Barnegat, NJ 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Located in South New Jersey’s Ocean County, Barnegat is a township with much to offer retirees. From local events to a variety of outdoor recreation, Barnegat offers active adults many entertainment options and amenities. 

Climate & Geography

Most of New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold to mild winters. Though temperatures can reach below freezing during the winter, Barnegat is warmer than most other places in the state during the winter and cooler than most other places during the summer due to its proximity to the Atlantic coastline. Residents of Barnegat experience more rainfall and less snowfall than the national average, and approximately 200 sunny days throughout each year.

The southern portion of Barnegat is bordered by the Barnegat Bay, a small, brackish portion of the Intracoastal Waterway. Forest areas cover northern portions of the township. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

There are many township-organized events throughout the year, such as Family Candy Bar Bingo, Woman’s Tea, a Health Fair, and Waretown Wine Festival. From summer to mid fall, retirees can visit the Barnegat Farmers Market which offers fresh seasonal produce, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Breads, cheeses, and pastas are also available for purchase. Throughout the summer, Ocean Professional Theatre Company puts on a variety of musicals.

Active adults interested in outdoor recreation can explore Barnegat Lighthouse State Park for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching needs. Cloverdale Farm County Park is a 90-acre cranberry bog and tree farm with a 1.4-mile self-guided nature trail that runs through undistributed woodlands, offering an escape to natural beauty. For eight months out of the year, fishing enthusiasts can visit Hi Flier Fishing for fishing trips on the bay.

For more recreation and entertainment opportunities, Barnegat is located less than a hour away from Atlantic City, providing easy access for day trips and weekend getaways. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

In New Jersey, Social Security benefits and military pensions are not taxed. When qualifications are met, seniors can exclude part of their retirement income from state income taxes. Income tax ranges from 1.4 percent to 8.97 percent. Though the cost of living in Barnegat is slightly higher than the national average, the rate is lower than the state index.

Health Care

Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center is located less than five miles from Barnegat, and is rated high performing by U.S. News.