Famous for its extensive public transportation network and proximity to major NYC travel hubs, Jersey City, New Jersey is an ideal base for retirees to travel extensively across the globe. In close quarters to Newark Liberty International Airport, which operates over 1,000 daily flights, the world is virtually at the retirees' fingertips.
The absence of state tax on Social Security benefits or military pensions in New Jersey, along with housing prices significantly lower than Manhattan, manages to give retirees the taste of big city life without the hefty price tag attached. Jersey City, with its spectacular skyline views and rich urban lifestyle, provides easy ferry, bus, train, and plane travel access to New York City or serene getaway destinations such as the Amalfi Coast.
Newark Liberty International Airport, ten miles away from Jersey City, serves as one of United's main hubs, with United accounting for nearly 70% of its daily traffic, and over 30 other airlines offering services there, including Delta, Lufthansa, American, and Emirates. Retirees enjoy nonstop flights to over 180 destinations worldwide from Newark. Additionally, Jersey City residents can reach Newark Penn Station in minutes, situated on the PATH train route from Journal Square, for just $3. From Newark Penn Station, quick trips to major cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., are a possibility via the Amtrak and NJ Transit rails.
Domestic and international retirees in Jersey City relish in a vibrant urban lifestyle and abundant travel connections at a much lower cost than New York City. However, they need to note that the cost of living, particularly the housing and healthcare expenses, significantly exceeds the national average. The median home price in Hudson County is $500,600, significantly more than the U.S. median of $416,900.
Despite its high living expenses, especially healthcare, Jersey City provides several care options for retirees. Hudson County hosts 10 hospitals and 1,182 health care establishments while also providing access to thousands more facilities in New York, including the famed New York Presbyterian and Mount Sinai.
When it comes to leisure and activities, Jersey City never disappoints. With an abundance of green spaces, walkable neighborhoods, restaurants, galleries, shops, festivals, and art exhibits, the city offers a dynamic lifestyle for its retirees. For golf enthusiasts, the Liberty National Golf Club stands ready with impressive skyline views.
However, before considering Jersey City as their retirement destination, retirees need to consider various factors including climate, traffic, population, and taxes. While New Jersey's humid subtropical climate with cold winters and hot summers might not appeal to all, the city's proximity to Newark allows an easy escape to sunnier or cooler locations. The city's pedestrian-friendly design and inexpensive public transit options make it easy for retirees to avoid the heavy traffic resulting from the city's growing population. Lastly, while New Jersey does tax property at one of the highest rates in the country, it does not tax Social Security income or military retirement pay.
In conclusion, for retirees planning for adventurous years ahead, Jersey City can serve as an excellent springboard with its superb transport connectivity, easy access to renowned health centers, and an urban lifestyle all within a lower cost than its big-city counterparts.