Choosing the perfect place to retire requires careful consideration of several important factors regardless of which state I am researching.
I did the research and came up with these 25 small New Jersey towns based on seven criteria: Cost of Buying a Home, Healthcare Access, Weather, Cultural Activities, Outdoor Activities, Crime Rate, and Airport Proximity. Each criterion helps paint a complete picture of what my retirement life might look like in these communities.
I defined small towns as 20,000 residents or fewer. Princeton is one exception I included.
The grades I assigned (A+ to D-) are subjective and based on comparing towns within New Jersey, not nationwide. I listed towns in alphabetical order rather than by ranking.
I need to remember that while some areas may excel in certain categories, the perfect retirement destination ultimately depends on my personal preferences and priorities.
Here’s the list.
1. Allentown
- Cost of Buying a Home: B-
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: B+
Allentown offers retirees a tranquil small-town environment with excellent safety ratings. With a population of 1,828, this historic borough features charming colonial architecture and a walkable downtown, where median home prices hover around $425,000, making homeownership moderately attainable compared to other central Jersey locations.
Residents enjoy easy access to cultural attractions in nearby Princeton and Trenton while maintaining a peaceful lifestyle. The town is approximately 45 minutes from both Newark Liberty International Airport and major healthcare facilities in Princeton and Hamilton, providing adequate access to essential services without big-city congestion.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the historic district with buildings dating back to the 18th century
- Enjoying nearby Assunpink Wildlife Management Area for hiking and birdwatching
- Participating in community events at Allentown’s charming village center
2. Avalon
- Cost of Buying a Home: D+
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A+
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: C-
Avalon’s pristine beaches and upscale atmosphere make it a coveted retirement destination for those seeking coastal living. With just 1,243 year-round residents, this exclusive barrier island community features median home prices exceeding $2 million, meaning a home loan would be prohibitively expensive for many retirees without substantial savings.
The town offers a refined selection of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries that cater to an affluent clientele. Located about 45 minutes from Cape May Hospital and approximately 90 minutes from Atlantic City International Airport, Avalon provides adequate but not immediate access to major services.
Three main activities:
- Enjoying some of New Jersey’s widest and cleanest beaches
- Boating and fishing in the back bay waters
- Bird watching at Avalon’s renowned seabird sanctuary
3. Bay Head
- Cost of Buying a Home: D
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Bay Head offers retirees an exclusive oceanfront community with exceptional safety and pristine beaches. This small enclave of 930 residents features historic Victorian homes and beachfront properties with median prices around $1.8 million, making obtaining a mortgage particularly challenging for most homebuyers without substantial assets.
The town maintains a refined, quiet atmosphere with several art galleries and upscale dining options. Ocean Medical Center is about 15 minutes away, while Newark Liberty International Airport can be reached in approximately 75 minutes, offering reasonable access to both healthcare and travel options.
Three main activities:
- Swimming and relaxing on private, less-crowded beaches
- Sailing and boating on Barnegat Bay
- Browsing local art galleries and boutiques along Bridge Avenue
4. Cape May
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: C
Cape May charms retirees with its Victorian architecture and beachfront location at New Jersey’s southern tip. Home to 2,768 residents, this National Historic Landmark city offers a unique blend of history and coastal living, with median home prices around $750,000 that reflect its desirability among homeowners looking for character and charm.
The town boasts an impressive calendar of cultural events, from jazz festivals to theater productions. Cape Regional Medical Center is conveniently located within 10 minutes, though Atlantic City International Airport requires a 45-minute drive, making occasional travel slightly less convenient than in some other locations.
Three main activities:
- Touring historic Victorian homes and the Cape May Lighthouse
- Bird watching at Cape May Point State Park during migration seasons
- Enjoying performances at the East Lynne Theater Company
5. Chester Borough
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: B
Chester Borough offers retirees a quaint small-town experience with exceptional safety in Morris County’s scenic countryside. This charming community of 1,649 residents features a historic downtown with colonial architecture and specialty shops, while median home prices around $625,000 reflect its desirable location and character.
