Best Cities in New Jersey for Veterans 2025: Cost of Living & Quality of Life
New Jersey's best cities for veterans ranked by cost of living, veteran population, amenities, and quality of life. Housing costs and city comparisons.
Best Cities in New Jersey for Veterans 2025
Bottom Line Up Front
Edison ranks #1 for New Jersey veterans—it's centrally located, offers excellent schools, diverse job opportunities (pharmaceuticals, logistics, healthcare), proximity to VA healthcare (Piscataway clinic 10 min, East Orange VAMC 25 min), and relatively affordable housing at $625,000 median compared to northern NJ. Jersey City takes #2, offering urban amenities, NYC job access, strong veteran community (4,866 veterans), direct VA clinic access, and waterfront living at $680,000 median.
For affordability, Atlantic City and Trenton offer median home prices under $250,000, though Atlantic City's economy is casino-dependent and Trenton has higher crime. Woodbridge balances cost ($435,000 median), excellent location (NYC/Philadelphia equidistant), and strong schools.
New Jersey's challenge is expensive housing—statewide median hit $565,000 in 2025, well above national average ($404,400). However, no state tax on military retirement saves $2,000-$3,500 annually for retirees, and 100% P&T disabled veterans get full property tax exemptions worth $8,000-$15,000+ annually, substantially offsetting costs.
Overall, NJ cities excel for veteran employment (diverse industries, federal jobs at JBMDL, state government with veteran preference), education (Rutgers, NJIT, excellent community colleges), and geographic density (VA healthcare within 30 min of most areas). But you'll pay premium housing costs. Best for veterans prioritizing career opportunities and education over low cost of living.
Ranking Methodology
Cities Ranked By:
- Cost of living (housing, property taxes, utilities): 30%
- Veteran population & community: 15%
- Proximity to VA healthcare: 15%
- Job opportunities: 25%
- Quality of life (crime, schools, amenities): 15%
Top 10 Cities Ranked
#1: Edison
Why It's #1:
Edison combines central location, excellent schools, diverse job market (pharmaceuticals, logistics, healthcare), proximity to VA healthcare, and strong veteran community. It's strategically positioned between NYC and Philadelphia with direct access to the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Amtrak. Home to Middlesex College (GI Bill), and surrounded by major employers like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Amazon.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $625,000
- Rent (2BR): $2,493/month
- 11% above NJ average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 119/100 (19% above national average)
- Housing: 50% higher than national average
- Property tax: ~$10,305/year (2.29% effective rate on $450,000 median)
- Utilities: $200/month
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 2,500+ (3-4% of residents)
- Middlesex County has 20,000+ veterans
- Strong VFW/AL posts in area
VA Healthcare Access:
- Piscataway VA Clinic: 10 minutes
- East Orange VA Medical Center: 25 minutes
- Lyons VA Medical Center: 30 minutes
- Excellent—best VA access in NJ
Employment:
- Unemployment: ~3.5%
- Major employers: Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, 15 min), Merck (Rahway, 20 min), PSE&G, Middlesex College, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Amazon fulfillment (Edison), Wakefern Food Corp (headquarters)
- Average salary: $75,000+
- Veteran hiring: Excellent—J&J and Merck actively recruit veterans
Quality of Life:
- Weather: Four seasons, hot summers (85°F), cold winters (30°F), moderate snow
- Crime rate: Low (safer than Newark, Jersey City)
- Schools: Edison Township School District rated 7-8/10—good to very good, Oak Ridge Elementary and John P. Stevens High School highly rated
- Recreation: Roosevelt Park, Dismal Swamp Conservation Area, Edison Arts Society, Oak Tree Road (Indian shopping/dining), 30 min to NYC, 60 min to Philadelphia
Pros:
- Central location (NYC/Philadelphia access)
- Best VA healthcare access in state
- Major pharmaceutical employers
- Excellent schools for families
- Middlesex College (GI Bill)
- Diverse community
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% P&T disabled vets: full property tax exemption (~$10,300/year savings)
Cons:
- Expensive housing ($625K median)
- High property taxes ($10,300/year for non-exempt)
- Traffic congestion on Route 1 and NJ Turnpike
- Not walkable—car-dependent
Best For: Veteran families prioritizing schools and job access, pharmaceutical/healthcare workers, veterans needing frequent VA care, GI Bill students at Middlesex College, career-focused veterans
