Whiting 55+ Retirement Communities

Whiting is a picturesque town that is a wonderful place to live. Nestled in the heart of the Pine Barrens, this hidden gem offers a unique blend of natural beauty and convenience. Despite its serene setting, Whiting is only a short drive from the bustling cities of Philadelphia and New York, giving residents easy access to world-class entertainment and cultural experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the area's numerous hiking trails and fishing spots, while history buffs can explore nearby Revolutionary War sites. Whiting is also home to a close-knit community, where neighbors come together for events such as the annual Pine Barrens Jamboree and the weekly farmers market. With its perfect combination of natural beauty, proximity to major cities, and strong sense of community, Whiting is an excellent choice for those looking to buy a home in a 55+ retirement community.

Local website resources for information about visiting or moving to Whiting:

• Pine Barrens Tribune is a local news source covering all aspects of life in the Pine Barrens, from events to politics.
• Ocean County Parks and Recreation is a resource for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the many parks and trails in the area.
• Manchester Township provides information for visitors and residents in the area including tourist activities, local government, and more.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Whiting is an affordable place to live with a cost of living index that is slightly lower than the national average. The cost of housing is one of the most significant expenses in this location, with the median home price around $294,900, which is significantly below the state median of $432,100. Groceries, healthcare and transportation costs are also reasonable and generally fall in line with U.S. averages although utilities are about 12 percent higher than the national average. The town offers many outdoor recreation opportunities that are low-cost or free, such as hiking, fishing, and visiting state parks. Sales tax in Whiting is 6.63 percent and property taxes in Ocean County are 1.47 percent of a home's assessed fair market value.

New Jersey's income tax ranges from 1.4 percent to 10.75 percent, social security is not taxed and while other retirement income is taxed there is a large exemption for lower income seniors. New Jersey's sales tax is about average, groceries, clothing, and prescription drugs are exempt. New Jersey does have an inheritance tax on any property over $500 unless it is being inherited by a spouse, child, parent, or grandparent. Siblings are exempt for the first $2,500 of inherited property. Property taxes in New Jersey are the highest in the entire country although there is some variation depending on exact location.

Climate and Geography 

The average winter temperature in Whiting ranges from 25 to 42 degrees, and the area receives an average of 25 inches of snow per year. Summers are warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 62 to 84 degrees with 70 to 75 percent humidity. The area receives an average of 46 inches of rain per year. Even though Whiting is not directly on the coast it can be affected by coastal weather events such as hurricanes, tropical storms, and nor'easters.

The geography of Whiting and the surrounding area offer residents a diverse range of natural beauty. The town is located in Ocean County and is part of the Pine Barrens, a unique ecosystem that is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and boating on nearby lakes and rivers. The town is only a short drive from the Jersey Shore, a popular destination for beachgoers and surfers. Additionally, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Appalachian Mountains are within a few hours' drive, making it an excellent location for day trips and weekend getaways.  

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Whiting is a wonderful location with a variety of recreational options and entertainment. Whether you're a golfer, history buff, or hiker, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights of what Whiting has to offer:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Eagle Ridge Golf Club
• Pine Barrens Golf Club
• Knob Hill Golf Club
• Pickleball courts at Whiting Tennis Center

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Jakes Branch County Park
• Double Trouble State Park
• Cattus Island County Park
• Lakehurst Naval Base Lake Walk

Museums and Historical Sites

• The Historic Village at Allaire
• The Vietnam Era Museum and Educational Center
• Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen's Museum
• Ocean County Historical Museum

Performing Arts

• The Strand Center for the Arts
• The Algonquin Arts Theatre
• The Grunin Center for the Arts
• The Surflight Theatre

Shopping

• The Jackson Premium Outlets
• The Ocean County Mall
• Downtown Toms River shopping district
• Brick Plaza

Parks and Gardens

• Cloverdale Farm County Park
• Community Garden at Whiting
• Waretown Lake
• Wells Mills County Park

Festivals and Fairs

• Ocean County Fair
• Pine Barrens Jamboree
• Downtown Toms River Food Festival
• Blueberry Festival in Hammonton

Health and Wellness 

Whiting is home to a number of health and wellness resources and there are several medical centers in the area that offer a range of specialized services. These medical centers include Community Medical Center in Toms River and Monmouth Medical Center in Lakewood. 

For those looking for self-care and fitness opportunities, Whiting offers a variety of options. The area has several fitness centers, yoga and Pilates studios, and meditation centers, providing residents with plenty of ways to stay active and improve their mental health. For those looking to improve or maintain their health through nutrition there are a couple of farmers markets nearby.  Both the Brick Farmers' Market and the Toms River Farmers Market offer fresh produce and locally sourced goods.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you're considering buying a home in a 55+ retirement community in Whiting it's important to spend time in the area and get to know what it has to offer. Here's a two-day itinerary to help you explore the location:

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast or coffee at the Martucci's Flashback Diner, known for its delicious coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
• Next, head to the nearby Cattus Island County Park for a morning walk and take in the scenic views of the Barnegat Bay.
• After your walk, visit the Jersey Shore Alpacas farm, where you can meet and interact with the friendly alpacas.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, try the local favorite pizza place, Varriale's Pizza, which is known for its authentic Italian-style pizza.
• After lunch, visit the Ocean County Historical Society Museum to learn more about the area's rich history.

Evening:

• For dinner, try Donovan's Bar and Grill, a local Irish restaurant that serves farm to table cuisine.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast or coffee at Café on the Green and Bakery, a community café that serves locally roasted coffee and homemade pastries.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss your retirement community options.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy house-smoked barbecue and classic side dishes at Dickey's Barbecue Pit.
• Visit the Pine Barrens, a unique and vast natural area that covers a large portion of New Jersey. Take a leisurely hike or go bird watching to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Evening:

• For dinner, try the Crab's Claw Inn, a local seafood restaurant that has been a favorite spot for locals and visitors for over 50 years.

Getting to Whiting, NJ

Whiting is easily accessible from across the country, here are some directions for visitors to get to the location:

By Car

• From the north: Take the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 82A for Route 37 West. Follow Route 37 West for approximately 10 miles and take a right onto County Road 527 (Whitesville Road).
• From the south: Take the Garden State Parkway north to Exit 77 for Route 539 North. Follow Route 539 North for approximately 11 miles and take a left onto County Road 530 (Lacey Road).

By Train

• Visitors can take an Amtrak or NJ Transit train to the Newark Penn Station, located about 65 miles away from Whiting. From there, they can take a connecting NJ Transit train to the Toms River Station, located about 10 miles away from Whiting.

By Air

• The closest large airport to Whiting is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located about 60 miles away. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways all have flights to EWR. Newark Liberty International Airport serves as a primary hub for United Airlines and a secondary hub for Delta Air Lines.
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is also an option for visitors. PHL is located about 80 miles from Whiting. Airlines that fly into Philadelphia include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines.