The Garden State Exodus: Why 1 in 3 Older New Jerseyans Are Preparing to Pack Their Bags
file photo by ArtChick Photography
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Is New Jersey becoming a place where it is simply too expensive to grow old? According to a striking new data release from the AARP New Jersey Vital Voices Survey, a growing affordability crisis is putting the state at a severe risk of losing its aging population. High property taxes, soaring utility bills, and the hidden costs of unpaid caregiving are forcing a significant portion of older residents to consider relocating to more affordable regions of the country.
Here is a closer look at the staggering numbers behind the crisis, what residents are demanding from state lawmakers, and why programs like Stay NJ have become a critical battleground for local taxpayers.
The Staggering Cost of Living Data
The new survey reveals that standard everyday expenses are stretching household budgets to a breaking point. An overwhelming 92% of older residents reported that being able to afford basic groceries and daily necessities is a primary concern.
This financial pressure is driving a potential mass exodus:
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35% of New Jersey residents aged 45+ admit they have actively considered leaving the state over the past year.
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Out of those considering a move, 79% say they are likely to follow through.
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67% of those planning to leave explicitly cite the urgent need for a lower overall cost of living.
“New Jersey should be a place where people can afford to grow older, not a place they feel forced to leave,” said Chris Widelo, State Director of AARP New Jersey. “Right now, rising costs are pushing people out, and this survey makes clear that older residents are counting on solutions like Stay NJ to help them stay in their homes.”
The Stay NJ Program: A Crucial Property Tax Lifeline
Property taxes remain the single largest roadblock to aging in place, cited by 53% of respondents as a primary reason for wanting to flee the state.
Because of this, there is immense public pressure surrounding the state’s flagship tax relief initiative, Stay NJ. The program is designed to provide eligible senior homeowners with up to $6,500 per year in direct property tax relief.
According to the AARP New Jersey Vital Voices Poll Results, residents are sending a clear message to state policymakers to keep their promises:
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65% of respondents support keeping the Stay NJ program exactly as it is, maintaining both the maximum $6,500 benefit and current income limits.
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If budget compromises must be made, 59% of seniors aged 65+ would prefer lowering the income eligibility threshold rather than cutting the $6,500 maximum benefit amount.
Beyond Taxes: Rising Utilities and Caregiver Strains
The financial squeeze on New Jersey families isn’t limited to housing costs. Two other major factors are compounding the strain:
1. Skyrocketing Utility Bills
A massive 89% of residents expressed deep concern over forecasted hikes in their electricity bills, with 62% saying they are “very concerned” about keeping up with energy costs as they plan their retirement security.
2. Unpaid Caregiving Demands
The responsibilities of caring for aging loved ones are placing both emotional and financial tolls on families.
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54% of adults aged 45+ have provided unpaid care to a family member.
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58% note that the long-term financial cost of caregiving is a major threat to their own financial stability.
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Consequently, 86% strongly support a state caregiver tax credit to help offset out-of-pocket care expenses.
The Demand for Nursing Home Accountability
For families who must eventually rely on long-term institutional care, transparency has become a non-negotiable demand. An overwhelming 82% of respondents support strict legislation requiring nursing homes to publicly disclose their complete ownership, staffing levels, and financial arrangements. Additionally, 88% demand total transparency regarding how public Medicaid funding is allocated within these facilities to ensure public dollars are going directly toward high-quality patient care.
The Bottom Line: Affordability Must Be a Budget Priority
As New Jersey lawmakers negotiate the upcoming state budget, the message from the AARP survey is undeniable. To preserve communities and prevent a massive drain of experienced, dedicated residents, state leadership must actively address the overlapping burdens of property taxes, utility spikes, and healthcare costs.
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Any homeowner looking to exit NJ be aware (beware!) of the Real Estate Transfer Tax. It was the Mansion Tax paid by buyers; now paid by Sellers at much higher rates.
Tax on a $2.1 MM sale is $54k for those over 62; $65k for non seniors.
No thanks to Murphy and others that passed this spite tax in 2025, under the radar.
Infuriating that the much-touted property tax relief programs are likely to be cut off at the knees before they even begin. It’s really bait and switch. If the funding wasn’t there, they shouldn’t have made such a big deal out of offering it.
Absolutely they should lower the income cap rather than reducing payments.
Oh, the funding is there, but not for THAT
Curious you should post that just now. We got our Property Tax Relief check in the mail yesterday. $1625
Mobile deposit to checking, done.
Pretty quick, looks like they were sent on May 15
Why should other NJ taxpayers subsidize YOUR property taxes?
Because New Jerseans are known the world over for having a kind heart.
The morons on trenton don’t realize a major reason for the exit.
The estate/inheritance tax of up to 17% of an estate unless it goes to a class A beneficiary such as spouse or child or charity.
So if I sell my house and have a few investments remaining, my niece, nephew, cousin,significant (non married) other or a friend… NJ steals 17 percent. They can go screw they are never getting my $$ when I croak