#2: Jersey City
Why It's #2:
Jersey City is New Jersey's second-largest city and offers urban living with stunning NYC skyline views, diverse job opportunities (finance, tech, healthcare), direct PATH train access to Manhattan (15 min), strong veteran community (4,866 veterans), and a VA clinic in city. It's the most cosmopolitan city in NJ with waterfront parks, diverse dining, and vibrant culture.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $680,000
- Rent (2BR): $3,573/month
- 20% above NJ average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 125/100 (25% above national average)
- Housing: Very expensive (waterfront properties $700K-$1.5M+)
- Property tax: ~$12,415/year (1.91% effective rate on $650,000)
- Utilities: $210/month
- Transportation: Lower than car-dependent areas (PATH, light rail, ferries)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 4,866 (2.1% of 291,000 residents)
- Jersey City VA Clinic in city
- Multiple VFW/AL posts
VA Healthcare Access:
- Jersey City VA Clinic: In city
- East Orange VA Medical Center: 15 minutes
- Best urban VA access
Employment:
- Unemployment: ~4.2%
- Major employers: Goldman Sachs (Jersey City office), JPMorgan Chase, Verisk Analytics, ADP, hospitals (Jersey City Medical Center), NYC commuters (Manhattan 15 min by PATH)
- Average salary: $80,000+
- Veteran hiring: Strong—finance sector, NYC opportunities
Quality of Life:
- Weather: Milder than inland NJ (waterfront moderation)
- Crime rate: Variable by neighborhood—Downtown/waterfront very safe; Journal Square moderate; some areas higher crime
- Safest areas: Downtown, Newport, Paulus Hook, Hamilton Park
- Schools: Variable (5-8/10)—charter schools and magnet schools rated higher
- Recreation: Liberty State Park (NYC/Statue of Liberty views), waterfront walkway, Newport Centre Mall, Grove Street entertainment district, 15 min to Manhattan
Pros:
- Urban lifestyle with NYC access (15 min PATH)
- VA clinic in city
- Waterfront parks and views
- Diverse dining and culture
- No car needed (PATH, light rail, buses, ferries)
- Finance and tech job opportunities
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% P&T disabled: full property tax exemption (~$12,400/year savings)
Cons:
- Very expensive housing ($680K median, waterfront $1M+)
- High rent ($3,573 for 2BR)
- High property taxes ($12,400/year for non-exempt)
- Crime varies widely by neighborhood
- Schools inconsistent
- Crowded, urban density
Best For: Veterans seeking urban lifestyle, NYC job access, finance/tech careers, veterans without cars, young professionals, veterans prioritizing culture/dining
#3: Woodbridge
Why It's #3:
Woodbridge Township is a large suburban community offering small-town feel with big-city access, affordable housing relative to northern NJ, excellent location (equidistant from NYC/Philadelphia), strong schools, and diverse employment. It's family-friendly with parks, shopping, and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $435,000
- Rent (2BR): $2,200/month
- 23% below NJ average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 116/100 (16% above national average)
- Housing: 37% higher than national average
- Property tax: ~$9,988/year (2.30% effective rate on $435,000)
- Utilities: $195/month
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 3,200+ (3-4% of 100,000+ residents)
- Multiple VFW/AL posts in Middlesex County
VA Healthcare Access:
- Piscataway VA Clinic: 15 minutes
- East Orange VA Medical Center: 30 minutes
Employment:
- Unemployment: ~3.8%
- Major employers: Avenel Amazon fulfillment center, PSE&G, Wakefern, local healthcare, retail (Woodbridge Center Mall), NYC/Newark commuters
- Average salary: $68,000
- Port Newark-Elizabeth jobs (20 min)
Quality of Life:
- Crime: Low—very safe suburban community
- Schools: Woodbridge Township School District rated 7/10—good, Colonia Middle and Woodbridge High School solid
- Recreation: Woodbridge Community Center, Merrill Park, Roosevelt Park (Edison border), Woodbridge Center Mall, 35 min to NYC
Pros:
- More affordable than northern NJ ($435K median)
- Safe suburban community
- Good schools for families
- Central location (NYC/Philly equidistant)
- Amazon fulfillment jobs
- Close to VA clinics
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% P&T disabled: full property tax exemption (~$10,000/year savings)
Cons:
- Still expensive by national standards
- Car-dependent (limited public transit)
- Property taxes high ($10,000/year for non-exempt)
- Less urban amenities than Jersey City
