At some point in our lives, we all start thinking about where and how we want to retire. It’s important to choose the right community to settle in as senior citizens because where you choose to live the next phase of your life will inform every aspect of your well-being, from indulging in your favorite activities to ensuring your safety and security to accessibility.
There’s one place that answers all these needs, and it’s New Jersey.
If you want access to the big city and live in a scenic location
Hugged by the coast and peppered with a wealth of state parks and forests, New Jersey has a wide variety of scenic locations you can live in close proximity to. Its accessibility to the bustling streets of New York City gives its residents the best of both worlds.
With nearly 140 miles of coastline, New Jersey boasts over 40 beaches for sunbathing, seaside walking, and if you’re up to it, surfing. The beaches of New Jersey are also home to many amusement parks, boardwalks, and beachside townhomes perfect for retirees who want a pleasant beachside view.
Situated along the Appalachian Trail, New Jersey offers many state parks lush with flora and teeming with fauna. Places such as Worthington State Forest, Wawayanda State Park, and Palisades Interstate Park, among others, have extensive hiking trails with breathtaking views of the forest.
If you’re an arts and culture fan
For those into cultural excursions, New Jersey has tons of museums and art centers. The Newark Museum of Art, Princeton University Art Museum, and the Montclair Art Museum house many sculptures, oil paintings, and photographs that are worth your while.
If you want to entertain your grandkids
Should the grandkids come visit, the state offers many family-friendly attractions, from bustling fairs and aquariums to extensive forest trails and beaches.
If you want to live in a safe place
Leisurely activities aren’t the only things to look forward to when retiring in New Jersey. The state also boasts world-class health care, low crime rates, retirement-friendly tax policies, and academic and recreational institutions, for those who want to learn new things.
As of 2021, New Jersey ranks among the Top 5 Safest States in the US, with an annual violent crime rate of 2.07, almost half the national average, and a property crime rate of 13.36, lower than the national average of 21.
New Jersey also ranks Number Four in terms of healthcare among the 50 states. With world-class medical institutions like the Morristown Medical Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, and St. Barnabas Medical Center. \
When it comes to education, New Jersey ranks Number One across all states. Some universities like Rutgers offer tuition-free courses for New Jersey residents 62 years old and above.
If you want tax breaks
For seniors, New Jersey offers tax exemptions, from tax breaks to annual property tax deductions. There are also tax programs that reimburse seniors for property tax increases on their homes. And while property taxes may be higher in New Jersey, getting help from a reliable real estate agent is key to getting the most of what this beautiful state has to offer without breaking the bank.
For more information on finding a suitable retirement home in New Jersey, contact our team at Pagnotta Homes. Call 908.436.7947 or send an email to info(at)pagnottahomes(dotted)com to get a head start on the idyllic retirement life that awaits you.
Read our blog for more useful tips:
- Planning to downsize for retirement? Here are some tips.
- How to choose the right location when buying a home
- Five reasons you should invest in a retirement home
