6 Secretly Amazing Places to Retire in New Jersey

When it comes to choosing a state in which to spend one’s “golden years,” New Jersey isn’t on the top ten list of popular retirement locales. It’s not even in the top 30! Despite that, the Garden State is one of the most unique, scenic, and diverse places to live on the entire East Coast.

Although New Jersey ranks as the most densely populated state in the U.S., its southern half contains 1.1 million acres of preserved wilderness area called the Pine Barrens. Its northwestern region largely consists of woods and hills.  The Garden State also boasts 130 miles of shoreline and some 60 “designated” beaches. And that’s not to mention its famous boardwalks and casinos, as well as golfing, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Given all that, New Jersey may just be one of the country’s best-kept retirement secrets! Keep reading to learn about 6 amazing places to retire in New Jersey.

 Little Egg Harbor/Mystic Islands

Located at the southern end of Ocean County is the bayside community of Little Egg Harbor Township.

Many of the homes in the Mystic Islands section of the township are built on a network of lagoons. That means you can dock your boat right at your backyard. The township also offers two top-rated golf courses in town, one a championship par-72 municipal course. The county park system maintains hiking trails, as well as tennis, and pickleball courts, and provides guided kayak excursions of both the lagoons and the bay.

The next-door Borough of Tuckerton, home of Tuckerton Seaport, is a well-known area tourist destination. Just a 20-minute drive away is Long Beach Island. This 18-mile-long barrier island is famous for its white-sand beaches, boating, fishing, dining, and off-the-boat seafood. In addition, the casinos of nearby Atlantic City can be seen from Little Egg Harbor’s own bay beach!

Little Egg Harbor still offers some of the most reasonable real estate prices for waterfront living in the state.

Princeton

If the idea of a high-end suburban lifestyle mixed with a bustling Ivy League atmosphere appeals to you, you might check out Princeton as a retirement option.

Located in the north-central part of the state in Mercer County, this town is home to Princeton University. Described by residents as enjoying a “peaceful lifestyle,” in a “close-knit” community, Princeton is perfect for lovers of outdoor activities, art, and history. Places to enjoy the arts include the university’s art museum and McCarter Theatre. For history buffs, there’s Battlefield State Park. It’s the location of one of the fiercest clashes in the American Revolution in 1777.

Princeton was recently ranked as the second-best place to live in New Jersey and 34th in the U.S. That’s likely because of its exceptional transit network that allows easy access to both Philadelphia and New York City.

Sparta

Many may not realize that New Jersey also has its very own mountain kingdom known as the Skylands region. Located in the northwestern part of the state, with the Appalachian Trail running through it, this picturesque area of forested hills has some very inviting and secluded places to retire.  And perhaps none is as appealing as Sparta Township, a 38-square-mile municipality located on Lake Mohawk in Sussex County, a mere 45 miles from New York City.

What makes Sparta such a uniquely enticing destination is its lakefront boardwalk and plaza, offering a touch of coastal resort ambiance to the region’s alpine atmosphere. It’s even among the attractions listed on both the National and State Historic Registers. Lake Mohawk is also the largest of the town’s 11 private communities, allowing visitors to stroll on a section of the boardwalk that’s lined with restaurants, bars, and shops while keeping most of it restricted to residents.

Lambertville

Referred to as the “antiques capital of New Jersey,” the small city of Lambertville looks every bit the part.

This Delaware River community, located 15 miles northwest of the capital city of Trenton, is a charming and picturesque locale. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there’s no shortage of things to do. Lambertville boasts numerous historic parks, hiking, bike trails, and water activities.

For art lovers, Lambertville is home to numerous highly regarded galleries, including a world-class auction house, Rago Art.

Sightseers and treasure hunters will also be delighted by a downtown area that reflects the city’s historic atmosphere. Filled with antique shops and boutiques, it’s both vibrant and relaxing.

Cape May

For lovers of genuine, well-preserved 19th-century charm, nothing tops Cape May.

This picturesque shore town is at the southern tip of the state. Cape May is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Delaware Bay to the west. Cape May is particularly renowned for its preserved Victorian homes, many of which have been converted to bed-and-breakfasts, and its museums.

Covering just three square miles, Cape May perfectly fits the definition of a locale that can be easily navigated on foot or by bicycle. Then there’s the two-mile paved promenade that parallels the beaches, for a morning stroll with the best ocean views around!

At Cape May Point State Park, there are hiking trails that allow a close-up view of the rich wildlife in the area. Being on a top migratory route for birds and butterflies, Cape May is a premier location for bird watching, especially during the fall.

Historic Cape May Lighthouse, even if you don’t climb the 199 steps to the top, is still a sight to behold. Built in 1859 and automated in 1946, it continues to do its job as well as representing the town’s rich maritime heritage.

And while Cape May is as far south as you can go in New Jersey, you can keep right on going from there to the Delmarva peninsula and beyond, no matter what your mode of transport. The Cape May — Lewes (Del.) Ferry makes the 17-mile crossing of Delaware Bay and back all year, accommodating vehicles, bicycles, and even foot traffic.

Barnegat Light

If money is no object, perhaps the most serene and scenic location to retire in New Jersey is Barnegat Light.

Located at the north end of Long Beach Island, Barnegat Light boasts the widest beaches on the entire island. And while all 18 miles of Long Beach Island are enjoyable for beach lovers, Barnegat Light has a special wild and natural appeal to it. From its dunes to its historic commercial fishing hub, the town is unique in every respect.

“Old Barney,” as the lighthouse is called, is the borough’s most visible feature located at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The park walkway and jetty are popular fishing and picnic spots. Especially enticing is the short but tranquil walking trail that winds through a maritime forest of native plants and old-growth trees.

Living in this amazing area, however, doesn’t come cheap. The median home price in Barnegat Light in 2023 was just shy of $2 million.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mike Ver Sprill/Shutterstock.com