Best For: Veteran families wanting suburbs, Amazon employees, veterans prioritizing affordability and safety, commuters to NYC or Philadelphia
#4: Hamilton Township (Mercer County)
Why It's #4:
Hamilton Township (near Trenton) offers affordability, state government jobs with veteran preference, Hamilton VA Clinic in town, and proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (30 min). It's ideal for veterans seeking government careers or JBMDL civilian positions.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $350,000
- Rent (2BR): $1,900/month
- 38% below NJ average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 108/100 (8% above national average)
- Housing: 25% higher than national average
- Property tax: ~$8,000/year (2.29% effective rate)
- Utilities: $185/month
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 3,500+ (4% of residents)
- Adjacent to JBMDL (40,000 military/civilian personnel)
- Strong military community
- Multiple VFW/AL posts
VA Healthcare Access:
- Hamilton VA Clinic: In township
- Lyons VA Medical Center: 40 minutes
- East Orange VA Medical Center: 60 minutes
Employment:
- Unemployment: ~4.0%
- Major employers: State of New Jersey (veteran preference), Joint Base MDL (30 min), Capital Health hospitals, school districts, Trenton-Mercer Airport
- Average salary: $62,000
- Veteran hiring: Excellent for state government (veteran preference), JBMDL civilian jobs
Quality of Life:
- Crime: Moderate—safer than Trenton, less safe than suburbs
- Schools: Hamilton Township School District rated 6-7/10
- Recreation: Veterans Park, Grounds For Sculpture (Hamilton), Mercer County Park, Delaware River access, 60 min to Philadelphia
Pros:
- Affordable ($350K median)
- VA clinic in township
- State government jobs with veteran preference (Trenton 10 min)
- JBMDL civilian job access
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% P&T disabled: full property tax exemption (~$8,000/year savings)
Cons:
- Less desirable than northern suburbs
- Schools average
- Crime moderate in some areas
- Limited nightlife/culture
- 60 min to VA medical center (specialty care)
Best For: Veterans seeking state government careers, JBMDL civilian employees, budget-conscious veterans, families wanting affordability near military base
#5: Brick Township
Why It's #5:
Brick Township is a Shore community offering beach access, suburban living, affordable housing relative to northern NJ, family-friendly environment, and proximity to Brick VA Clinic. Ideal for veterans wanting Jersey Shore lifestyle without Atlantic City's casino economy.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $495,000
- Rent (2BR): $2,100/month
- 12% above NJ average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 115/100 (15% above national average)
- Property tax: ~$10,140/year (2.05% effective rate)
- Utilities: $190/month
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 3,000+ (4% of 75,000 residents)
- Ocean County has large veteran population
VA Healthcare Access:
- Brick VA Clinic: In township
- Lyons VA Medical Center: 50 minutes
- Community Care options at Jersey Shore hospitals
Employment:
- Unemployment: ~4.2%
- Major employers: Jersey Shore University Medical Center (Neptune, 20 min), Ocean County government, retail, tourism, construction
- Average salary: $58,000
- Many retirees (lower employment focus)
Quality of Life:
- Weather: Shore moderation, milder winters than inland
- Crime: Low—very safe suburban community
- Schools: Brick Township School District rated 7/10
- Recreation: Brick Beach, Windward Beach, Bay Harbor, boating, fishing, Ocean County Park, 70 min to NYC
Pros:
- Jersey Shore access (beach lifestyle)
- Brick VA Clinic in town
- Safe, family-friendly
- Beach activities year-round
- Ocean County College nearby (GI Bill)
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% P&T disabled: full property tax exemption (~$10,100/year savings)
Cons:
- Limited job market (tourism-dependent)
- Expensive for shore area ($495K)
- Property taxes high ($10,100/year for non-exempt)
- 50 min to VA medical center
- Summer tourist crowds
Best For: Military retirees, veterans wanting beach lifestyle, families, Ocean County College students, veterans prioritizing quality of life over career
#6: Toms River
Why It's #6:
Toms River is Ocean County's largest municipality, offering Shore access, suburban living, county government jobs, and Ocean County College (GI Bill). More affordable than Brick with similar Shore lifestyle.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $450,000
- Rent (2BR): $2,000/month
