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Overall Rating: 82/100 · 339,000 veterans (3.6% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against New Jersey veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
100% exempt from state income tax
2.23% average effective rate
Full exemption
100% P&T service-connected: total exemption of dwelling + lot, no income/value cap. Nothing below 100% (only the flat $250 vet deduction).
Source ↗No veteran-specific exemptions
$160,000
VA Medical Center
385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ 07018
(973) 676-1000
Full service, 24/7 emergency care
VA Medical Center
151 Knollcroft Road, Lyons, NJ 07939
(908) 647-0180
Primary care, mental health, long-term care
Full tuition
Active NJ National Guard members
4-year value: $32,000
Tuition credit
Veterans attending NJ colleges
4-year value: $1,600
Median Home
$625,000
1BR Rent
$1,600/mo
COL Index
119
Unemployment
3%
Major employers: Johnson & Johnson, Merck, major pharmaceutical employers
Pros: Central location (NYC & Philly), excellent schools, low crime
Cons: Very expensive, highest property taxes in nation
Median Home
$680,000
1BR Rent
$2,200/mo
COL Index
125
Unemployment
3.2%
Major employers: Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, finance and tech
Pros: Urban lifestyle, 15 min PATH to NYC, finance jobs
Cons: Extremely expensive, high rent
Median Home
$203,000
1BR Rent
$1,100/mo
COL Index
100
Unemployment
4.5%
Major employers: State government with veteran preference
Pros: Most affordable in NJ, state capital with veteran hiring
Cons: High crime, research neighborhoods carefully
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$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Qualified New Jersey veterans who pass an open-competitive civil service exam are placed at the top of the employment list ahead of all non-veterans regardless of score; disabled veterans are ranked above non-disabled veterans, giving them the highest preference.
Official source ↗The NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs certifies eligibility for civil service veterans' preference for honorably discharged wartime veterans, and eligible spouses/surviving spouses of disabled veterans may qualify under certain conditions.
Official source ↗Honorably discharged resident veterans with a VA service-connected disability of any degree qualify for free hunting and fishing licenses, permits, and stamps after an initial one-time certification by NJ Fish & Wildlife (by mail to Trenton).
Official source ↗Honorably discharged resident veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating are authorized free entry to New Jersey State Parks and Forests.
Official source ↗The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission issues a permanent imprinted 'Veteran' designation on driver's licenses and non-driver ID cards for eligible honorably discharged veterans; apply in person at an MVC office with discharge documentation.
Official source ↗Veterans blinded from war service or with a service-connected disability who qualified for a VA-furnished automobile may obtain a Disabled Veteran license plate ($15 fee), which along with the disabled veteran placard allows exemption from municipal parking meter fees for up to 24 hours.
Official source ↗The Division of Veterans Healthcare Services operates three long-term care nursing homes. Open to honorably discharged war or peacetime veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents; preference goes to veterans who have been NJ residents for at least two years. Residents pay according to ability based on income.
Official source ↗The unremarried surviving spouse of a 100% permanently and totally disabled veteran (or a service member who died on active duty) who was a NJ resident may claim a full property tax exemption on the dwelling they own and occupy; file Form D.V.S.S.E. with the local assessor.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.