Somerset, NJ 55+ active adult communities & homes for sale - Page 5

Located in central New Jersey, Somerset is a beautiful community that offers a variety of amenities for residents. With easy access to nearby cities like New York City and Philadelphia the area boasts a perfect blend of urban and suburban living. Somerset's natural beauty can be seen in the surrounding parks and waterways, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Somerset is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with a variety of cultural institutions and events, such as the Franklin Township Cultural Arts Council, which promotes and supports the arts in the area. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or the great outdoors, Somerset has something for everyone.

If you're considering a move to Somerset, be sure to check out the following websites for more information:

• Somerset County Tourism
• Franklin Township
• Bridgewater Township
• Somerset County Government

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Somerset has a cost of living that is 25.2 percent higher than the national average. Housing is the biggest expense in the area, with the median home value being around $432,200. Healthcare costs are slightly below the U.S. average.  Groceries and utilities are between 5 and 10 percent higher than the U.S. average and transportation costs are 42 percent higher than the national average. Recreation and entertainment costs are reasonable, with many free or low-cost options available in the area, such as parks and museums. Like the rest of the state Somerset has very high property taxes, the average homeowner will pay 1.81 percent of their home's assessed value in property taxes.

In New Jersey, the income tax ranges from 1.4 percent to 10.75 percent, social security is not taxed, and seniors with lower incomes are exempt from many taxes. In New Jersey, the sales tax is 6.63 percent, which is about average, but groceries, clothing, and prescription drugs are exempt from it. Any property over $500 in New Jersey is subject to inheritance tax, unless it is inherited by a spouse, child, parent, or grandparent. Property inherited by siblings is exempt up to $2,500. The property taxes in New Jersey are among the highest in the entire country, although they vary depending on the exact location.

Climate and Geography 

Somerset's climate is characterized by warm summers and relatively mild winters. The average high temperature in the summer months ranges from the mid-80s to low 90s with humidity averaging around 70%. The winter months bring average low temperatures in the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit with an average snowfall of 26 inches per year. The area is also prone to thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes, especially in the late summer and early fall.

Central New Jersey is known for its rolling hills and lush green forests. The Raritan River runs through the town and offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. There are several state parks nearby, including Washington Valley Park, Duke Farms, and Sourland Mountain Preserve which offer scenic views and a variety of outdoor recreation. For beach lovers Somerset is within a 30-minute drive of the Jersey Shore, offering residents easy access to beautiful beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Somerset offers a variety of recreational activities, golf, and entertainment options that cater to all interests and preferences.

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Royce Brook Golf Club
• Spooky Brook Golf Course
• Green Knoll Golf Course
• Hillsborough Racquet Club

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• Duke Island Park
• Colonial Park
• Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
• Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve

Museums and Historical Sites

• Rutgers Geology Museum
• Abraham Staats House
• Old Dutch Parsonage
• Somerset County Courthouse

Performing Arts

• State Theatre New Jersey
• George Street Playhouse
• Villagers Theatre
• Franklin Theater Works

Shopping

• Bridgewater Commons
• Liberty Village Premium Outlets
• The Shoppes at North Brunswick
• Somerset Shopping Center

Parks and Gardens

• Colonial Park Gardens
• Duke Farms
• Leonard J. Buck Garden
• Natirar Park

Festivals and Fairs

• Somerset County 4-H Fair
• Franklin Day Festival
• Central Jersey Jazz Festival
• Bridgewater Food Truck Festival

Health and Wellness 

Somerset is home to many health and wellness resources for 55+ active adults who prioritize healthy living. Nearby medical centers include RWJ University Hospital Somerset, Saint Peter's University Hospital, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. These facilities offer top-quality medical care, including specialized programs for seniors.

For those interested in keeping fit and mentally well, there are numerous local options including yoga studios and other fitness centers . The Somerset County Park Commission offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking trails and parks. There are also many farmers markets in the area, including the Hillsborough Farmers Market and the Somerville Farmers Market. Both markets provide fresh and healthy produce for those looking to improve health through nutrition.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you're considering buying a home in a Somerset 55+ community, spending a few days in the area can give you a good sense of what the town has to offer. Here's a suggested 2-day itinerary:

Day One

Morning: 

• Start your day with breakfast at Twist Cafe, a cozy cafe serving up delicious breakfast dishes and coffee.
• Visit the Somerset County Museum to learn about the area's history and cultural heritage.

Afternoon: 

• Spend the afternoon exploring Duke Farms, a beautiful 2,740-acre property with walking and biking trails, waterfalls, and a farmstead.

Evening: 

• For dinner, head to Savor Restaurant, a farm-to-table restaurant serving up delicious, seasonal cuisine.

Day Two

Morning: 

• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to learn more about the available 55+ communities in the area.

Afternoon: 

• Visit the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market for lunch and to check out local produce and goods.
• Explore the Rutgers Geology Museum on the campus of Rutgers University which features a collection of over 50,000 specimens, including minerals, fossils, rocks, and meteorites. 

Evening: 

• For dinner, head to The Bernards Inn, a historic restaurant and hotel that's been around since 1907, serving up classic American cuisine.

Getting to Somerset, NJ

To reach Somerset, NJ, there are several transportation options available, including airlines, train, bus, driving, and light rail. Here are the directions for each mode of transportation:

Flying:

The closest major airport to Somerset is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located approximately 30 miles northeast of Somerset. EWR is served by various airlines, including major carriers like United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. The airport offers numerous domestic and international flights, connecting to major hubs such as Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City.

Driving:

Major highways that lead to Somerset include Interstate 287, Interstate 78, and U.S. Route 22. These highways provide convenient access to the area from neighboring cities and regions.

By train:

Amtrak has a station in nearby New Brunswick, NJ, which is about 10 miles from Somerset. From the New Brunswick station, visitors can take a taxi or use local public transportation to get to Somerset.