The word “affordable” isn’t always associated with North New Jersey. This part of the state is close to New York City, where the cost of living can be twice the national average. Fortunately, there are affordable 55 and over communities in NJ across Warren, Sussex, Passaic, and Morris counties. We can help you decide if one might be your perfect retirement destination.
North New Jersey has enchanting small towns, mountainous greenspaces with lakes, and outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and skiing. It also has respected medical organizations, diverse restaurants, and local attractions. If you want to be within driving distance of NYC but want a peaceful home, these four counties and their 55+ communities are worth exploring.
Warren County: Nature and History Combined
Warren County is situated along the western edge of Northern New Jersey and is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. It offers a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities, like hiking, biking, farmers markets, and museums.
Warren County’s natural features include the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, with numerous trails and opportunities for kayaking and fishing. The area also has several parks, including Jenny Jump State Forest. This region also has historic towns like Hackettstown and Washington as well as annual festivals.
Featured Warren County 55+ Communities
Hawk Pointe – Washington, NJ
High $300ks – High $500ks
Ryan Homes broke ground on Hawk Pointe in 2019, with plans to build just 85 attached and single-family homes. For a smaller community, it has impressive features, especially the 18-hole Hawk Pointe Golf Course. The community’s homeowners can join at a discounted rate. The course will have a clubhouse with saunas, a fitness center, and banquet rooms. There’s also an outdoor pool and tennis courts on the grounds.
Washington, NJ, is in the northwestern part of the Garden State, close to the Pennsylvania state line. Other golf courses and outdoor recreation areas like Roaring Rock Park and Hampton Borough Park are nearby. The nearest health care providers include Hackettstown Medical Center and Hunterdon Medical Center.
The single-family homes offer 1,421 to 2,626 square feet, two to five bedrooms, two to four baths, and attached two-car garages. Options include second floors, cozy dens, lofts, and covered patios. The attached homes are 1,742 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. Upgrades include covered porches and sunrooms.
Horizons at Delaware Crossing – Lopatcong, NJ
High $300ks – High $300ks
Geared for downsizing, this welcoming 55+ community offers 158 attached homes. Larken Associates will finish construction on this property about 13 miles west of Hawk Pointe in Washington. Horizons at Delaware Crossing also has indoor amenities, including a clubhouse with an indoor spa, a catering kitchen, an outdoor pool, and tennis courts. Residents can also use the walking paths, biking trails, and outdoor gazebo.
This community also appeals to golfers since it is near Architects Golf Club and Riverview Country Club. Additionally, Merrill Creek Reservoir and Marble Hill Natural Area are a short drive away. Horizons at Delaware Crossing is right across from St. Luke’s Hospital, and there are plenty of food stores, gas stations, and restaurants in the area.
Floor plans range from 1,738 to 3,030 square feet, with one or two bedrooms, two or two-and-a-half bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. The designs offer hardwood floors, high ceilings, and granite countertops.
Brookfield Glen – Belvidere, NJ
High $200ks – Low $300ks
Completed in 2006 with 124 condos, Brookfield Glen is a real find. It’s about an hour west of Morristown and minutes away from the Delaware River and Pennsylvania state line. This small 55+ community offers residents a private clubhouse with a craft room, activity rooms, and an outdoor pool and patio. You can also play shuffleboard and bocce ball and walk or bike on the property’s trails.
Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono and St. Luke’s Hospital are the closest hospitals to Brookfield Glen. Also, Lehigh Valley International Airport is less than 30 miles away. And if you like to golf, the closest courses include Fairway Valley Golf Club and Hawk Pointe.
Brookfield Glen’s condos range from 1,188 to 1,864 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, two baths, and heated underground parking. Some of these spacious units have kitchen islands, fireplaces, and balconies.
Sussex County: Rural Tranquility and Outdoor Recreation
Further north lies Sussex County, poised at the top far left corner of the Garden State. This county is known for its rural landscape, outdoor recreation opportunities, and affordable 55 and over communities. In NJ, this area is ideal for retirees who love nature and want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sussex County attractions like High Point State Park allow retirees to enjoy hiking, swimming, and cross-country skiing. The park offers breathtaking views from the highest point in New Jersey, where the Appalachian Trail passes through. Several lakes and golf courses throughout the County offer retirees access to fishing, boating, or hitting the links.
