New Jersey Senior Living Options & Resources

Senior Living in New Jersey: What You Need to Know

New Jersey is home to 1,559,816 seniors aged 65 and older, representing 16.8% of the state's total population of 9.27 million. With a median age of 40.1 and the highest median household income in the nation at $101,050, the Garden State offers a robust senior living landscape that reflects both the sophistication and diversity of its communities. The state's 70 senior living communities are distributed across 27 cities, with the highest concentrations in suburban areas like Voorhees Township (5 communities), Bridgewater, Tinton Falls, and Washington Township (each with 4 communities).

The types of senior care available in New Jersey span the full continuum, from independent living and assisted living to specialized memory care and skilled nursing facilities. The state's healthcare infrastructure is among the strongest in the nation, with world-class medical centers including RWJBarnabas Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Atlantic Health System providing comprehensive geriatric care. New Jersey's proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia means seniors have access to cutting-edge medical research and specialty care while enjoying suburban and shore community living.

However, quality comes at a premium in New Jersey. Assisted living costs average $7,965 per month, 35% above the national average of $5,900, while nursing home care averages $12,524 monthly for a semi-private room compared to the national average of $9,277. These elevated costs reflect the state's higher cost of living, though families benefit from strong consumer protection regulations and quality oversight. Geographic cost variations exist, with communities in northern New Jersey near New York City typically commanding higher rates than those in southern or western parts of the state.

New Jersey offers several programs to help seniors afford care, including Medicaid waiver programs that cover assisted living and home-based services for eligible individuals. The state's Global Options for Long-Term Care program provides comprehensive assessment and care management, helping seniors access the right level of care while managing costs. For many retirees, New Jersey's appeal lies in its combination of excellent healthcare, cultural diversity, shore communities, four-season climate, and the ability to age in place near family in one of the nation's most densely populated and well-connected states.