8 Safest Towns In New Jersey For Senior Living

The Garden State is one of the choice destinations for retirees and seniors in the US owing to its spectacular natural scenery, vibrant cultures, and some laid-back towns. These towns are not only relaxed but also safe for seniors, with low crime rates, tax benefits, relatively affordable housing, easy access to healthcare, and other features that appeal to retirees. Whether on vacation or relocating full-time to New Jersey, retirees can find all the peace, serenity, and natural beauty they require to spend the rest of their post-work days in these towns. With that said, here are 8 of the safest towns in New Jersey for seniors.

Sparta

Sparta is a beautiful town in Sussex County that is full of history, nature, and rich culture. Most importantly, the town is one of the safest in New Jersey and safer than 76% of cities in the US, according to NeirhborhoodScout. Housing and cost of living, however, are a bit above the national average at around $581,000 and 15%, respectively, but considering that this town is safer than nearly 80% of US cities, it’s worth the little strain on the housing and living budget. Meanwhile, access to healthcare is never a challenge for seniors, especially as the Bridge Medical Center is in town.

In the meantime, one of the town’s highlight attractions for seniors to explore is the nearby Tomahawk Lake Water Park, home to New Jersey’s largest white sand beach, which offers a boatload of recreational opportunities. From swimming and boating on the 20-acre lake to picnicking on the beach, the lake is where retirees can easily forget time exists. A walk on the Lake Mohawk boardwalk is also refreshing and exciting for seniors as they savor each moment and the views. Sparta Avenue Stage is for seniors who love theatre performances, stage plays, and shows.

For history buffs, the Van Kirk Homestead Museum features everything from antique cars and a colonial kitchen to a Civil War room.

Pompton Lakes

The Borough of Pompton Lakes has some of the core elements of a perfect town for seniors. In addition to being safer than 63% of US cities (as per NeighborhoodScout), healthcare for seniors is offered at the Atlantic Medical Group Primary Care, and housing is not so expensive at around $502,000 on average. However, retirees will have to create a small wiggle room for compromise as the cost of living is around 21% higher than the national average. But the town more than compensates for this drawback in other great aspects like safety and natural allure.

Alongside Lake Pompton, three rivers - Wanaque, Ramapo, and Pequannock flow through the town, offering a wide range of sightseeing and recreational activities. Retirees can rent a kayak or canoe to explore the lake and rivers or catch some fish in the waters.

Also, the nearby 4,300-acre Ramapo Mountain State Forest is perfect for recreational pursuits like hiking, fly fishing, and picnicking, all suitable for seniors. There is also a 120-acre mountain lake in the park for fishing and birdwatching, including the ruins of Van Slyke Castle for history buffs. Meanwhile, Monica's Restaurant is a must-visit for seniors who fancy exotic Italian cuisine.

Hopatcong

Hopatcong is a serene, relaxing borough in Sussex County, safer than 86% of US cities according to NeighborhoodScout, which makes it one of the best places for seniors in New Jersey. With affordable housing at around $416,000, and the nearby Skylands Medical Group providing healthcare services, seniors can feel at home in this lake town. However, the cost of living is just 12% above the national average, which is a reasonable compromise since the town is almost 90% safe.

The borough's highlight attraction is Lake Hopatcong, the state’s largest freshwater body at 2,560 acres. Within the lake and its state park in the nearby town of Landing, retirees can embark on boat cruises, hike, watch birds, and reminisce about their youth while gazing at the sunset. Also, Modick Park is a serene, green park to relax, take walks, enjoy picnics, see a native American memorial, and cherish quiet time.

For art lovers, Spiderweb Art Gallery is a great spot to admire beautiful artworks and paintings. History aficionados are not left out of the fun as the Lake Hopatcong Historical Society Museum in nearby Landing, South of the Lake, is the perfect spot to explore the lake's history and its surrounding areas through exhibits, photography, and articles.

Atlantic Highlands

The Atlantic Highlands is a charming coastal borough overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with a population below 5,000 accounting for its calmness. This town is quite attractive for seniors with a low crime rate, which makes it safer than 73% of cities in the US, as reported by NeighborhoodSout, and access to healthcare at Eastpointe Medical. But like many safe and senior-friendly places in New Jersey, the price of homes in the Atlantic Highlands is $600,000 on average, while the cost of living is about 29% above the national average.

In the meantime, seniors who love nature and the ocean scenery will find this town irresistible. For recreation, the town has many yacht and boat clubs like Teal Cruises and Simple Life Sportfishing to explore the waters and enjoy fishing. Still outdoors, Lenape Woods Nature Preserve is a lovely nature sanctuary where seniors can explore wetlands and woodlands while sighting birds.