Sussex County’s small towns, including Sparta, offer a close-knit community feel. These towns host cultural events and have art galleries and historic sites. Festivals, local theater productions, and seasonal events provide year-round entertainment for residents.
Featured Sussex County 55+ Communities
The Hamlet at Town Center – Sparta, NJ
High $200ks – Low $400ks
With just 44 luxury condos built by Nouvelle, LLC, The Hamlet at Town Center is a hidden gem where retirees move to get away from it all. It’s hard to believe that this peaceful, active adult neighborhood is just 45 miles from New York City—Newark Airport is even closer.
This community’s prime location is just outside of Lake Mohawk, Tomahawk Lake, and two respected medical organizations: Sparta Medical Campus and Newton Medical Center. And if you play golf, Lake Mohawk Golf Club, SkyView, and Black Bear Golf Club are the closest courses.
These condos are in a three-story elevator-equipped building, complete with an indoor pool and fitness center. And since the roomy floor plans range from 1,415 to 2,550 square feet, extra space is not a concern. They offer one to three bedrooms, one or two baths, and garage parking. Look for features like granite countertops and hardwood floors in these modern condos.
Passaic County: Urban Amenities and Suburban Living
East of Sussex County, Passaic County blends suburban living and urban convenience. It’s closer to New York City than some other Northern New Jersey counties, making it an appealing option for retirees who wish to remain connected to city life while living in a quieter environment.
The Passaic River and Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park are two of this county’s most beautiful landmarks. The park is a unique urban oasis with stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and historical exhibits. The county also has several theaters, art galleries, the Wayne Museum, and music venues.
Towns like Wayne and West Milford provide suburban atmospheres with shopping, dining, and health care services. The accessibility of major highways and public transportation makes it easy to travel to nearby cities, including The Big Apple, for additional cultural and entertainment options.
Featured Passiac County 55+ Communities
Bald Eagle Commons – West Milford, NJ
High $200ks – Mid $300ks
As one of the most affordable 55 and over communities in NJ, Bald Eagle Commons was built from 1995 to 2005 with 463 condos and attached homes. Some of the best-loved area landmarks include Norvin Green State Forest and Apshawa Preserve. This active adult community is a short drive from Chilton Medical Center and Newton Medical Center. Bald Eagle Commons is also close to the New York state line and a slew of golf courses.
These 55+ residents have access to a resort-style lifestyle via a modern clubhouse/amenity center. There’s a fitness center, activity rooms, and a performance/movie theater. Outside, homeowners enjoy an outdoor pool, gardening plots, walking and biking trails, and sports courts.
The Bald Eagle Commons attached homes range from 2,175 to 2,414 square feet, with two or three bedrooms and bathrooms, and attached one-car garages. Upgrades may include breakfast nooks, hardwood floors, and fireplaces. The condos, sized from 655 to 1,581 square feet, have one or two bedrooms and bathrooms, and assigned parking spots. Some also offer wood floors and private patios.
Morris County: Historic Towns and Modern Conveniences
Morris County’s extensive park system, historic towns, and modern conveniences attract retirees from across the East Coast. It’s in the central part of North Jersey and less rural than its western counterparts.
This part of the state has abundant recreational activities with over 20,000 acres of parkland, including Lewis Morris Park and Morristown National Historical Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike, and picnic, while the county’s lakes and rivers provide fishing, kayaking, and boating. Golf courses, sports fields, and community centers add to that variety. The Morris Museum and local theaters host diverse events, exhibits, and performances, so there’s always something new to experience.
Morris County’s charming towns like Morristown, Madison, and Chester offer historic architecture, shopping, and dining. The well-connected transportation network, including NJ Transit and major highways, ensures easy access to New York City and nearby areas.
Featured Morris County 55+ Communities
Eagle Ridge at East Hanover – East Hanover, NJ
Mid $300ks – Mid $300ks
Retirees hoping to downsize can do very well at Eagle Ridge at East Hanover. This established 55+ neighborhood offers 50 units on a property 45 minutes from NYC. It’s also close to respected medical organizations like Saint Michael’s and Care Well Medical Center. Favorite landmarks include Turtle Back Zoo, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Livingston Mall.