The town balances rural tranquility with convenient amenities, including boutique shopping and fine dining options. Morristown Medical Center, consistently ranked among New Jersey’s best hospitals, is about 20 minutes away, and Newark Liberty International Airport can be reached in approximately 40 minutes by car.
Three main activities:
- Shopping at the historic downtown’s specialty stores and antique shops
- Hiking in nearby Black River County Park
- Attending seasonal festivals like the Harvest Celebration and Chester Craft Show
6. Clinton
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: B-
Clinton captivates retirees with its picturesque riverfront setting and iconic Red Mill Museum. With a population of 2,719, this charming town offers a blend of historic charm and natural beauty, while median home prices around $475,000 provide relatively good mortgage affordability compared to other scenic towns in the region.
The town features a walkable downtown with art galleries, boutiques, and diverse dining options. Hunterdon Medical Center is located about 15 minutes away in Flemington, and Newark Liberty International Airport can be reached in approximately 50 minutes, providing adequate access to both healthcare and travel options.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the Red Mill Museum Village and Hunterdon Art Museum
- Walking along the South Branch of the Raritan River
- Enjoying seasonal community events like Christmas in Clinton and the Rubber Ducky Race
7. Collingswood
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: A-
Collingswood delights retirees with its vibrant downtown and proximity to Philadelphia without the big-city price tag. Home to 13,869 residents, this walkable community offers a diverse housing stock with median home prices around $350,000, providing excellent mortgage affordability for retirees seeking an active lifestyle without overstretching their budgets.
The town boasts an award-winning restaurant scene, monthly Second Saturday arts events, and a popular farmers’ market. Cooper University Hospital and Jefferson Hospital are both within 15 minutes’ drive, and Philadelphia International Airport is just 20 minutes away, offering exceptional convenience for both healthcare and travel.
Three main activities:
- Dining at the diverse collection of restaurants along Haddon Avenue
- Strolling through Knight Park or along Cooper River Park
- Attending performances at the historic Scottish Rite Auditorium
8. Cranbury
- Cost of Buying a Home: C-
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: A-
Cranbury preserves its colonial heritage while offering retirees a peaceful yet convenient location in central New Jersey. This historic township of 3,842 residents features preserved 18th and 19th-century homes along tree-lined streets, with median home prices around $680,000 reflecting its desirable location and historic character.
The town combines small-town charm with proximity to cultural attractions in Princeton and New Brunswick. Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center is just 10 minutes away, and Newark Liberty International Airport can be reached in approximately 40 minutes, providing excellent access to healthcare and transportation options.
Three main activities:
- Walking tours of the historic district with buildings dating back to 1698
- Exploring Cranbury Brook Preserve and Village Park
- Attending community events at Heritage Park or Cranbury Day celebrations
9. Fanwood
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: A-
Fanwood offers retirees a friendly suburban community with excellent transportation options to New York City. With 7,651 residents, this tight-knit borough features well-maintained neighborhoods and a walkable downtown, with median home prices around $525,000 providing reasonable value for the region with good home loan options for those on fixed incomes.
The town combines a tranquil atmosphere with convenient access to shopping, dining, and cultural activities. Overlook Medical Center is about 15 minutes away, and Newark Liberty International Airport can be reached in approximately 25 minutes, offering exceptional convenience for both healthcare and travel needs.
Three main activities:
- Relaxing at LaGrande Park or Forest Road Park
- Shopping and dining in the revitalized downtown district
- Taking the train into Manhattan for world-class cultural experiences
10. Flemington
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Flemington combines historic charm with practical amenities that make retirement comfortable and convenient. Home to 4,581 residents, this county seat offers diverse housing options from historic homes to newer developments, with median home prices around $400,000 providing good mortgage affordability compared to many other central New Jersey communities.
The town features a walkable downtown with specialty shops, restaurants, and the historic courthouse. Hunterdon Medical Center is located right in town, and Newark Liberty International Airport is about 50 minutes away, offering good accessibility to healthcare with reasonable travel options.
