Bergen County continues to be one of New Jersey’s top destinations for retirees. With its suburban charm, proximity to New York City, and an abundance of amenities, it’s no surprise that towns in the area consistently rank highly for retirement. According to Niche’s most recent rankings for the best places to retire in New Jersey, three Bergen County towns—Paramus, Fort Lee, and Edgewater—are among the top 25. Let’s take a closer look at why these towns are so attractive to retirees, how they rank among the state’s best, and where New Jerseyans often move when they leave Bergen County for their retirement years.
Bergen County’s Top Retirement Towns
The Niche rankings for the best places to retire are based on a combination of factors such as affordability, healthcare access, safety, recreational opportunities, and overall quality of life. Here’s where each of the three top Bergen County towns ranks:
1. Paramus: Ranked #12 Among Best Places to Retire in New Jersey
Paramus has long been considered one of Bergen County’s most desirable towns for all ages, and for retirees, it’s no different. Ranked #12 for retirees in New Jersey, Paramus offers easy access to Manhattan, excellent healthcare, and an abundance of shopping and dining options, making it a convenient and comfortable place to call home during retirement.
Why Paramus Is Ideal for Retirees:
- Convenience and Healthcare Access: With hospitals like the Valley Health System and its proximity to major healthcare centers in Hackensack, Paramus offers retirees easy access to top-quality medical care.
- Shopping and Dining: Paramus is home to two major shopping malls, Garden State Plaza and Paramus Park, ensuring that retirees have everything they need close by. The variety of dining options also means there’s always somewhere new to try.
- Housing Options for Retirees: As one of Bergen County’s larger towns, Paramus offers a range of housing options that appeal to retirees, with both more affordable choices and higher-end properties.
2. Fort Lee: Ranked #15 Among Best Places to Retire in New Jersey
Fort Lee, ranked #15, offers retirees a mix of city access, scenic views, and a peaceful suburban setting. Located on the Palisades cliffs, it provides breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and easy access to New York City, making it an ideal location for those who want to remain connected to the city without the noise and crowds.
Why Fort Lee Appeals to Retirees:
- Breathtaking Views: Fort Lee’s scenic location along the Hudson River provides residents with views of the Manhattan skyline, a feature that many retirees find appealing.
- Proximity to NYC: Fort Lee’s quick access to New York City, just across the George Washington Bridge, makes it easy for retirees to enjoy all that the city has to offer—museums, Broadway shows, and fine dining—while maintaining the peaceful pace of suburban living.
- Active Lifestyle Options: From parks to recreational facilities, Fort Lee offers retirees many opportunities to stay active. The town also features a variety of restaurants, the Barrymore Film Center, and other cultural activities.
3. Edgewater: Ranked #18 Among Best Places to Retire in New Jersey
Edgewater rounds out the top 25, ranked #18, and offers retirees a picturesque waterfront lifestyle with direct views of the Manhattan skyline. This town is perfect for retirees who want a quieter, scenic environment while still being close to the city’s cultural and social opportunities.
Why Edgewater Is Great for Retirees:
- Waterfront Living: Edgewater’s prime location along the Hudson River offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, a major draw for retirees seeking a relaxing yet vibrant environment.
- Proximity to NYC: Like Fort Lee, Edgewater provides easy access to New York City, which means retirees can enjoy city life while still residing in a peaceful, suburban environment. The town is just a short drive from Manhattan, and there are multiple public transportation options available.
- Community-Focused: Edgewater offers a welcoming atmosphere, with opportunities for retirees to stay engaged through local events, social gatherings, and community activities. It’s an ideal place for retirees who appreciate a mix of suburban charm and easy access to urban amenities.
Crime Rates and Cost of Living in Paramus, Fort Lee, and Edgewater
When considering a place to retire, crime rates and the cost of living are key factors, and each of these Bergen County towns offers varying benefits in these areas. Paramus is known for its low crime rates, making it a safe and family-friendly community. The town’s overall crime rate is well below the state and national averages, which is reassuring for retirees seeking peace of mind. However, the cost of living in Paramus can be somewhat higher compared to other parts of New Jersey, particularly when it comes to housing. Property values and rental prices are on the rise, reflecting the town’s popularity and its close proximity to New York City.
Fort Lee also enjoys relatively low crime rates, with a community-focused police department that ensures the safety of residents. Like Paramus, it benefits from being close to the city, but its real estate market is slightly higher in price, particularly for properties with views of the Manhattan skyline. While living costs are higher than in other suburban areas further from the city, Fort Lee offers the advantage of easy access to New York City’s amenities, which can add value for those looking to stay connected to city life.
Edgewater, being a smaller town with a growing population, is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates lower than those in nearby urban areas. The town’s police department works closely with residents to maintain safety. As for the cost of living, Edgewater is generally more affordable than Fort Lee, though its waterfront properties can command premium prices. Like Fort Lee, Edgewater’s proximity to New York City influences the cost of housing, with the overall cost of living being higher than other areas of Bergen County that are further removed from the city.
In summary, while all three towns offer a safe environment for retirees, the cost of living is something to consider. Paramus and Fort Lee have higher housing costs due to their proximity to New York City, while Edgewater offers a more moderate range of options, though it too can be pricey for waterfront properties.