The Eagle Ridge at East Hanover one-story condos offer 1,004 square feet of living space, with one bedroom, one-and-a-half baths, and attached one-car garages. Residents appreciate the open layouts, spacious master bedrooms, and updated kitchens.
Fox Crest – Rockaway, NJ
High $500ks – Mid $600ks
This next condo community is also small, with 41 units on a gated property 35 miles outside NYC. There’s so much to do in the area, with multiple nearby golf courses, greenspaces like Wawayanda State Park, and the beloved Bell & Barter Theatre and Arts Center.
Fox Crest is less than an hour’s drive from Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Morristown Medical Center, a top-rated facility, is also nearby. This 55+ community’s onsite amenities include a clubhouse, a shared park, and group social events.
The Commons at Mendham – Mendham, NJ
Mid $700ks – High $700ks
Located in desirable southwestern Morris County, The Commons at Mendham is a gated active adult community with 330 attached homes. Its residents enjoy proximity to several golf courses, parks, and indoor attractions like Mayo Performing Arts Center and the Morris Museum. This community is also near Morristown Medical Center, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
The Commons at Mendham has appealing onsite amenities as well. Its clubhouse features an indoor pool, a fitness center, and activity rooms. There’s also an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and lovely lakes and ponds on the grounds.
Built from 1978 to 1985, this 55+ neighborhood has 330 attached homes with eight floor plans ranging from 1,423 to 2,800 square feet. They offer two to four bedrooms, with one-and-a-half to three baths. The parking options are one- or two-car garages or two assigned parking spaces. Upgrades may include hardwood flooring, covered porches, and basements.
Campagna – Montville Township, NJ
Low $300ks – Mid $400ks
Active adults seeking low-maintenance lifestyles should consider Campagna, an appealing condo community with 136 units. Montville is less than 20 miles from Campgaw Mountain Ski Area. The closest golf courses are Sunset Valley, Knoll East Golf Course, and Knoll Golf Club West. This town offers many shops, restaurants, farmers markets, and outdoor festivals. Also, Morristown Medical Center is just 12 miles away.
Completed in 1986, Campagna has floor plans ranging from 950 to 1,280 square feet. They offer one or two bedrooms and bathrooms and assigned parking. Depending on the unit, residents can enjoy features like updated kitchens, private patios, and bay windows.
Greenbriar at Fox Ridge – Rockaway, NJ
High $400ks – High $500ks
Our last property is also a condo community but quite a bit larger than Campagna. In 2018, Lennar Homes completed 336 condos on this property, which is a few miles from Rockaway Townsquare Mall. Greenbriar at Fox Ridge is conveniently located close to Picatinny Golf Club, Wildcat Ridge, and everything else retirees need to live their best lives.
You’ll be impressed by the Greenbriar at Fox Ridge clubhouse, which has a modern fitness center, an indoor pool and spa, and a ballroom for community events. During warmer weather, residents can enjoy the outdoor pool, picnic in the pavilion, and play tennis.
The condos are housed in three-story elevator buildings with underground parking. The floor plans range from 979 to 1,997 square feet, with one or two bedrooms and one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half bathrooms. Some of these lovely homes also have private studies, oversized balconies, and breakfast nooks.
Comparing the Counties: Which One Is Right for You?
When considering affordable 55 and over communities in NJ, consider your budget and lifestyle preferences:
- Warren County offers a peaceful rural setting, outdoor recreation, and historical towns.
- Sussex County appeals to nature enthusiasts who enjoy lakes, parks, and a slower pace of life.
- Passaic County balances suburban living and urban access. It’s well-suited for active adults who want to stay connected to city amenities.
- Morris County offers a blend of historic charm and modern conveniences, perfect for retirees who appreciate culture, history, and outdoor activities.
55places Can Help You Find Your Dream Home!
Ready for the next steps? Our list of affordable 55 and over communities in NJ started things off, and we can show you others with available homes. Contact 55places.com today to learn more about 55+ homes for sale in Northern New Jersey!
