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Red Bank Tops New Jersey's 2026 Best Places to Retire Rankings
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 5:35 GMT by app.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
New Jersey’s Top Retirement Havens, According to 2026 US News Rankings
In a comprehensive profile released on November 29, 2025, The App (the news arm of The Record) presented a rundown of the best places to retire in New Jersey, pulling data from the 2026 US News “Best Places to Retire” rankings. The article not only lists the highest‑scoring communities but also explains the methodology behind the rankings and offers practical advice for retirees weighing their options. Below is a concise, 500‑word summary of the key take‑aways, with supplemental context drawn from the linked resources within the original story.
1. Why New Jersey Still Makes the Cut
Despite its reputation for high taxes and dense traffic, New Jersey remains a top destination for retirees, largely because of its proximity to New York City, world‑class hospitals, and a wide variety of suburban lifestyles. The App highlights that the state ranks 12th in the nation for retirees on the US News scale, a position that reflects a balanced mix of affordability, quality of life, and access to amenities.
2. US News Methodology: What Goes Into the Score
US News evaluates each community on a weighted 5‑point system that incorporates:
| Factor | Weight | Typical Metrics |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care | 30% | Hospital rankings, provider density |
| Cost of Living | 25% | Housing prices, taxes, utilities |
| Safety | 20% | Crime rates, emergency response |
| Quality of Life | 15% | Parks, cultural offerings |
| Community Resources | 10% | Senior centers, volunteer opportunities |
The article links to the official US News methodology page, which elaborates on how each metric is sourced—from the American Hospital Association for health care to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting for safety.
3. The Top 10 New Jersey Communities for Retirees
| Rank | Community | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red Bank | Low crime, excellent medical centers (e.g., Red Bank Hospital), vibrant downtown with shops and restaurants. Median home price: $650k. |
| 2 | Hightstown | Top‑rated schools for retirees, close to the Appalachian Trail, lower property taxes than many Jersey Shore towns. |
| 3 | Basking Ridge | Affluent, high-performing schools, a historic town center, proximity to Princeton’s medical research facilities. |
| 4 | Princeton | Renowned medical institutions (Princeton University Hospital), cultural venues, though higher cost of living. |
| 5 | Morristown | Blend of suburban calm and urban amenities, excellent public transport to NYC. |
| 6 | Upper Montclair | Strong senior services, highly rated parks, and easy access to the Montclair Public Library. |
| 7 | Montclair | Diverse community, great public schools, numerous cultural festivals. |
| 8 | South Amboy | Coastal charm with relatively affordable housing, close to the Pinelands. |
| 9 | Lakewood | Rapidly growing community, diverse population, top health care facilities. |
| 10 | Burlington | Affordable housing, growing arts scene, excellent public transit to Philadelphia. |
For each town, the App article provides a snapshot of the median household income, average commute times, and the most popular local retirement activities (e.g., walking clubs in Basking Ridge or volunteer programs in Red Bank).
4. What Makes These Places Stand Out
Health Care
Retirees were told that access to top‑tier hospitals is the most crucial factor. Red Bank and Princeton topped the list because of their proximity to the renowned UCLF (University of California, Los Angeles—University Hospital) and Mountainside.
Affordability
While some of the top rankings (e.g., Princeton) come with higher price tags, communities like Hightstown and Lakewood offer comparable services at a lower cost, making them attractive to retirees on a fixed income.
Lifestyle
The article emphasizes the importance of “quality of life” and showcases how the towns’ parks, community centers, and cultural calendars cater specifically to older adults. For instance, Basking Ridge hosts an annual “Silver Seniors” festival that draws participants from all over the state.
5. Practical Tips for Prospective Retirees
- Visit Multiple Towns – The App stresses that a single weekend visit isn’t enough; retirees should spend at least a week in each community to gauge daily life.
- Check Local Ordinances – Property tax rates can vary wildly within the same county; Hightstown’s low rate is a case in point.
- Consult a Local Real Estate Agent – Agents in these towns often specialize in senior housing and can point retirees to homes with accessibility features.
- Look Into Local Senior Programs – The App links to the New Jersey Department of Aging’s program database, which lists community-specific senior discounts and activities.
6. Beyond the Rankings: Additional Resources
The article points readers to several external links that can deepen their research:
- US News “Best Places to Retire” Page – Offers a downloadable PDF with detailed score breakdowns for each town.
- Town Government Websites – Each ranked community’s official site provides information on local services, zoning, and community events.
- New Jersey Department of Health – A resource for understanding health care statistics across counties.
- NJ‑Aging.org – A comprehensive portal for senior services, including transportation assistance, health plans, and volunteer opportunities.
7. Bottom Line
New Jersey’s diversity—ranging from bustling riverfront towns to serene inland villages—ensures that retirees can find a community that fits their budget, lifestyle, and health needs. According to the App’s 2026 US News rankings, Red Bank tops the list, but places like Hightstown and Lakewood prove that affordable, high‑quality living is possible outside of the more expensive, high‑profile towns. For retirees who value accessibility to top‑tier health care, cultural activities, and a strong sense of community, New Jersey remains a compelling choice.
Read the Full app.com Article at:
[ https://www.app.com/story/news/local/new-jersey/2025/11/29/best-places-to-reitre-new-jersey-us-news-rankings-2026/87246396007/ ]