- 20% below NJ average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 112/100 (12% above national average)
- Property tax: ~$9,225/year (2.05% effective rate)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 4,000+ (4% of residents)
- Ocean County has 25,000+ veterans
VA Healthcare Access:
- Brick VA Clinic: 15 minutes
- Lyons VA Medical Center: 55 minutes
Employment:
- Unemployment: ~4.3%
- Major employers: Ocean County government, Community Medical Center, school districts, retail, Ocean County College
- Average salary: $56,000
Quality of Life:
- Crime: Low—safe suburban community
- Schools: Toms River Regional School District rated 6-7/10
- Recreation: Beaches, Cattus Island County Park, boating, Toms River (kayaking), Ocean County Mall
Pros:
- More affordable than Brick ($450K)
- Shore access
- Ocean County College (GI Bill, aviation program)
- Safe community
- 15 min to Brick VA Clinic
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% P&T disabled: full property tax exemption (~$9,200/year savings)
Cons:
- Limited jobs
- Property taxes high ($9,200/year for non-exempt)
- 55 min to VA medical center
- Schools average
Best For: Military retirees, Ocean County College students (aviation, nursing), budget-conscious Shore seekers, families
#7: Paterson
Why It's #7:
Paterson is an affordable urban option offering diverse culture, proximity to NYC (20 miles), Paterson VA Clinic in city, and employment in healthcare/logistics/manufacturing. It's New Jersey's third-largest city with urban amenities at lower cost.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $405,000
- Rent (2BR): $2,100/month
- 28% below NJ average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 113/100 (13% above national average)
- Housing: 27% higher than national average
- Property tax: ~$8,910/year (2.20% effective rate)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 3,500+ (2-3% of 160,000 residents)
- Diverse veteran community
VA Healthcare Access:
- Paterson VA Clinic: In city
- East Orange VA Medical Center: 20 minutes
Employment:
- Unemployment: ~5.0%
- Major employers: St. Joseph's University Medical Center, Paterson Public Schools, Passaic County government, manufacturing, logistics
- Average salary: $54,000
Quality of Life:
- Crime: Higher than suburbs—varies by neighborhood
- Safest areas: Eastside, Hillcrest
- Avoid: 4th Ward (higher crime)
- Schools: Paterson Public Schools rated 4-6/10 (charter schools rated higher)
- Recreation: Great Falls National Historical Park (stunning waterfalls), Paterson Museum, Lambert Castle, 20 miles to NYC
Pros:
- Affordable ($405K median)
- Paterson VA Clinic in city
- 20 min to East Orange VAMC
- Urban amenities
- 20 miles to NYC (NJ Transit)
- Diverse culture
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% P&T disabled: full property tax exemption (~$8,900/year savings)
Cons:
- Higher crime than suburbs
- Schools below average
- Unemployment higher (5%)
- Property taxes still high ($8,900/year for non-exempt)
Best For: Budget-conscious veterans, urban-preference veterans, St. Joseph's Medical Center employees, veterans needing VA clinic access, NYC commuters
#8: Princeton
Why It's #8:
Princeton is an affluent college town offering excellent schools, Princeton University (GI Bill), low crime, cultural amenities, and quality of life. It's expensive but ideal for student veterans and families prioritizing top-tier education.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $820,000
- Rent (2BR): $2,800/month
- 45% above NJ average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 131/100 (31% above national average)
- Housing: Very expensive
- Property tax: ~$17,000/year (2.07% effective rate on $820K)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 339 (1.4% of residents—college town)
- Princeton University veteran students
VA Healthcare Access:
- Hamilton VA Clinic: 20 minutes
- Lyons VA Medical Center: 45 minutes
Employment:
- Unemployment: ~2.5%
- Major employers: Princeton University, Bristol Myers Squibb (nearby), educational institutions, research
- Average salary: $95,000+
Quality of Life:
- Crime: Very low—one of safest cities in NJ
- Schools: Princeton Public Schools rated 9-10/10—among best in nation
- Recreation: Princeton University campus (open to public), Palmer Square, Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, Princeton Battlefield, museums, theater
Pros:
- Princeton University (GI Bill)
- Excellent schools (best in NJ)
- Very safe
- College town culture
- High-paying jobs
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% P&T disabled: full property tax exemption (~$17,000/year savings—huge!)
