Attractive Retirement Living, Even With A High Cost
For non-Jerseyites who may be considering New Jersey as a retirement destination, let's go ahead and address
the negatives on the front end. Yes, in case you haven't heard, this is an expensive place to live. With a cost
of living that is significantly above the national average and property taxes that rank among the highest of almost any State,
there are not, in all honestly, a lot of budget-minded retirees rushing to stake their claim to a retirement dream house in
the Garden State.
But for those already familiar with the many attractive features to be found
here, in spite of the economics, the advantages of retirement in New Jersey are deemed to be worth the extra expense.
First, the cultural and entertainment attractions, urban amenities and overall lifestyle attitude that flows outward
from New York City and Philadelphia, are, for some, just too compelling to ignore.
And
perhaps just as much a factor in pulling retirees to remain in New Jersey is the realization that once you look beyond the
industrial boundaries of cities like Newark and Trenton, quiet, scenic regions such as the Delaware Valley, Jersey Shore and
Northern Highlands are replete with dozens of appealing and alluring small and villages that have much to offer for retirement
living.
As an example, consider Manchester Township, located just seventy miles from the New
York metro area and approximately sixty miles from Philadelphia, and the borough of Wanaque, nestled in a picturesque setting
at the base of the Ramapo Mountain State Park and bordered by the Wanaque River, yet just 34 miles from Manhattan. With
a current population just under 40,000, Manchester witnessed a tremendous expansion during the 1960's, 70's and 80's, a situation
which was largely attributed to growing number of retirement communities that were built here. Although significantly
smaller with a current population of approximately 11,000, Wanaque has also recently attracted the attention of new communities
for active adult retirees, specifically a Del Webb development.
For those who prefer an oceanfront
retirement location, Cape May or some of the other small towns in the Southern Shore Region provide a laid-back atmosphere
and cool summer ocean breezes. Located right on the extreme southern tip of the New Jersey coast, Cape May and nearby
Bridgeton are both noted known for their architectural interest and relaxing lifestyles. In fact, Bridgeton's Historical
District has more than 2,200 historic structures.
Neighboring Millville and Vineland are a
little further inland but also relatively close to the shore. Residents of both enjoy small-town settings and still
within access to the attractions of Philadelphia, New York and Washington DC, as well as the Jersey Shore. Millville
has the advantage of the Maurice River, a federally-designated stream, running through its downtown area and is actively working
to build upon its waterfront heritage. Vineland has repeatedly been selected as the one of the best places live in New
Jersey.
Another choice for many retirees is Jackson
Township, which sits at the northern edge of Ocean County and is less than an hour's drive from the Jersey Shore. Retirees
are drawn to this area by the community's beautiful tree-line neighborhoods, its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia
and inventory of affordable, quality senior housing.
In rural western New Jersey, the Delaware
River Valley is a beautiful pastoral setting with a diverse and picturesque collection of small towns where retirees can be
in either Philadelphia or New York in just over an hour. Here one is immediately struck by the sharp contrast between
affluent, upscale villages with relatively high median household incomes and more blue-collar middle class neighborhoods such
as Frenchtown, a tiny hamlet that is home to a colony of working artists' studios and galleries, fine antique stores, intimate
little cafes, ethnic restaurants, coffee houses and book stores. Recently, there has a movement to renovate the architectural
landscape of Frenchtown, as well as several other smaller communities in the Valley.
In Flemington,
the county seat of Hunterdon County and the commercial center of the area, the downtown area is a historic district where
the majority of the buildings are included on the New Jersey register of historic places. Here, as throughout all the towns
of the Delaware River Valley, there is a tremendous sense of community respect for the heritage of the region, as symbolized
in part by the tree-lined streets and well-manicured lawns seen almost everywhere.
While perhaps
not as well known as its neighbor, Pennsylvania's Bucks County, Hunterdon County is considered by many to be just as scenic,
and more affordable. With the 28-mile long Delaware and Raritan Canal, Biking and Hiking Trail passing through several
of the area's charming small towns and a highway with bike trails below the sheer rock cliffs of the Delaware River, outdoor
lovers find this a great retirement destination. Clinton, one of the most idyllic spots in the region, and Lambertville,
once a sleepy factory worker's town, have both become trendy and upscale communities with fine restaurants, antique shops
and distinctive art galleries that attract not only weekend visitors but retirees looking for an interesting and exciting
place to live.
New Jersey may not be the first choice for retirees searching for an affordable
place to retire, but for those willing to look past the cost of living here, this is a beautiful and interesting option that
should not be taken lightly.