Atlantic Highlands also features the Strauss Mansion Museum, a 21-room Queen-Anne-style mansion, is a museum that relives the town's history through exhibits, period rooms, and historical programs. Elsewhere, Smodcastle Cinemas offers sensational movies, while On the Deck is a must-visit restaurant for delicious seafood and epic harbor views.

Bernards

Bernards Township is a bustling town in Somerset County, nestled along hills, with a population of more than 27,000, yet accommodating, safe, and friendly for seniors. The chances of becoming a victim of violent crime here are 7 in 1,000 (according to BestPlaces), making it significantly safer than the majority of US cities. Housing costs, however, range from $830,000 to $925,000 for an average home, and the cost of living is 31.6% higher than the national average. As for the healthcare needs of seniors, CityMD Bernardsville Urgent Care is always available.

Additionally, history buffs will love to explore historic sites like Franklin Corners Historic District, Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church and Cemetery, and the Brick Academy. For recreation, Lord Stirling Park is in town and invites seniors to hike and explore its diversity of habitats, such as swamps, brooks, marshes, meadows, and the Passaic River through boardwalks. Meanwhile, the town also hosts the Devil’s Tree, a lone tree that has become a tourist attraction in the town due to its dead limbs and the many myths surrounding it, notably its accursed status.

Also, Bernards Township is home to the Sieminksi Theatre where seniors can watch a variety of shows and performances to keep their hearts alive with joy.

Highlands

Highlands is a charming and historic waterfront town on Raritan Bay, with just around 4,000 people, making it laid-back and peaceful for seniors year-round. Even better, the town, according to NeighborhoodScout, is 78% safer than most cities in the US. And even though the average home price is around $536,000 and the cost of living is 29% higher than the national average, both are compromises worth making in exchange for security and serenity. Moreover, seniors have access to professional healthcare at the Eastpointe Medical Center in nearby Atlantic Highlands, just 6 minutes away.

In the meantime, the town is home to attractions like the imposing bluff over Sandy Hook Bay, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. On this bluff, seniors can check out the non-functional Navesinks Twin Lights, constructed in 1862 and featuring a museum offering local and maritime exhibits. The Bridge Marina Highlands Boating Club is another interesting attraction in town, offering boating tours across the bay.

For oceanfront recreation like picnicking, promenading, and basking in the sun, retirees can always visit Highlands Beach on Sandy Hook Bay. Elsewhere, Moby’s Lobster Deck is a top-notch restaurant where seniors can enjoy various seafood delights alongside stunning bay views.

Matawan

Matawan is one of the safest towns in America, with a remarkably secure atmosphere and picturesque scenery near Raritan Bay. According to NeighborhoodSout, this town is safer than 94% of cities in the US, which makes it desirable for seniors. Yet, the average home price is relatively affordable at around $611,000, even though the cost of living is 29% above the national average.

While enjoying the peace and comfort of this town, Memorial Park is a great stop for history buffs as it hosts several memorials commemorating WWI, WWII, and 9/11, among others. The town also hosts Lake Lefferts which offers recreational pursuits like kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing.

Meanwhile, the Henry Hudson Trail is in town and is ideal for leisure walks with charming natural views. When it comes to dining, Big Ed’s Barbecue is an amazing culinary spot to enjoy barbecues and other light dishes while spending time in Matawan. For those worried about healthcare, the Doctor’s Office is always available to cater to health challenges.

Vernon

Vernon Township in Sussex County is one of the safest towns in New Jersey, with a negligible crime rate which makes it 90% safer than most US cities. Surprisingly, the town also flaunts one of cheapest housing rates in the state and the US with an average home often selling for around $306,000, while the cost of living is 15% higher than the national average and 4% lower than the New Jersey average. Plus, the town hosts good healthcare establishments like ImageCare at Vernon and Skylands Urgent Care.

The town’s peaceful aura is also a huge draw, and it is just an hour away from New York City, making it the ideal escape from the noise. Seniors here can always enjoy the area’s serene vibe at the Wawayanda State Park, home to lush forests, various birds, charming lakes for kayaking, boating, and canoeing, and 60 miles of hiking trails. Next, the Vernon Township Historical Society Museum invites history lovers to explore the town’s history via artifacts, historic programs, and several exhibits.

Adventurous retirees can hike the 2.6-mile roundtrip Stairway to Heaven and be rewarded with panoramic views of the town. When it’s time to relax, seniors can enjoy the various body treatments available at the Element Spa.

Why These Towns Are Perfect For Retirement

New Jersey beckons with oceanic charm, lively vibes, energetic cultures, adventures, and casinos. Yet, it somehow manages to host some pretty, cozy towns where seniors can feel at home in their less rowdy settings and enjoy retirement in peace. For seniors with some youthful energy and adventurous hearts, the beaches, hiking trails, and lakes across these towns also await exploration. With a low crime rate, cheap housing, and closeness to nature, retiring to these safe towns in the Garden State is always a decision many seniors would be proud of.