Cons:
- Very expensive ($820K median)
- Extremely high property taxes ($17K/year for non-exempt)
- Small veteran community
- 45 min to VA medical center
Best For: Student veterans attending Princeton, families prioritizing top schools, high-earning veterans, 100% P&T disabled (full exemption makes it affordable)
#9: Trenton
Why It's #9:
Trenton is New Jersey's capital, offering state government jobs with veteran preference, affordable housing, Hamilton VA Clinic nearby, and urban amenities. It's ideal for veterans seeking government careers, though crime is a concern.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $203,000
- Rent (2BR): $1,600/month
- 64% below NJ average!
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 100/100 (equal to national average)
- Housing: Affordable
- Property tax: ~$4,670/year (2.30% effective rate on $203K)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 2,000+ (2-3% of residents)
- Adjacent to Hamilton Township military community
VA Healthcare Access:
- Hamilton VA Clinic: 10 minutes
- Lyons VA Medical Center: 50 minutes
Employment:
- Unemployment: ~5.2%
- Major employers: State of New Jersey (veteran preference), Capital Health hospitals, school districts, county government
- Average salary: $52,000
Quality of Life:
- Crime: High—higher than NJ average
- Safest areas: West Trenton, Chambersburg
- Avoid: South Trenton, parts of East Trenton
- Schools: Trenton Public Schools rated 3-5/10 (below average)
- Recreation: State museums, Trenton Thunder stadium, Delaware River waterfront, state capitol tours
Pros:
- Most affordable in NJ ($203K median!)
- State government jobs with veteran preference
- Hamilton VA Clinic 10 min
- Low property taxes ($4,670/year—very low for NJ)
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% P&T disabled: full property tax exemption (~$4,700/year savings)
Cons:
- High crime (choose neighborhood carefully)
- Poor schools
- Unemployment high (5.2%)
- Limited amenities compared to suburbs
- 50 min to VA medical center
Best For: Budget-focused veterans (ultra-affordable), state government job seekers, veterans prioritizing veteran hiring preference, 100% P&T disabled (exemption makes it practically free)
#10: Atlantic City
Why It's #10:
Atlantic City offers the most affordable housing in NJ ($246,000 median), beach access, casino jobs, and Southern New Jersey Vet Center outreach. It's ideal for budget-focused veterans, though the economy is casino-dependent and volatile.
Housing Costs:
- Median home price: $246,000
- Rent (2BR): $1,500/month
- 56% below NJ average
Cost of Living:
- Overall: 98/100 (2% below national average!)
