As America’s population continues to age and families increasingly seek compassionate, high-quality care options for their loved ones, the need for transparent and reliable senior living information has never been greater. For the fourth year running, U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025 Best Senior Living ratings, offering critical guidance to seniors and their families navigating one of life’s most important decisions: where to live during their golden years.
This year’s report, which reviewed thousands of communities across the country, spotlights 1,894 top-rated facilities nationwide—and New Jersey proudly claims 54 of those distinguished spots.
New Jersey’s Growing Presence in Senior Living Excellence
The Garden State’s performance in this year’s rankings is significant. Of the 91 communities evaluated across New Jersey, more than half earned a “Best” rating in one or more categories. These high-performing communities represent a cross-section of care levels, from assisted living to memory care. The state ranked 15th in the nation for the number of “Best” senior living locations—a notable achievement amid rising national competition.
New Jersey’s 2025 rankings break down as follows:
- Best Independent Living Communities: 2
- Best Assisted Living Communities: 34
- Best Memory Care Communities: 43
- Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities: 0
An Aging Nation—and a State Preparing for It
With the 65+ age group in the U.S. projected to surge to 82 million by 2050—a staggering 47% increase—senior living is more than just a service; it’s an essential part of the future of healthcare, housing, and lifestyle. New Jersey’s strong showing on the U.S. News list signals its commitment to addressing that demographic shift.
The state’s facilities are evolving, not just in quantity, but in quality. Companies like FellowshipLIFE, a local provider, are at the forefront of transforming senior living into something more modern, dynamic, and enriching for today’s retirees. From redesigned living spaces to personalized care options, operators in New Jersey are adapting to the expectations of the Baby Boomer generation and beyond.
Metropolitan Spotlight: A Regional Powerhouse
New Jersey also finds itself uniquely positioned within one of the nation’s most senior-friendly metropolitan zones. The New York metro area, which includes parts of northern New Jersey, tied with Chicago for the highest number of Best Senior Living communities, with 71 each. This reinforces the region’s strength as a destination for high-quality elder care.
Additionally, national providers with a strong New Jersey presence continue to excel. Brookdale Senior Living Inc., based in Tennessee, led the nation with 319 “best” locations, including 12 in New Jersey. Sunrise Senior Living, which has nearly 30 New Jersey locations, came in second with 154 top-rated properties across the U.S.
How the Ratings Were Determined
U.S. News’ methodology is rigorous. The 2025 rankings were based on insights from nearly 450,000 survey responses gathered from residents and family members at over 3,800 senior living communities across the nation. Survey participants were asked to rate various aspects of community life, including:
- Safety and security
- Quality of caregiving
- Staff and management responsiveness
- Community activities and social engagement
- Dining experience and nutritional value
- Sense of home and overall environment
- Perceived value for cost
Only those communities that consistently scored in the top quartile of responses—and met a specific set of qualifying criteria—earned a coveted “Best” designation. Communities could be recognized in one or multiple care categories.
High Marks for New Jersey Communities
In addition to receiving “Best” status, several New Jersey communities were also recognized with “High Performing” accolades, which U.S. News awards to those that demonstrate excellence across five core categories: caregiving, enrichment activities, staff and management, food quality, and a home-like environment.
According to Liz Pearce, U.S. News’ Senior Living Director, these designations offer families more than just praise—they provide data-driven, unbiased insights. “Choosing a senior living community is a major life decision for older adults and their families,” Pearce emphasized. “These ratings provide an impartial evaluation of resident and family satisfaction in senior living and are a tool for informed decision-making.”
A Look Ahead
While New Jersey still lags behind senior-living powerhouses like Texas (165 top-rated communities), California (161), Florida (129), and Illinois (110), it continues to rise as a contender in the quality-of-care conversation. Its neighbor Pennsylvania also performed strongly, claiming 90 top-rated facilities, suggesting a Mid-Atlantic region increasingly attuned to the needs of its aging population.
With no Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) in New Jersey making this year’s “Best” list, there’s also room for innovation and improvement in that sector—a potential opportunity for developers and senior living planners in the years to come.
Final Thoughts: The Garden State’s Silver Future
As seniors seek not just care, but quality of life, the communities that succeed will be those that deliver meaningful engagement, comfort, and dignity. For families across New Jersey, the 2025 Best Senior Living list provides a helpful, research-backed starting point in what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming search process.
New Jersey’s showing this year confirms that the Garden State is not only investing in its aging population—it’s beginning to lead by example. And as the demand grows, so too will the need for communities that offer not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.
Would you like to include a list or map of the top-rated New Jersey communities from the U.S. News site, or build this out into a guide for families exploring senior care options in the state?
You said:
Yeah. That would be great
ChatGPT said:
Certainly! Here’s a detailed guide to some of New Jersey’s top-rated senior living communities, recognized for their excellence in care, amenities, and resident satisfaction.
🏆 Top-Rated Senior Living Communities in New Jersey (2025)
1. Arbor Terrace Morris Plains
Located in Morris County, Arbor Terrace Morris Plains has been recognized for its outstanding memory care and assisted living services. Residents and families have praised the community for its compassionate staff, engaging activities, and homelike environment. Arbor Company+2Arbor Company+2Arbor Company+2
2. Arbor Terrace Shrewsbury
Situated in Monmouth County, Arbor Terrace Shrewsbury offers a vibrant community with a strong focus on resident satisfaction. The facility is known for its safety measures, quality caregiving, and excellent value, making it a top choice for seniors in the area. Arbor Company
3. The Oaks at Denville
This Life Plan Community in Morris County has been recognized for its high-performance short-term rehabilitation services. The Oaks at Denville offers a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing, with a commitment to quality and safety. Oaks at Denville+1Springpoint Senior Living+1
4. The Atrium at Navesink Harbor
Located in Monmouth County, The Atrium at Navesink Harbor is part of the Springpoint Senior Living network. It has been recognized for its excellence in independent living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, providing a comprehensive range of care options for seniors. Springpoint Senior Living+2Oaks at Denville+2The Atrium at Navesink Harbor+2Springpoint Senior Living
5. Monroe Village
Situated in Middlesex County, Monroe Village offers a full spectrum of services, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. The community is known for its commitment to resident well-being and high-quality care. Springpoint Senior Living
🗺️ Explore More Top-Rated Senior Living Communities
For a comprehensive list of New Jersey’s top-rated senior living communities, you can visit the U.S. News & World Report website. Their Best Senior Living finder allows you to filter communities by location, care level, and other preferences to help you find the best fit for your needs.