Taxes in Paramus, Fort Lee, and Edgewater
When it comes to taxes, Paramus, Fort Lee, and Edgewater all share similar characteristics because they fall under New Jersey’s state tax policies. The state income tax and relatively high property taxes in these towns can be significant factors for retirees to consider. Of the three, Fort Lee has the highest property tax rate, while Edgewater offers slightly lower property taxes. However, all three towns have a similar sales tax rate, which is consistent throughout New Jersey.
Retirees should take into account the local property taxes and income tax implications, as they can impact the affordability of living in these towns. Additionally, it’s important to consider the state’s tax exemptions for seniors, which may help offset some of these costs, depending on the retiree’s income level and age.
Where Else Do New Jersey Retirees Go When They Leave Bergen County?
While Bergen County remains a top choice for retirees, many New Jerseyans eventually decide to relocate out of the area or even out of state. The decision to leave typically comes down to factors such as cost of living, tax benefits, and the desire for a change of scenery. Here’s a look at some of the top destinations for New Jersey retirees.
1. Florida: The Top Destination for New Jersey Retirees
Florida continues to be the most popular destination for New Jersey retirees. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 8% of New Jersey’s retirees relocate to Florida. This is largely due to Florida’s lack of a state income tax and its warm climate, making it a financial and lifestyle choice for many. Popular retirement destinations in Florida include Naples, Sarasota, and The Villages.
- Why Florida? Retirees are drawn to Florida for its tax advantages, particularly the lack of state income tax, which is a major benefit for retirees on a fixed income. In addition, Florida offers a low cost of living, an abundance of senior communities, and a warm, sunny climate that appeals to many retirees from colder states.
2. South Jersey and the Shore: A Popular Option for Those Looking for Peace and Proximity to the Beach
For those who want to stay within New Jersey but seek a quieter, more relaxed pace of life, South Jersey and the shore areas are popular options. Towns like Ocean City, Cape May, and Toms River attract retirees due to their charming communities, and proximity to the beach.
- Why South Jersey and the Shore? The South Jersey shore offers a more relaxed lifestyle, often with a lower cost of living than northern New Jersey. Ocean City, in particular, is a popular choice for retirees due to its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and active senior community.
3. Pennsylvania and Delaware: Popular Choices for Retirees Seeking Affordability
Many retirees also choose to move to neighboring Pennsylvania and Delaware. These states offer lower property taxes and more affordable housing compared to New Jersey. Popular retirement destinations include Bethlehem, Easton, and towns near the Delaware beaches, such as Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach.
- Why Pennsylvania and Delaware? The lower cost of living, more affordable housing, and lower taxes make these states attractive to retirees. In particular, Delaware has a favorable tax structure for retirees, including exemptions for pension income and no sales tax.
The Full List: Best Places to Retire in New Jersey for 2024
Here’s a look at the full Niche ranking of the top 25 places to retire in New Jersey, with Paramus, Fort Lee, and Edgewater all making the list:
- Sea Girt
- Surf City
- Mountainside
- Berkeley Heights
- Linwood
- Lawrenceville
- Riverdale
- Margate City
- Delaware Township
- Beach Haven
- Ship Bottom
- Paramus
- Basking Ridge
- Bridgewater
- Fort Lee
- South Orange
- Teaneck
- Edgewater
- Princeton
- Holmdel
- Monroe Township
- Red Bank
- Cherry Hill
- Edison
- Livingston
About Niche Rankings
Niche is a trusted source for rankings and reviews, providing data-driven insights into the best places to live, work, and retire across the U.S. Their rankings are based on a combination of factors, including real resident reviews, government data, and other metrics such as affordability, safety, healthcare access, quality of life, and public services. Niche uses a thorough, transparent methodology that incorporates community feedback from people who actually live in these areas, making the rankings highly relevant and reliable. This approach ensures that the rankings reflect real-life experiences and the qualities that matter most to residents, giving potential movers and retirees a clear, unbiased view of their options.
More News and Information for Bergen County’s 60+ Population
For more articles on active aging in Bergen County, be sure to check out our ongoing Next Chapter: Active & Engaged Over 60 series on mybergen.com. Stay informed and connected with the latest resources for seniors in our community.
Join the Bergen County 60+ Movement on Facebook!
The Bergen County Active & Engaged Over 60: The Next Chapter Facebook group is a new hub for those 60+ who are redefining what it means to age in Bergen County.
While The Next Chapter Facebook group is designed with Bergen County’s active and engaged 60+ community in mind—an influential, and growing group, the diverse mix of content, from health tips and local events to lifestyle trends and community news, makes this community relevant not only to the 60+ crowd but to adults of all ages. While the focus is on this dynamic generation reshaping what it means to age, we know that the insights, experiences, and energy shared here resonate with anyone looking to stay active and connected. Much like how the mybergen.com Kids Corner has been the go-to for parents of young children, The Next Chapter is a hub for the 60+ audience, but we’re happy if younger generations take part in the conversation, too. The wisdom of the 60+ crowd has something valuable for everyone!
Aging in Place in Bergen County: Services, Resources, and Tips for Seniors
