Retiring in New Jersey? The best NJ boroughs for seniors, ranked by the data

When most people think of finishing their career, they immediately think of moving to Florida. But not everyone wants to spend their retirement in the Sunshine State. Some of them want to stay close to friends and family, as well as in the beautiful state of New Jersey. Others hire movers Elmwood Park NJ and come to this state for the first time. But what are the best NJ boroughs for seniors? Well, there is only one place to find an answer: data.

In this guide, we walk through our ranking of the best NJ boroughs for seniors, explain how we built it, and add the practical details retirees actually ask us about: walkability, train access, healthcare nearby, and what a senior move to each town really involves. If you are planning to downsize or relocate within the Garden State, this is a good place to start.

Table of contents

1. How we determined the best NJ boroughs for seniors
2. Ringwood
3. Roselle Park
4. Haddonfield
5. New Providence
6. Phillipsburg
7. Rutherford
8. Little Ferry
9. Summit
10. Comparing the best NJ boroughs for seniors side by side
11. Why seniors choose Moving of America
12. Frequently asked questions

To this end, we tried to identify places in New Jersey that are safe and affordable, with plenty of things to keep you occupied during retirement. What did we find after comparing all the data? Here are our top eight NJ boroughs for seniors:

1. Ringwood
2. Roselle Park
3. Haddonfield
4. New Providence
5. Phillipsburg
6. Rutherford
7. Little Ferry
8. Summit

1. How we determined the best NJ boroughs for seniors

To create our list of the best NJ boroughs for seniors, we first used U.S. Census Bureau data to find all the places in the Garden State with a population of at least 5,000 people that are not campuses. For these areas we considered the following criteria:

• Low cost of living, as measured by rent
• Low crime rate
• Interesting things to do (museums, colleges, and libraries in the town)
• Good weather
• Distance to the nearest international airport
• Other senior citizens (high average age)

Finally, we took the average rating for these criteria. The place with the lowest middle rank, in this case Ringwood, is the best of the best: the place for you to start your new life after retirement. Consequently, you might end up hiring pro residential movers NJ and moving there. We know that plain data can be a bit boring. Therefore, we will tell you something about the origins of each of these boroughs, plus what makes them work for seniors today.

What seniors should weigh beyond the ranking

Numbers are a starting point, not a final answer. Before you commit to any of the best NJ boroughs for seniors, visit in person, check how far the nearest hospital and pharmacy are, ride the local bus or train once, and look at how many homes in town are single-level. A town that scores well on paper can still be the wrong fit if every house has three flights of stairs.

2. Ringwood

The Lenape, an Algonquian-speaking tribe of Native Americans who occupied most of the mid-Atlantic coastal areas and inland mountains, including along the Delaware River, lived in the area of modern Ringwood when Europeans first entered the area. Some retreated to the mountains to escape the colonial invasion.

Why Ringwood tops the best NJ boroughs for seniors

• Nature on your doorstep: Ringwood State Park, Ringwood Manor, and the Skylands gardens make gentle walks and garden visits an everyday option.
• Quiet, low-crime setting: a small Passaic County borough with a calm, residential feel.
• Room to spread out: larger lots suit retirees who still love gardening.

The trade-off is that Ringwood is car-dependent, so it suits active seniors who still drive.

3. Roselle Park

The first known settlement on the territory of the present borough was built by Samuel Williams in 1700. Galloping Hill Road was constantly used by revolutionary scouts, passing messages to General George Washington and Governor Livingston. It was also the route by which British columns headed for the Battle of Connecticut Farms, fighting the New Jersey militia all the way. The son of American General William Crane was stabbed and killed by the British near what is now called Galloping Hill Road and Colonial Road.

Why seniors like Roselle Park

• Compact and walkable: small-town streets with shops and services close together.
• Train access: an NJ Transit station on the Raritan Valley Line makes trips to see family easy without driving.
• Affordable for Union County: rents tend to sit below nearby suburbs.