- Housing: Affordable
- Property tax: ~$4,797/year (1.95% effective rate)
Veteran Community:
- Veteran population: 1,009 (3.6% of residents)
- Atlantic County has 15,000+ veterans
VA Healthcare Access:
- South Jersey Vet Center outreach (Vineland clinic, 45 min)
- Lyons VA Medical Center: 90 minutes
- AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (Community Care)
Employment:
- Unemployment: ~6.5%
- Major employers: Casinos (Borgata, Ocean, Caesars, Harrah's), AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, hospitality, retail, tourism
- Average salary: $42,000
- Volatile—casino industry cyclical
Quality of Life:
- Crime: High—higher than NJ average
- Safest areas: Ventnor, Margate (adjacent towns, more expensive)
- Avoid: North Atlantic City
- Schools: Atlantic City School District rated 3-4/10 (below average)
- Recreation: Atlantic City beaches, Boardwalk, casinos, dining, entertainment, 60 min to Philadelphia
Pros:
- Most affordable housing ($246K)
- Beach access (Boardwalk, beaches)
- Casino jobs (dealers, security, hospitality)
- Low property taxes ($4,800/year)
- No state income tax on military retirement
- 100% P&T disabled: full property tax exemption (~$4,800/year savings)
Cons:
- High crime (choose area carefully)
- Poor schools
- High unemployment (6.5%)
- Casino economy volatile
- 90 min to VA medical center
- Limited career opportunities outside casinos
Best For: Budget-focused veterans (ultra-affordable), retirees wanting beach access, casino industry workers, 100% P&T disabled (exemption makes it nearly free), veterans prioritizing low cost over career
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| City | Median Home | Rent (2BR) | Property Tax (Non-Exempt) | COL Index | Veteran Pop | VA Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edison | $625,000 | $2,493 | $10,305 | 119 | 2,500+ | 10 min clinic |
| Jersey City | $680,000 | $3,573 | $12,415 | 125 | 4,866 | In city clinic |
| Woodbridge | $435,000 | $2,200 | $9,988 | 116 | 3,200+ | 15 min clinic |
| Hamilton Twp | $350,000 | $1,900 | $8,000 | 108 | 3,500+ | In town clinic |
| Brick | $495,000 | $2,100 | $10,140 | 115 | 3,000+ | In town clinic |
| Toms River | $450,000 | $2,000 | $9,225 | 112 | 4,000+ | 15 min clinic |
| Paterson | $405,000 | $2,100 | $8,910 | 113 | 3,500+ | In city clinic |
| Princeton | $820,000 | $2,800 | $17,000 | 131 | 339 | 20 min clinic |
| Trenton | $203,000 | $1,600 | $4,670 | 100 | 2,000+ | 10 min clinic |
| Atlantic City | $246,000 | $1,500 | $4,797 | 98 | 1,009 | 45 min |
By Budget
Most Affordable Cities
- Trenton: $203K median | 64% below NJ average | State government jobs
- Atlantic City: $246K | 56% below average | Beach access
- Hamilton Township: $350K | 38% below average | Near JBMDL
Mid-Range
- Paterson: $405K
- Woodbridge: $435K
- Toms River: $450K
- Brick: $495K
Premium Cities
- Edison: $625K
- Jersey City: $680K
- Princeton: $820K
By Priority
Best for Job Opportunities
- Edison: Pharmaceutical, logistics, healthcare (J&J, Merck, Amazon)
- Jersey City: Finance, tech, NYC access (Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan)
- Hamilton Township: State government (veteran preference), JBMDL civilian jobs
Best for Veteran Community
- Jersey City: 4,866 veterans, VA clinic, urban veteran network
- Toms River: 4,000+ veterans, Ocean County veteran community
- Hamilton Township: 3,500+ veterans, adjacent to JBMDL
Best for VA Healthcare Access
- Edison: 10 min to Piscataway clinic, 25 min to East Orange VAMC (best access)
- Jersey City: VA clinic in city, 15 min to East Orange VAMC
- Hamilton Township: VA clinic in town
Best for Families
- Princeton: Top-rated schools (9-10/10), very safe, excellent quality of life
- Edison: Good schools (7-8/10), safe, diverse community
- Woodbridge: Good schools (7/10), safe, suburban lifestyle
