6 Senior-Friendly Towns in New Jersey

New Jersey offers a unique retirement lifestyle unlike any other state, celebrated for its beautiful waterfront settings and vibrant small towns brimming with daily attractions and activities. For seniors seeking a comfortable and convenient lifestyle, the Garden State is ideal, offering a wide array of options for relaxation, healthcare, and social engagement. Whether you are drawn to the natural tranquility of a town like Vernon Valley, the convenience of geographical location, or the liveliness of communities like Princeton, New Jersey has an ideal hometown for all preferences.

Balancing a selection of small cities, calm nature-centric communities, and busy metropolitan areas, read along to find your new home in the Garden State's most senior-friendly towns.

Ocean City

Ocean City is one of the best small towns for retirees looking for an engaging local scene and endless entertainment options. While the town is abuzz with tourists in warmer months, Ocean City enjoys a relaxed lifestyle with a small population of 11,303 residents, a booming small business scene, and serene waterfront vistas. Events and community engagement are Ocean City’s main selling points, with events like the Boardwalk & Downtown Merchant Table Sales in May, the June Flower Show, and weekly farmer's markets.

From the famous Ocean City boardwalk to the main street of Ocean Ave, the city has no shortage of shopping options, with most being private family-owned businesses. Accompanying the ideal retirement setting in Ocean City is its significantly higher home prices, with 2024 real estate estimations of $1.4M (according to realtor.com), which is well above the national average (around $420,000).

Cape May

As America’s oldest seaside resort, Cape May is perfect for seniors who love history and Victorian architecture. The town's picturesque streets, stunning beaches, and peaceful settings are ideal for retirement. Enjoying some of the most beautiful natural views in New Jersey, Cape May stands as one of the most desirable retirement spots, directly influencing home prices with the median home listing prices at $960,000.

The town boasts a sizable senior population despite its small population size of 2,778, with over 27% of its population being over the age of 65. Washington Street Mall, beautified with Victorian architecture and colorful small homes, makes it one of the most scenic morning routes to grab coffee, stay active, and catch peaceful aquatic vistas. Recognized for having some of the best beaches in America, Cape May, located on the southernmost tip of the state, is also home to a reliable healthcare system, with one of the most notable medical centers being Cape Regional Medical Center.

Vernon Valley

Vernon Valley ranks as one of the most senior-friendly towns to retire for its small population of under 2,000 residents. Vernon Valley is one of the best small towns to call home for its relaxed countryside atmosphere. Located in Sussex County, Vernon Valley sits on New York's borders and is considered one of the most affordable small towns to retire in New Jersey, considering average home prices of $392,000, lower than the national average.

Adding to its appeal as one of the top retirement destinations in New Jersey, Vernon Valley offers residents the opportunity for an active lifestyle with multiple beaches, hikeable paths, and more. Notable nature-rich attractions near the town include Wawayanda State Park, Highland Lake, and Maple Grange Park. However, due to the town’s small population, in-town medical options are limited to a small selection, with some of the top-rated being Skylands Urgent Care Vernon and the Premier Health Associates medical group.

Princeton

Home to the prestigious Princeton University, Princeton is recognized as an intellectually stimulating environment and a classy small city beautified by historic architecture and creative small businesses. Princeton comes to life with its student population that supports the local economy of creative small businesses. Palmer Square stands as one of the best shopping and dining destinations in town, adding an upscale element to the town’s slower pace of life. Seniors relocating to Princeton can choose from central living options, luxury suburban areas, and a broad selection of assisted living options like Brandywine Living Serenade at Princeton and Artis Senior Living.

The median home listing price in Princeton is around $1.2M, but there is a considerable variation in prices depending on the neighborhood, with the abundance of upscale living options being a main contributor to inflated property prices. Seniors can also attend various lectures, visit the Princeton University Art Museum, and enjoy walks around the historic campus grounds.

Haddonfield

Haddonfield is the definition of a relaxing small-town ambiance with its historic vintage allure, beautified by Victorian architecture, gardens, and public parks appropriate for relaxing daily exercise like Pennypacker Park and Cooper Park, located along the Cooper River. Seniors moving to Haddonfield will feel at home thanks to the town’s engaging downtown scene and walkable main streets with friendly business owners that add to the town's welcoming feel.

Aside from the historic appeal, endless potential for outdoor recreation, and engaging local community, Haddonfield is also a desirable retirement spot for its proximity to Philadelphia, located just 13.2 miles away. In 2024, median home listing prices in Haddonfield are around $849,000, a costlier price than the national average, yet justified by the top-notch big-city amenities like the variety of healthcare options in town, with top-rated facilities being Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital located 3 miles away.

Summit

Summit, New Jersey, is the perfect senior community for retirees prioritizing easy access to New York City, sitting just 22 miles away. Despite being considered a suburb and bedroom community, Summit still enjoys a small-town allure due to its small population of 22,342 and its distinct geographical location on the outskirts of the city. Gestures of welcoming locals add to the town’s appeal, with a strong community element that spans annual events and a lively local social scene of gatherings like the Summit Senior Club. Balancing a nature-rich suburban feel, seniors relocating to Summit can enjoy a lively scene while being surrounded by verdant nature like the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the Watchung Reservation.

Relocators to Summit can also experience the town through its cultural side, with highlights of the creative local scene being The Summit Playhouse to catch live performing talents and the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, which is responsible for much of the creative events of the state like the annual Art & Cars show. However, thanks to the balanced social setting and easy accessibility to downtown New York while balancing a natural side, Summit also sits among the more expensive retirement destinations in New Jersey, with the median home listing prices at $1.4M in 2024, with an exceptionally fast-growing demand for real estate in the area.

New Jersey offers an array of senior-friendly towns, each with unique attractions and amenities for a fulfilling retirement. From ocean-front communities where retirees can instantly feel at home like Cape May to secluded countryside communities like Vernon Valley, all the senior-friendly towns in New Jersey offer easy accessibility to big cities and stand out as welcoming towns to call your own.