4. Haddonfield

Lenni Lenape Native Americans were the first to occupy the Haddonfield area. The Lenape disappeared from the area when the settlers arrived. On the banks of the Cooper River, residents found arrowheads and ceramic shards, hinting that at some point in Haddonfield there was a settlement of Native Americans.

Why Haddonfield is one of the best NJ boroughs for seniors in South Jersey

• A true walkable downtown: Kings Highway is lined with cafes, boutiques, and historic buildings.
• PATCO Speedline: a quick rail link to Philadelphia for doctors, theater, and family visits.
• Rich history: the borough is famous as the site where the Hadrosaurus foulkii dinosaur skeleton was discovered in 1858.

5. New Providence

The written history of New Providence begins in 1664, when James, Duke of York and brother of King Charles II, acquired the land from the Lenape. Its first European settlers were members of a Puritan colony, which was the first permanent settlement of this type in the area. Initially, the settlement’s name was “Turkey” or “Turkey Town” due to the presence of wild turkeys in the area.

Why seniors like New Providence

• Safe, well-kept neighborhoods with a strong community feel.
• NJ Transit rail service on the Gladstone Branch toward Summit and New York.
• Close to major healthcare in neighboring Summit and Morristown.

6. Phillipsburg

Phillipsburg grew from a sleepy agricultural village and became a transportation hub as the western terminus of the Morris Canal, the first transport infrastructure project that gave the community a direct connection to New York. The Central Railroad of New Jersey was soon connected. The community also reached the terminals of both the Delaware Canal and the Lehigh Canal through its cable ferry system to Easton, PA. In 1853, the Lehigh Valley Railroad connected across the river to the CNJ, all within Phillipsburg. Rapid growth followed quickly.

Why seniors like Phillipsburg

• Among the most affordable picks on our list of the best NJ boroughs for seniors.
• Delaware River views and easy access to Easton’s shops and restaurants across the bridge.
• Slower pace in Warren County, while still in New Jersey near family.

7. Rutherford

The ridge above the New Jersey Meadowlands, on which Rutherford sits, was settled by the Lenape long before the arrival of Walling Van Winkle in 1687. Union Avenue, which runs from the Meadowlands to the Passaic River, may have been an Indian path or a property boundary. The land was a 1668 grant from Governor Philip Carteret to John Berry. If you are into history, then this borough is perfect for you. So, wait no more and hire Rutherford movers now.

Why Rutherford is a Bergen County favorite for seniors

• Walkable Park Avenue downtown with restaurants, a library, and local shops.
• NJ Transit Bergen County Line for a short ride toward Secaucus and New York.
• Literary roots: hometown of poet William Carlos Williams.

Rutherford is one of the best NJ boroughs for seniors who want Bergen County convenience without big-city prices.

8. Little Ferry

Little Ferry was formed by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on September 18, 1894, from parts of Lodi Township and New Barbadoes Township, based on the results of a referendum. The borough exists thanks to the Boroughitis phenomenon, which then spread through Bergen County. And, among other things, this is one of the best NJ boroughs for seniors. So, hiring Little Ferry movers and moving there would not be such a bad idea.

Why seniors like Little Ferry

• Small and manageable: a compact borough along the Hackensack River.
• Central location: minutes from Hackensack’s hospitals and shopping.
• Close to family: easy access to Routes 46 and 80 and the rest of North Jersey.

9. Summit

The region in which Summit is located was acquired from Native Americans in 1664. The very first European settlers of Summit arrived in the area around 1710. The original name of Summit was “Turkey Hill,” to distinguish it from the area known as “Turkey.” During the American War of Independence, Summit was known as “Beacon Hill” because bonfire beacons on its east ridge warned the New Jersey militia about the approach of British troops.

Why seniors like Summit

• Top-tier healthcare: Overlook Medical Center is right in town.
• Midtown Direct trains to New York Penn Station for theater and family visits.
• Vibrant downtown with arts, dining, and community programs.