Three main activities:
- Shopping at Liberty Village Premium Outlets
- Exploring Flemington’s historic district with buildings dating to the 18th century
- Attending events at the Hunterdon County 4-H Fair
11. Frenchtown
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: C+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: C+
Frenchtown captivates retirees with its riverside charm and artistic community along the Delaware River. This quaint village of 1,373 residents features Victorian architecture and a pedestrian-friendly downtown, with median home prices around $450,000 offering reasonable value for a scenic riverside location.
The town has developed a reputation as an arts destination with galleries, studios, and unique shops. Hunterdon Medical Center is about 25 minutes away in Flemington, while Lehigh Valley International Airport is approximately 45 minutes away across the Pennsylvania border, providing adequate but not immediate access to services.
Three main activities:
- Cycling on the Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath
- Kayaking or tubing on the Delaware River
- Exploring unique shops and galleries in the walkable downtown
12. Haddonfield
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: A-
Haddonfield offers retirees a picture-perfect historic town with excellent amenities and walkability. This charming borough of 11,577 residents features tree-lined streets and colonial architecture, with median home prices around $675,000 reflecting its desirability and historic character.
The town boasts a vibrant downtown with over 200 shops and restaurants along Kings Highway. Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital is just 5 minutes away, and Philadelphia International Airport can be reached in approximately 25 minutes, providing exceptional access to both healthcare and travel options.
Three main activities:
- Shopping and dining along the historic Kings Highway business district
- Walking through the 65-acre Hopkins Pond conservation area
- Attending performances and exhibits at Haddonfield Plays & Players theater
13. Highland Park
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: A+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: A-
Highland Park attracts retirees with its diverse community and exceptional walkability near the Raritan River. This vibrant borough of 13,396 residents offers a range of housing options from historic homes to newer condominiums, with median home prices around $425,000 providing excellent mortgage affordability for those seeking an active lifestyle with urban amenities.
The town features a lively downtown with international dining options and independent businesses. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is just across the river in New Brunswick, and Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately 35 minutes away, offering outstanding convenience for both healthcare and travel needs.
Three main activities:
- Walking or cycling along the Raritan River trail
- Attending the Highland Park Street Fair and other community events
- Enjoying performances at the Highland Park Arts Commission events
14. Hopewell Borough
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: B+
Hopewell Borough offers retirees a quintessential small-town experience with exceptional safety in a scenic setting. This historic community of 1,922 residents features well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a vibrant main street, with median home prices around $600,000 reflecting its desirability and charm.
The town maintains a strong sense of community with local events, farmers markets, and easy access to Hopewell Valley’s natural beauty. Capital Health Medical Center is about 15 minutes away in Pennington, while Trenton-Mercer Airport is just 20 minutes away, providing good accessibility to both healthcare and regional travel options.
Three main activities:
- Hiking in nearby Sourland Mountain Preserve
- Exploring local shops and restaurants along Broad Street
- Attending community events like the Hopewell Harvest Fair
15. Lambertville
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: B-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B
Lambertville charms retirees with its vibrant arts scene and walkable historic district along the Delaware River. This picturesque town of 3,906 residents features well-preserved Federal and Victorian architecture, with median home prices around $550,000 reflecting its popularity as a cultural destination.
The town offers a remarkable concentration of art galleries, antique shops, and excellent restaurants within its compact downtown. Hunterdon Medical Center is about 20 minutes away, and Trenton-Mercer Airport can be reached in approximately 25 minutes, providing reasonable access to both healthcare and travel options.
Three main activities:
- Gallery hopping during the monthly art walks
- Walking across the bridge to New Hope, Pennsylvania for expanded dining and shopping
- Cycling or strolling along the Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath
16. Margate City
- Cost of Buying a Home: C-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: B
Margate City offers retirees an upscale beach community with a strong sense of identity and year-round appeal. Home to 6,354 residents, this oceanfront town features a mix of classic beach cottages and luxury homes, with median home prices around $750,000 reflecting its desirable location and amenities.
The town provides a more relaxed alternative to nearby Atlantic City while still offering dining and entertainment options. AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center is about 15 minutes away, and Atlantic City International Airport can be reached in approximately 25 minutes, providing good accessibility to both healthcare and travel options.