Best for Retirees
- Atlantic City: Ultra-affordable, beach access, low property taxes
- Brick: Shore lifestyle, safe, Brick VA Clinic
- Trenton: Most affordable, state veterans cemetery nearby, low taxes
Regional Analysis
Northern NJ (Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic Counties)
Cities: Jersey City, Paterson
Characteristics: Urban, NYC metro, expensive, diverse, excellent public transit, high salaries, high taxes
Best for: NYC commuters, finance/tech workers, urban lifestyle seekers, veterans prioritizing career over cost
Central NJ (Middlesex, Union, Somerset, Mercer Counties)
Cities: Edison, Woodbridge, Hamilton Township, Trenton, Princeton
Characteristics: Suburban, central location, pharmaceutical industry, good schools, family-friendly
Best for: Pharmaceutical/healthcare workers, families, JBMDL employees, state government workers, students (Rutgers, Princeton)
Shore (Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic Counties)
Cities: Brick, Toms River, Atlantic City
Characteristics: Beach access, tourism-dependent, retirement destination, moderate cost (except waterfront)
Best for: Retirees, beach lifestyle seekers, Ocean County College students, budget-focused (Atlantic City)
Financial Analysis
Home Ownership Costs (20-Year)
Edison ($625,000 home, 100% P&T disabled veteran):
- Purchase price: $625,000
- Down payment (10%): $62,500
- Monthly mortgage (30-year, 7%): $3,750
- Property tax (monthly, 2.29% rate): $859
- If 100% P&T disabled (full exemption): Save $859/month = $10,308/year
- Insurance: $180/month
- Total monthly: $4,789 (or $3,930 with exemption)
- 20-year cost: $1,149,360 (or $942,960 with exemption)
- 20-year savings from exemption: $206,400
Trenton ($203,000 home, 100% P&T disabled):
- Purchase price: $203,000
- Down payment: $20,300
- Monthly mortgage: $1,210
- Property tax (monthly): $389
- If 100% P&T disabled (full exemption): Save $389/month = $4,668/year
- Insurance: $110/month
- Total monthly: $1,709 (or $1,320 with exemption)
- 20-year cost: $410,160 (or $316,800 with exemption)
- 20-year savings from exemption: $93,360
Jersey City ($680,000 home, 100% P&T disabled):
- Purchase price: $680,000
- Down payment: $68,000
- Monthly mortgage: $4,060
- Property tax (monthly, 1.91% rate): $1,035
- If 100% P&T disabled (full exemption): Save $1,035/month = $12,420/year
- Insurance: $200/month
- Total monthly: $5,295 (or $4,260 with exemption)
- 20-year cost: $1,270,800 (or $1,022,400 with exemption)
- 20-year savings from exemption: $248,400
Climate & Weather
Mildest Weather
- Jersey City/Shore areas (Brick, Atlantic City): Coastal moderation, milder winters, less snow
- Southern NJ (Atlantic City, Hamilton): Warmer than northern NJ
Standard NJ Weather
- Winter: 25-35°F, snow (northern NJ more snow)
- Spring: 50-70°F, rain, "mud season"
- Summer: 80-90°F, humid, thunderstorms
- Fall: 55-75°F, beautiful foliage (best season)
Crime & Safety
Safest Cities:
- Princeton: Very low crime, affluent community
- Edison: Low crime, safe suburbs
- Woodbridge: Low crime, suburban safety
Higher Crime (use caution):
- Trenton: High crime—choose neighborhood carefully (West Trenton safer)
- Atlantic City: High crime—Ventnor/Margate adjacent towns safer
- Paterson: Moderate to high crime—Eastside/Hillcrest safer; avoid 4th Ward
What to Avoid
High-crime areas without careful research:
- Trenton (South Trenton, parts of East Trenton)
- Atlantic City (North Atlantic City)
- Paterson (4th Ward)
- Newark (not in top 10, but avoid East Newark if considering it)
Buying in expensive areas without 100% P&T exemption: If you're not 100% P&T disabled, avoid ultra-expensive areas like Princeton ($820K, $17,000/year property tax) unless you have high income. The property tax burden is crushing.
