Brick, NJ 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Brick is an affordable coastal town on the edge of the New York metropolitan area. Temperate weather with all four seasons, low housing costs compared to the rest of the state, and ample outdoor recreation make this an attractive city for retirees. Local restaurants, shops, and festivals give this town a community feel with easy access to The Big Apple.

Climate & Geography 

Brick is situated on the east coast of Southern New Jersey, nearly straight south of New York City. Residents can expect humid and hot summers and winters that reach freezing temperatures for a month. The sea breeze tends to cool down the summers by a few degrees. Brick experiences higher-than-average rainfall, but still has over 200 days of sunshine each year.

The city’s eastern border is on the Metedeconk River and Barnegat Bay, which makes boating a huge part of the community. Allaire State Park butts up against the northwestern edge of the city and has numerous trails and campgrounds. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Much of Brick’s outdoor recreation revolves around local reservoirs and beachside parks. Brick Reservoir has a large walking path, and Windward Beach Park has a fishing dock as well as year round events like Summerfest concerts and a Saturday farmers market.

Many of Brick’s eateries and shops are local rather than big chains. The Brick Plaza, however, is a recent development which plans to bring more a city center feeling to the downtown area. Some big brand stores have moved in, while plans for more restaurants, shops, and a boardwalk are underway. 

Cost of Living & Taxes 

The cost of living in Brick is higher than the national average, but much lower than the rest of New Jersey. Houses are more expensive in the state, but Brick offers more affordable housing. Generally, factors like groceries, utilities, and transportation are above the U.S. average, but still below the rest of New Jersey. 

Brick’s sales tax matches the state’s, and property taxes in New Jersey are nearly double the national average. However, Brick hovers below the average in New Jersey, making it one of the most affordable communities to have both easy access to New York as well as a beachfront property.

New Jersey does not tax Social Security, and only taxes other forms of retirement income above a $60,000.

Health Care

The New York City and Newark metropolitan area ranks highly in the Gallup Well-Being Index, generally within the top 60 communities across the country.

The only hospital within Brick’s city limits, Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center, is ranked high performing by U.S. News. There is also a nearby nationally ranked hospital, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, which is the No. 5 hospital in New Jersey, as well as the No. 39 hospital for orthopedics in the country.