Three main activities:
- Visiting Lucy the Elephant, the iconic National Historic Landmark
- Relaxing on Margate’s well-maintained beaches
- Dining at waterfront restaurants along Amherst Avenue
17. Medford Lakes
- Cost of Buying a Home: B
- Healthcare Access: B
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B-
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A
- Airport Proximity: B
Medford Lakes provides retirees a unique lakeside community built around a series of natural lakes in the Pine Barrens. This distinctive borough of 4,146 residents features rustic log cabins and waterfront homes, with median home prices around $450,000 offering good value for homeowners seeking a nature-oriented lifestyle.
The town maintains a strong community spirit with numerous lakeside activities and social events throughout the year. Virtua Marlton Hospital is about 15 minutes away, and Philadelphia International Airport can be reached in approximately 45 minutes, providing reasonable access to both healthcare and major travel options.
Three main activities:
- Swimming, fishing, and boating on the community’s 22 lakes
- Hiking and biking in the surrounding Pine Barrens
- Participating in community traditions like the Canoe Carnival
18. Merchantville
- Cost of Buying a Home: A-
- Healthcare Access: A
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: A-
Merchantville attracts retirees with its Victorian charm and exceptional housing affordability near Philadelphia. This compact borough of 3,819 residents features impressive Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets, with median home prices around $275,000 making it one of the most affordable options for retirees seeking mortgage affordability without sacrificing character or convenience.
The town offers a walkable downtown with local shops and restaurants along a revitalized Centre Street. Cooper University Hospital is just 10 minutes away in Camden, and Philadelphia International Airport can be reached in approximately 25 minutes, providing excellent access to both healthcare and travel options.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the historic district with its Victorian architecture
- Attending community events like Merchantville’s Car Show and Music Festival
- Relaxing in Merchantville’s Eclipse Brewery, a local gathering spot
19. Ocean Grove
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: A-
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B
Ocean Grove delights retirees with its unique Victorian character and beachfront location on the Jersey Shore. This historic community of 3,342 residents features the largest concentration of authentic Victorian architecture in the country, with median home prices around $600,000 reflecting its distinctive charm and oceanfront setting.
The town offers a pedestrian-friendly layout with a vibrant downtown and rich cultural programming at the historic Great Auditorium. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is about 15 minutes away, and Newark Liberty International Airport can be reached in approximately 60 minutes, providing good access to both healthcare and major travel options.
Three main activities:
- Enjoying performances at the historic Great Auditorium
- Relaxing on Ocean Grove’s pristine beach
- Exploring the largest collection of authentic Victorian architecture in America
20. Pennington
- Cost of Buying a Home: C
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: B+
Pennington delights retirees with its quintessential small-town charm combined with a refined, educated community atmosphere. This historic borough of 2,802 residents features well-preserved 18th and 19th-century homes along tree-lined streets, with median home prices around $625,000 reflecting its desirability and proximity to Princeton.
The town offers a walkable downtown with boutique shops, excellent restaurants, and a strong community spirit. Capital Health Medical Center is located right in Pennington, and Trenton-Mercer Airport is just 15 minutes away, providing excellent access to both healthcare and regional travel options.
Three main activities:
- Visiting the Pennington Farmers Market
- Exploring nearby Baldpate Mountain for hiking
- Attending community events at Howe Commons
21. Point Pleasant Beach
- Cost of Buying a Home: C+
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: B+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Point Pleasant Beach offers retirees a vibrant shore community with a perfect balance of seasonal energy and year-round livability. With 4,665 residents, this coastal town features a mix of beach cottages and larger homes, with median home prices around $575,000 reflecting its position as a relatively attainable Jersey Shore option for homebuyers.
The town provides an authentic boardwalk experience along with quieter residential neighborhoods and a charming downtown. Ocean Medical Center is about 15 minutes away, and Newark Liberty International Airport can be reached in approximately 70 minutes, offering adequate access to both healthcare and major travel options.
Three main activities:
- Walking the classic boardwalk with its shops and restaurants
- Fishing at the Manasquan Inlet
- Enjoying cultural events at the Algonquin Arts Theatre in nearby Manasquan
22. Princeton
- Cost of Buying a Home: D+
- Healthcare Access: A+
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: A+
- Outdoor Activities: A-
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: A-
Princeton offers retirees an intellectually stimulating environment with world-class cultural amenities in a picturesque setting. This prestigious community of 28,572 residents features diverse architectural styles from colonial to contemporary, with median home prices around $950,000 making home loans significantly more expensive than in most New Jersey towns.