Moving to New Jersey
One-Time Costs
- Moving truck (500 miles): $2,500-$4,000
- Deposit + first month rent: $5,073 (Jersey City 2BR) or $3,200 (Trenton)
- Utility hookups: $300
- Vehicle registration: $35.50-$84 (may be free for 100% P&T disabled if pending legislation passes)
- Total: $8,373-$9,373 (depending on location)
Best Time to Move
- Weather: April-October (avoid winter snow/ice)
- Housing market: Winter (less competition, but cold)
- Avoid: December-February (snow, ice, heating costs)
Establishing Residency
- NJ driver's license within 60 days (may be free for 100% P&T disabled)
- Vehicle registration within 60 days
- Apply for property tax exemption immediately if 100% P&T (Form D.V.S.S.E. with municipal assessor)
- Apply for $250 veteran deduction (Form V.S.S. with assessor)
- Register to vote
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the best city in New Jersey for veterans on a budget?
A: Trenton ($203K median) or Atlantic City ($246K). Trenton offers state government jobs with veteran preference. Atlantic City offers beach access. Both have low property taxes, but higher crime—choose neighborhoods carefully.
Q: Which city has the strongest veteran community?
A: Jersey City—4,866 veterans, VA clinic in city, diverse veteran network. Runner-up: Toms River (4,000+ veterans, Ocean County veteran community).
Q: Is Trenton safe for veterans and families?
A: Parts of Trenton are safe (West Trenton, Chambersburg), but overall crime is high. If you choose Trenton, research neighborhoods carefully. It's ideal for budget-focused veterans seeking state jobs, but not for families prioritizing safety and schools.
Q: Can I work at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst as a veteran?
A: Yes. JBMDL employs 40,000+ military and civilian personnel. Civilian positions offer federal hiring preference for veterans. Apply via USAJOBS.gov. Hamilton Township (30 min away) is ideal for JBMDL employees.
Q: Which city is best for veterans attending college?
A: Edison (Middlesex College students), Princeton (Princeton University students—though very expensive), or Jersey City (NYC college access). All have strong GI Bill support.
Q: How far am I from VA healthcare in South Jersey?
A: Atlantic City is 90 min to Lyons VAMC. Hamilton Township has a VA clinic in town. Brick and Toms River have Brick VA Clinic. South Jersey Vet Center provides outreach to Vineland area.
Q: Do New Jersey's high housing costs offset the tax savings?
A: For 100% P&T disabled veterans, yes—full property tax exemption saves $8,000-$17,000/year depending on city. Over 20 years, that's $160,000-$340,000 in savings. Plus no income tax on military retirement saves $2,000-$3,500 annually. For veterans without exemptions, NJ is very expensive.
Q: Which city has the best schools?
A: Princeton (9-10/10 rated—best in NJ), followed by Edison (7-8/10), Woodbridge (7/10), and Brick (7/10).
Q: Can I afford Jersey City on a military retirement?
A: Median home is $680,000. If you're 100% P&T disabled (full property tax exemption saving $12,420/year), it's more affordable. Otherwise, budget carefully—property taxes are $12,420/year for non-exempt, and rent is $3,573 for 2BR.
Q: What's the cost of living difference between Edison and Trenton?
A: Edison is 119/100 (19% above national avg), Trenton is 100/100 (equal to national avg). Edison housing is $625K vs. Trenton $203K—massive savings. But Edison has better jobs (pharmaceuticals), schools, and safety. Trenton offers state government jobs with veteran preference.
Q: Are there jobs in New Jersey for veterans?
A: Yes, but unemployment is 4.6% (7th worst nationally). However, diverse industries offer opportunities: pharmaceuticals (Merck, J&J), finance (Jersey City/NYC), logistics (Port Newark, Amazon), healthcare, defense contracting, state government (veteran preference). JBMDL is a major employer. Competition is high, but veteran hiring preference helps.
Last updated: 2025. Housing prices and cost of living reflect 2024-2025 market conditions. Property tax rates are averages and vary by municipality.