Lakewood, NJ 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Lakewood is a township in Southern New Jersey, known for its local golfing, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and easy travel access to New York City. Active adults looking for all four seasons, a tight-knit community, and affordable housing can find it in Lakewood. Plentiful outdoor recreation and local festivals and concerts make this a popular retirement destination.

Climate & Geography 

Lakewood is located on the eastern coast of New Jersey. It is the most populous city in Ocean County, and lies on a mostly flat coastal plain. The north branch of the Metedeconk River forms the northern boundary and part of the eastern boundary, while the south branch runs through the township itself. Much like its name suggests, there are four man-made lakes within city boundaries. The Garden State Parkway, which travels along the eastern border of the state, runs along the eastern edge of Lakewood.

Residents can expect all four seasons in Lakewood with higher than average rainfall but less than average snowfall compared to the rest of the state. Sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean sometimes help moderate extreme temperatures.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Though Lakewood is the most populated city in the county, it still has the feel of a small town with a tight-knit community. Residents can enjoy local productions at the Strand Theater, catch live music at the Carousel Of Music summer concert series, or watch the local minor league baseball team at FirstEnergy Park. Westgate Plaza, Town & Country Shopping Center, and Seagull Square Shopping Plaza are just a few of the many shopping centers in the city. 

Active adults can also hike and picnic at Ocean County Park and then finish off with a refreshing beer at Icarus Brewing. Golfers have several course options, including Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Lakewood Country Club, Four Seasons Golf Course, and several other courses in nearby townships.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

The overall cost of living in Lakewood hovers just above the national average because of housing costs. Though they are above the national average, homes costs in Lakewood are average for the state. Other factors like utilities, transportation, and groceries all similar to the national average, while health care is just slightly below.

New Jersey is moderately tax friendly to retirees. Social Security is not taxed, and while other types of retirement income are taxed, retirees over the age of 62 are eligible for significant deductions. Property taxes are the highest in the country, and sales taxes are about average at 6.6 percent.

Health Care

According to Gallup’s Well-Being Index, New Jersey ranks in the top 31 states, with an especially high rating in their social factor, meaning residents feel that they have strong and loving relationships.

Lakewood has two hospitals: Specialty Hospital of Central Jersey and Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus. The nearest U.S. News nationally ranked hospital is Jersey Shore University Medical Center, 13 miles away in Neptune.