Overview
Berkeley Township is located in Ocean County on the Atlantic Coast of Southern New Jersey, near many beaches and nature preserves, allowing residents to enjoy a relaxed environment surrounded by nature. Active adults will appreciate the quaint community with access to local amenities including great health care options and recreation opportunities.
Climate and Geography
The climate in Berkeley Township is categorized as humid continental, which consists of four distinct seasons and is highly influenced by oceanic weather patterns. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold to mild. Residents can expect higher-than-average rainfall, lower-than-average snowfall, and approximately 206 sunny days throughout the year.
The town is located near the Intracoastal Waterway, Cedar Creek, the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, the South Toms River, Seaside Park, and Pine Beach.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Some of the top things to do in and around Berkeley Township include visiting Island Beach State Park, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Double Trouble State Park, Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Golfers will enjoy the Cedar Creek Golf Club. Furthermore, the township offers a program called the Senior Bus Trips which takes active adults to various locations including the Battleship NJ, Columbus Flea Market, Freehold Mall, PNC Bank Arts Center, Resorts Casino, and Smithville and the Woodbridge Mall.
Residents looking to explore nearby cities have some fun options available. Both Philadelphia and New York City can be reached in about an hour and a half, while the popular tourist destination Atlantic City is just under an hour away.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Berkeley Township is higher than the state and national average.
The effective income tax rate in New Jersey is 1.53 percent for single filers and 3.37 percent for joint filers. Retirement income like Social Security benefits are not taxed, and additionally military pensions and railroad retirement benefits are fully exempt. Other retirement benefits like government pensions, annuities, IRA benefits, or other retirement plans may be eligible for exclusion for qualifying taxpayers.
Retiring homeowners may also qualify for property tax relief programs such as the Property Tax Reimbursement Program, otherwise known as the "senior freeze," or a $250 tax deduction program.
Health Care
Berkeley Township offers wellness programs such as outreach and benefits counseling and a caregiver support program. Furthermore, there are a number of highly ranked hospitals in the surrounding area serving the town such as Community Medical Center-Toms River, Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center, nationally ranked Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center, and Monmouth Medical Center-Long Branch Campus. These hospitals have specialties in a large range of procedures and conditions, and are all within a 25-mile radius from the township.