities, including the highly rated Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, recognized with multiple national awards. The median listing home price in Lawrenceville is $549,000, a hair below the statewide median of $557,000. Lawrence Shopping Center and Quakerbridge Mall provide ample shopping opportunities, while Rider University offers a decent range of academic programmes. Once in a while, you can enjoy a round of golf at Cobblestone Creek Country Club, explore the paved paths at Village Park, or sip soft, waterfront views at the swoon-worthy Rosedale Park.
Collingswood
If you know a bit about the real estate market in New Jersey, you will undoubtedly appreciate Collingswood’s affordability. In August 2025, the median listing home price in Collingswood was a budget-friendly $450,000, about 80% of the statewide median. Originally founded by Quakers, Collingswood is a green, quirky, and artsy community. It boasts handsomely preserved homes that showcase architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as events that bring residents together, such as the annual Collingswood Book Festival.
Fresh produce is available at Collingswood Farmer’s Market, with recreation options like Camden County Driving Range and Newton Lake Park. Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, a short drive away, is a previous recipient of the Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence Award. They have also received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.
Smithville
Those seeking a budget-conscious retirement with room for adventure might first look to places like Kansas or Alabama. Yet, with a median listing home price in Smithville of $229,900, Smithville is as wallet-friendly as any place in New Jersey can be. That's about 42% of the state median, less than half. You can rent an inflatable and paddle boats on Lake Meone, mingle with ospreys at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (and several other shorebirds), get all sorts of shopping knick-knacks at Smithville Square, or mill aimlessly around Village Greene, while browsing the many charming stores selling everything from traditional Irish goods to ice cream.
Meanwhile, the Four Seasons Active Adult Recreation Center is an excellent place to retire and stay active. AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center‑Mainland, conveniently within earshot, has been recognized with awards, including America’s 50 Best Cardiac Surgery (2025) and America’s 50 Best Outpatient Joint Replacement Award.
Pennsauken
The median listing home price in Pennsauken was a wallet-friendly $330,000, much better than the statewide median of $557,000. But that's not the only appeal that draws empty nesters to Pennsauken, a small, charming town just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. The town maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and abundant recreational opportunities, both indoor and outdoor. There is the mind-rousing Cooper River Park, one of the town's most popular outdoor attractions. It spans almost 350 acres and features the Cooper River, a world-class venue for competitive rowing and sailing. You have the Meadowbrook Farmer's Market, a fantastic place to get fresh produce, and the Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in nearby Camden, a teaching hospital that opened on July 1, 1950. Of course, there's Cooper River Park, which features a boat launch, well-maintained bike paths, and a jaw-dropping riverside setting.
Rahway
With its small but vibrant population of approximately 30,000 residents, Rahway has the perfect blend of energy and calmness. The median listing home price in Rahway is $529,700, significantly lower than the statewide median. The best part is that an empty nester is just about 30 minutes from downtown Manhattan, meaning one can enjoy all kinds of attractions in a city described as The Cultural Capital of the World. Several green spaces and arts venues dot the area, including the Veterans Memorial Field, Rahway River Park, The Gallery Space, and the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC). This venue can quickly transform a dull afternoon into one filled with belly-shaking laughter. No wonder Rahway previously ranked at #2 on USA Today’s list of the 10 small towns with the best arts scenes in the nation. Considering its location, there's no need to discuss healthcare access.
Belvidere
Belvidere is another superb wallet-friendly option to consider for retirement. With houses fetching a median listing price of just $380,000, about two-thirds of the state median, retirees can secure quality property while keeping funds available for travel or recreation. Although the Big Apple lies just over an hour east, the town still offers ample amenities for a comfortable lifestyle. For example, St. Luke’s Hospital‑Warren Campus, which is just around the corner, received the Patient Safety Excellence Award for 2023, 2024, and 2025 — as per Healthgrades.
Outdoor pleasure spots include the Delaware River, a raging beauty that has been called the "Lifeblood of the Northeast," the scenic Foul Rift area on the Delaware River in nearby White Township, and several local hiking paths such as sections of the Paulinskill Valley Trail.
Millville
Millville stands out as a hub of art and culture conveniently positioned about 40 minutes from Philadelphia. With a population of approximately 28,000 residents, Millville is a vibrant community that avoids being overwhelming or jarring. Residents enjoy soothing waterfront views, convenient airport access, a century-old performing arts venue, and a variety of cultural attractions. For example, WheatonArts and Cultural Center, founded as Wheaton Village in 1968, has earned international recognition for its unique collections and programs. Meanwhile, the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts is a stimulating place to wander and experience one of the state's best art venues.
Outdoor enthusiasts have Union Lake and Maurice River, both of which offer several outdoor recreational opportunities. The median listing home price in Millville was as low as $271,000, less than half the statewide median.
Choosing the Right Town
For retirees seeking affordability without leaving the Northeast, several New Jersey towns deliver small-town peace near major cities. The Garden State’s smaller communities strike a balance between manageable home prices and quality healthcare, outdoor recreation, and vibrant culture. New Jersey is judiciously dotted with wallet-friendly locations, some offering costs comparable to Midwestern markets. Many of these towns are within easy reach of Philadelphia or New York City, offering accessibility combined with small-town calm that continues to attract retirees seeking comfort and connection.
