Why Travel-Loving Retirees Should Consider This New Jersey City as a Retirement Spot

Jersey City makes an excellent home base for retirees hoping to trade their 9-to-5s for frequent flyer miles. 

Located in Hudson County, New Jersey, Jersey City boasts robust public transportation and easy access to major NYC travel hubs. Plus, Newark Liberty International Airport, home to over 1,000 daily flights, is just 10 miles from Jersey City, putting the world practically into a retiree’s backyard. 

New Jersey’s lack of state tax on Social Security benefits or military pensions and significantly cheaper housing prices than Manhattan give retirees big city access without the big city price tag. The stunning skyline views give Jersey City an added appeal, whether retirees enjoy them from their windows at home or during their ascent to a spontaneous getaway. 

Travel Accessibility

Retirees in Jersey City have near-unmatched travel access with ferries, buses, trains, and planes, giving them quick access to the hustle and bustle of New York City or the tranquility of the Amalfi Coast.

Downtown Jersey City is only 10 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), one of the country’s most well-connected airports, handling nearly 50 million passengers in 2024. Newark is one of United’s main hubs; United flights account for about 70% of Newark’s daily traffic. However, more than 30 other airlines also service Newark, including major international and domestic airlines like Delta, Lufthansa, American, and Emirates. 

Jersey City residents can hop the PATH train directly from Journal Square in Jersey City and be in Newark Penn Station in minutes for just $3. Once there, retirees can jump on Amtrak and NJ Transit rails for trips to major cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. 

Locally, the PATH train gives Jersey City retirees access to some of NYC’s biggest attractions and subway network with stops at the World Trade Center and 33rd Street. Thanks to the NYC Subway system and access to major hubs like Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station, retirees can reach JFK via the AirTrain and reach LaGuardia with a quick subway-to-bus transfer for even more flight options.

Water lovers can enjoy a quick, scenic ride across the Hudson River via the NY Waterway ferry system, which is especially appealing on lovely weather days. Jersey City also sits within 10 miles of ports for popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, and Carnival, with destinations from the Caribbean to Canada and Europe.

Cost of Living and Affordability

Jersey City gives retirees access to a vibrant and dynamic urban lifestyle and connectivity to domestic and international travel at a much lower price than New York City. However, the cost of living is still quite a bit higher than the national average in two of the biggest expenses for retirees: housing and health care.

The median Hudson County home price is $500,600, which may seem like a steal compared to New York County, New York’s $1,108,900. But home prices in both locations exceed the U.S. median of $416,900.

Health care costs in New Jersey are among the nation’s highest. However, while Jersey City residents may pay more, they have many care options. Hudson County has 10 hospitals and 1,182 health care establishments. 

Jersey City has an extensive public transportation network with buses, ferries, and trains, making car-free living an affordable option for retirees who call Jersey City, New Jersey home. Hudson County residents spend just $960 a month on transportation costs. By comparison, residents of Union County, New Jersey, only an hour away, spend almost 30% more per month on transportation. 

Lifestyle Considerations for Retirees

Travel perks aside, Jersey City offers retirees an active lifestyle right at home. This melting pot has a surprising amount of green space and plenty of walkable neighborhoods. Retirees drawn to the river can walk or bike along the waterfront to stunning NYC skyline views.

Retirees in Jersey City can find hundreds of restaurants, galleries, and shops downtown, and Jersey City hosts many festivals and rotating art exhibits. Retirees hoping to hit the links can tee off at Liberty National Golf Club, where the skyline views are as impressive as a perfect drive on hole 3.

With so many options in Jersey City, retirees will never get bored. If they do, the proximity to New York City or a world full of travel destinations is a short train, ferry, or bus ride away. 

Other Things To Consider

Retirees considering Jersey City as their retirement destination may also want to note other key considerations, such as climate, traffic, population, and taxes.

Climate

New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate with cold winters and hot summers. While not all retirees will enjoy the winters very much, many will love the crisp fall foliage and mild spring days. Jersey City’s proximity to Newark means that retirees needing a break from the weather can easily transport themselves to get their fill of sunshine or to take a break from the heat.

Traffic and Population Growth

Jersey City’s proximity to New York makes it an excellent destination for commuters hoping for a slower pace and more affordable home prices. 

The number of commuters and non-commuters in this growing metro area means traffic and congestion may impact daily life. However, Jersey City’s pedestrian-friendly layout and affordable public transit options reduce the need for a car to stay mobile and let retirees bypass much of the commuter impact. 

Taxes

New Jersey does not tax Social Security income or military retirement pay. The state has a progressive taxation scale ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%. These favorable taxation policies benefit many retirees and can help stretch fixed income to allow for more travel.

However, retirees should also consider that New Jersey consistently ranks among the highest in the country for property taxes, with the Hudson County average running $899 monthly. 

The Bottom Line

For retirees desiring globe-trotting years, Jersey City is a fantastic launchpad. Retirees considering making Hudson County home may want to consider visiting and getting a feel for the community before committing. While the housing and health care costs are higher than national averages, the favorable tax policies on retirement income and urban amenities can balance out for retirees prioritizing passport stamps. 

From its quick commute to Newark Liberty International Airport, multiple public transportation options, and easy connections to New York’s major transit hubs, Jersey City is a frequent traveler’s dream.