Retirement may be the time to slow down and enjoy life’s rewards, but for those considering New Jersey as their golden-years destination, the latest rankings suggest the Garden State still has some catching up to do.
In its 2025 Best & Worst Places to Retire list, WalletHub evaluated 182 U.S. cities using 45 different metrics across four core categories: affordability, activities, quality of life, and health care. Among those cities were Jersey City and Newark, the two largest urban centers in New Jersey—and the results were less than encouraging for retirees looking to stretch their savings while maintaining a high quality of life.
Discover more insights on health and wellness in New Jersey here.
How New Jersey Cities Ranked
Jersey City
- Overall rank: No. 161
- Affordability: No. 162
- Activities: No. 96
- Quality of life: No. 66
- Health care: No. 63
While Jersey City scored decently in quality of life and health care, affordability dragged its ranking down significantly. Retirees may enjoy cultural amenities, waterfront views, and easy access to Manhattan, but the cost of living remains one of the steepest in the country.
Newark
- Overall rank: No. 178
- Affordability: No. 156
- Activities: No. 81
- Quality of life: No. 169
- Health care: No. 134
Newark performed even worse, placing near the very bottom of the list. While it offers some activities and proximity to major hubs, concerns about affordability, safety, and overall quality of life continue to weigh on its reputation as a retirement destination.
Why Affordability Matters Most
For many retirees, living on a fixed income means every dollar counts. Housing costs, property taxes, and everyday expenses are some of the biggest challenges facing retirees in New Jersey. In fact, New Jersey consistently ranks among the states with the highest property taxes in the nation—a major drawback when considering long-term affordability.
According to WalletHub analysts, the best retirement destinations are those that minimize expenses and taxes while also offering ways for retirees to supplement their income if they choose. That balance is harder to achieve in New Jersey’s largest cities, where the high cost of living can quickly overshadow other benefits.
A Silver Lining: Health Care and Quality of Life
While affordability continues to be a sore spot, New Jersey does shine in other areas. In WalletHub’s statewide rankings, the Garden State ranked 12th overall for health care, a strong showing compared to many other states. This reflects the state’s robust hospital networks, access to specialists, and proximity to world-class medical facilities in the New York City and Philadelphia regions.
Additionally, New Jersey as a whole was ranked No. 3 among the best states to live in on a separate WalletHub list, which considered affordability, economy, education, health, quality of life, and safety. That contrast highlights the state’s complexity—it may not be cheap, but it offers exceptional health services, cultural opportunities, and community amenities that contribute to quality living.
Comparing the Rankings
Best States to Retire (WalletHub 2025)
- Florida
- Minnesota
- Colorado
- Wyoming
- South Dakota
Best States to Retire (Bankrate 2025)
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Wyoming
- Vermont
- Idaho
Where New Jersey Stands
- WalletHub (2025): No. 45 overall
- Bankrate (2025): No. 23 overall
The difference between WalletHub and Bankrate’s rankings illustrates how methodology can shape results. WalletHub emphasized affordability, where New Jersey struggles, while Bankrate weighed other factors such as weather, safety, and local amenities, where New Jersey performed somewhat better.
What This Means for Retirees
For those already living in New Jersey, these rankings may not come as a surprise. Many retirees choose to stay close to family, health care providers, and familiar communities despite higher costs. Others weigh whether to downsize, relocate to more affordable suburbs, or even move out of state to stretch retirement savings.
For incoming retirees considering New Jersey, the decision is a balancing act:
- Pros: High-quality health care, rich cultural and recreational opportunities, access to beaches, parks, and major cities.
- Cons: High taxes, expensive housing, and cost-of-living pressures.
The Bigger Picture
The question of where to retire is never one-size-fits-all. While New Jersey may not be topping affordability lists, its strengths in health care, lifestyle, and community can still make it an attractive option for some.
Retirement planning in the Garden State requires careful consideration of budget, lifestyle priorities, and access to health services. For those who value staying connected to family and benefiting from one of the nation’s strongest health care systems, New Jersey may still be worth it—just with a higher price tag attached.
Explore more health and wellness resources in New Jersey here.