The town provides access to Ivy League lectures, concerts, and museums alongside excellent dining and shopping options. Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center is located right in town, and Newark Liberty International Airport is about 45 minutes away, providing exceptional access to both top-tier healthcare and major travel options.
Three main activities:
- Exploring the Princeton University campus and its world-class art museum
- Enjoying performances at McCarter Theatre Center
- Walking the trails of the 589-acre Institute Woods
23. Riverton
- Cost of Buying a Home: B+
- Healthcare Access: A-
- Weather: B
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Crime Rate: A-
- Airport Proximity: A-
Riverton attracts retirees with its historic riverfront setting and well-preserved Victorian architecture along the Delaware River. This peaceful borough of 2,779 residents features impressive homes on tree-lined streets, with median home prices around $375,000 offering surprising mortgage affordability for a historic riverfront community with such architectural character.
The town maintains a strong sense of community with events centered around its yacht club and riverfront park. Virtua Willingboro Hospital is about 15 minutes away, and Philadelphia International Airport can be reached in approximately 30 minutes, providing excellent access to both healthcare and major travel options.
Three main activities:
- Strolling along the Delaware River waterfront
- Participating in events at the historic Riverton Yacht Club
- Exploring the town’s Victorian architecture
24. Spring Lake
- Cost of Buying a Home: D-
- Healthcare Access: B+
- Weather: B+
- Cultural Activities: B+
- Outdoor Activities: A
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: B-
Spring Lake offers retirees an upscale coastal retreat with pristine beaches and a refined atmosphere often called the “Irish Riviera.” This elegant seaside community of 2,993 residents features grand Victorian homes and beachfront estates, with median home prices exceeding $2.2 million making this one of the most expensive communities for obtaining a mortgage in the state.
The town maintains a two-mile non-commercial boardwalk and a charming downtown with upscale boutiques and restaurants. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is about 20 minutes away, and Newark Liberty International Airport can be reached in approximately 70 minutes, providing good access to both healthcare and travel options.
Three main activities:
- Walking along the non-commercial boardwalk
- Swimming at one of the East Coast’s most pristine beaches
- Enjoying performances at the historic Community Theatre
25. Stone Harbor
- Cost of Buying a Home: D
- Healthcare Access: C
- Weather: A-
- Cultural Activities: B
- Outdoor Activities: A+
- Crime Rate: A+
- Airport Proximity: C
Stone Harbor welcomes retirees to a luxurious barrier island community with wide beaches and a refined atmosphere. This exclusive town of just 866 year-round residents features elegant beachfront homes and upscale properties, with median home prices around $1.9 million making homeownership attainable only for those with substantial financial resources.
The town offers a sophisticated shopping district along 96th Street with art galleries, boutiques, and fine dining establishments. Cape Regional Medical Center is about a 20-minute drive, and Atlantic City International Airport is approximately 45 minutes away, providing adequate but not immediate access to services.
Three main activities:
- Bird watching at the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary
- Shopping and dining along 96th Street
- Enjoying the town’s wide, pristine beaches
Sources:
- New Jersey State League of Municipalities https://www.njlm.org/Archive.aspx?ADID=1537
- New Jersey Household Dog & Cat Population Estimates By City and County https://www.sustainablejersey.com/fileadmin/media/resources/AIC_documents/New_Jersey_2012_Census_and_Ownership_Stats.pdf
- Intercensal Population Estimates by Municipality: New Jersey, 1981-1989 https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/assets/PDFs/dmograph/est/ipem8189.html
- Realtor.com https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/New-Jersey
- Zillow https://www.zillow.com/nj/home-values/
- U.S. Census Bureau https://data.census.gov/cedsci/
- New Jersey Department of Community Affairs https://www.nj.gov/dca/
- NJ.com (The Star-Ledger) https://www.nj.com/
- National Association of Realtors https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics
- Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jersey