Summit is the priciest option here, but for many retirees its healthcare and transit make it one of the best NJ boroughs for seniors overall.

10. Comparing the best NJ boroughs for seniors side by side

Here is a quick snapshot to help you shortlist the best NJ boroughs for seniors based on how you want to live.

Senior savings to check before you move

Wherever you land, New Jersey offers programs that can make retirement more affordable. The state has property tax relief options for older homeowners and renters, including ANCHOR and the Senior Freeze, so check current eligibility with the NJ Division of Taxation. NJ Transit also offers reduced fares for riders 62 and older, and the NJ Division of Aging Services lists local senior programs by county. If you are still weighing New Jersey against the South, our New Jersey to Florida movers can help you compare, and our guide to the best places in New Jersey to retire to covers more towns.

11. Why seniors choose Moving of America

Picking one of the best NJ boroughs for seniors is the exciting part. The move itself is where many retirees need a hand, especially after decades in the same home. Moving of America has been helping New Jersey families relocate since 2007, and our senior moving services are built around patience, planning, and care.

• A dedicated Move Advisor who plans your timeline, floor plan, and moving day with you from start to finish.
• Downsizing help: we work around your decisions on what to keep, gift, donate, or store. See our tips for decluttering your estate before a sale.
• Full packing services so no one has to lift heavy boxes or climb ladders.
• Flexible short-term storage if your closing dates do not line up.
• Estate moving for families handling a loved one’s home.
• Local expertise across all of our New Jersey moving locations, from Bergen County to South Jersey.

Moving of America is fully licensed, insured, and accredited: US DOT 1601312, MC 592337, NY DOT 38444, and NJ License 39PC00096600. Before you book anyone, read our list of the most common senior moving mistakes and solutions.

12. Frequently asked questions

What are the best NJ boroughs for seniors?

Based on our data, the best NJ boroughs for seniors are Ringwood, Roselle Park, Haddonfield, New Providence, Phillipsburg, Rutherford, Little Ferry, and Summit. Ringwood ranked first overall thanks to its low crime, natural beauty, and older resident base.

Which NJ borough is the most affordable for retirees?

Of the towns on our list, Phillipsburg and Roselle Park tend to offer the lowest rents. Costs change year to year, so compare current listings before you decide.

Which borough is best for seniors who don’t drive?

Haddonfield, Rutherford, and Summit stand out for walkable downtowns and rail access. Roselle Park and New Providence also have NJ Transit train stations.

Does New Jersey tax Social Security benefits?

No. New Jersey does not tax Social Security benefits, and the state offers retirement income exclusions and property tax relief for qualifying seniors. Check the NJ Division of Taxation for current rules.

How far in advance should seniors book movers?

We recommend booking 4 to 8 weeks ahead, and longer in the busy summer season. That gives your Move Advisor time to plan downsizing, packing, and any storage needs.

Can movers help with downsizing to a smaller home?

Yes. Our senior movers NJ team can create a floor plan for your new home, pack only what fits, and move the rest to storage or donation. If you are heading to a community setting, see our tips for moving to assisted living.

Do you handle local moves between NJ boroughs?

Absolutely. Our local movers NJ crews handle moves between any of the best NJ boroughs for seniors, whether you are going from Ringwood to Rutherford or from Summit to Haddonfield.

Is moving to a borough better than moving to a big city for seniors?

For many retirees, yes. Boroughs usually offer lower crime, quieter streets, and a closer community, while still being a short drive or train ride from city healthcare and culture. Read more on the advantages of moving to suburban neighborhoods.

Choosing among the best NJ boroughs for seniors comes down to the life you want next: gardens and trails in Ringwood, a walkable downtown in Haddonfield or Rutherford, or first-rate healthcare in Summit. Whichever borough you pick, Moving of America’s Move Advisors are ready to make the move calm, careful, and on schedule.