Life on the waterfront and flights to anywhere

Jersey City is an excellent home base for retirees hoping to redeem their 9 to 5 frequent flyer miles.

Located in Hudson County, New Jersey, Jersey City features strong public transportation and easy access to major New York City travel hubs. Additionally, Newark Liberty International Airport, home to more than 1,000 daily flights, is located just 10 miles from Jersey City, practically putting the world in retirees’ backyard.

New Jersey’s lack of state taxes on Social Security benefits or military pensions and much cheaper housing prices than Manhattan give retirees access to big cities without the big city price tag. Stunning skyline views of Jersey City give Jersey City added appeal, whether retirees are enjoying them from their windows at home or as they board a spontaneous vacation.

Accessibility to travel

Jersey City retirees enjoy almost unparalleled travel access using 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 just 10 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), one of the most connected airports in the country, 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 serve Newark, including major international and domestic carriers such as Delta, Lufthansa, American, and Emirates.

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

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

Water lovers can enjoy a quick, scenic trip across the Hudson River via the NY Waterway ferry system, which is especially attractive on fine weather days. Jersey City is also located within 10 miles of ports from popular cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norway and Carnival, with destinations from the Caribbean to Canada and Europe.

Cost of living and affordability

Jersey City gives retirees access to a vibrant, 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 slightly higher than the national average in two of the biggest expenses for retirees: housing and health care.

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

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

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, just an hour away, spend nearly 30% per month on transportation.

Lifestyle considerations for retirees

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

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

With so many options in Jersey City, retirees will never be bored. If they do, 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. Although not all retirees will enjoy winter very much, many will love the fall foliage and mild spring days. Jersey City’s proximity to Newark means that retirees who need a break from the weather can easily transport themselves to get enough sunshine or take a break from the heat.

Traffic and population growth

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

The number of commuters and non-commuters in this growing urban area means that traffic and congestion can impact daily life. However, Jersey City’s pedestrian-friendly design and affordable public transit options reduce the need to remain mobile and allow retirees to bypass much of the commuter impact.

Taxes

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

However, retirees should also take into consideration that New Jersey consistently ranks among the highest in the country for property taxes, with Hudson County averaging $899 per month.

Bottom line

For retirees who want to move around the world, Jersey City is a great starting point. Retirees considering making their home in Hudson County may want to consider visiting the community and getting to know it before committing. While housing and health care costs are higher than national averages, favorable tax policies on retirement income and urban amenities can balance out retirees who prioritize passport stamps.

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