Best Independent Living near me in Carteret, New Jersey

Carteret, New Jersey, located in Middlesex County, is a borough situated in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 15 miles southwest of Manhattan. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of about 25,326 residents. Founded in 1906 and originally named Roosevelt, it was renamed Carteret in 1922 after Sir George Carteret, one of the early proprietors of New Jersey. The borough is bordered by the Rahway River to the north and Arthur Kill to the east, providing scenic waterfront areas such as Joseph Medwick Park and Carteret Waterfront Park.

Carteret is known for its diverse community and family-friendly atmosphere, making it popular among young families. The borough has developed a small commercial center and is home to the Carteret Performing Arts Center, which opened in 2021. Additionally, it is part of an Urban Enterprise Zone, offering reduced sales tax rates to encourage local business growth. Carteret's strategic location near major transportation routes enhances its appeal as a residential and commercial hub.

Costs of Independent Living in Carteret, NJ

The costs of independent living in Carteret, New Jersey, are approximately $6,712 per month, which is notably higher than the national average of $5,671. This pricing reflects the area's cost of living and the amenities offered within local facilities. For those seeking alternatives, senior apartments in Carteret average around $2,856 monthly, providing more budget-friendly options. Many independent living communities offer flexible month-to-month rental agreements without buy-in fees, catering to seniors who prefer financial flexibility. Overall, Carteret presents a range of independent living options that accommodate varying financial needs while maintaining quality services.

Average Income in Carteret, NJ

Carteret, New Jersey, has an average household income of approximately $99,712, with a median household income of $79,049 as of 2022. This reflects a diverse economic base, with significant contributions from local industries and proximity to larger urban centers. The community is characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, providing a balanced lifestyle. Carteret's population enjoys amenities such as parks and recreational facilities, contributing to a good quality of life. The area also benefits from its strategic location within Middlesex County, enhancing its appeal for families and businesses alike.

Ranking of Carteret among Top Cities in New Jersey

Carteret, New Jersey, ranks 174th out of 209 cities in the state for median household income among municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 50,000. This ranking indicates that Carteret falls within the lower-income range compared to other cities in New Jersey. Despite this, the town offers a vibrant community atmosphere with access to various amenities and services. The local economy continues to evolve, supported by ongoing development projects that aim to enhance the quality of life for residents. As such, Carteret remains a notable option for those seeking affordable living in the region.

Top Independent Living Facilities in Carteret, NJ

Some of the top independent living facilities in Carteret, NJ include:

These facilities focus on providing a supportive environment with various amenities and personalized care services for their residents.

Arden Courts – ProMedica Memory Care Community (West Orange)

4.5

510 Prospect Ave, New Jersey 07052

Memory Care

Independent Living

Arden Courts in West Orange stands out for its thoughtful design and specialized memory care. Instead of a typical facility layout, the community is divided into four distinct 'houses,' each with its own porch, living room, and kitchen. This setup helps residents feel more at home and less institutionalized, which can make a big difference for people living with dementia.

Estimated Pricing

$3,415–$12,762 / mth

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Parker at Landing Lane

4.5

501 Easton Ave, New Jersey 08901

Memory Care

Independent Living

Parker at Landing Lane has been around for over a century, which is rare in this field. It’s a not-for-profit, and you can feel that difference—there’s less of a corporate vibe, more of a steady, local presence. The staff here includes a mix of long-time nurses, aides, and activity coordinators, many of whom have been with Parker for years. They’re known for being approachable and genuinely getting to know residents and families.

Estimated Pricing

$3,833–$11,369 / mth

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Brighton Gardens of Mountainside

4.4

1350 US-22, New Jersey 07092

Memory Care

Independent Living

Brighton Gardens of Mountainside stands out for its blend of classic charm and practical care. The first thing families notice is the warm, homey feel—think cozy interiors and inviting gardens rather than anything institutional. Residents get help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication, but the team here goes beyond the basics. There’s on-site physical therapy, 24-hour on-call nursing, and in-house doctor visits, so you’re not shuttling loved ones out for every appointment.

Estimated Pricing

$4,446–$9,862 / mth

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Job Haines Home

4.4

250 Bloomfield Ave, New Jersey 07003

Memory Care

Independent Living

Job Haines Home is one of those places that’s been around long enough to have real roots in the community—over a century, in fact. They offer assisted living, long-term care, and sub-acute rehab all on one campus, so residents can transition between levels of care without moving to a new facility. The staff includes registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, and there’s always a nurse on site, which isn’t a given everywhere.

Estimated Pricing

$2,601–$10,882 / mth

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Arden Courts – ProMedica Memory Care Community (West Orange)

4.4

510 Prospect Ave, New Jersey 07052

Memory Care

Independent Living

Arden Courts – ProMedica Memory Care Community in West Orange stands out for its focus on residents living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Instead of a single large building, the community is organized into four smaller 'houses,' each with its own porch, living room, and kitchen. This setup helps residents feel more at home and less overwhelmed.

Estimated Pricing

$2,766–$9,862 / mth

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Arbor Terrace Middletown

4.4

1800 NJ-35, New Jersey 07748

Memory Care

Independent Living

Arbor Terrace Middletown is one of those places that actually feels lively, not just a facility. The staff stands out for being approachable and attentive—families mention that help is always available, and there's a licensed nurse leading the care team. Residents can get support with daily tasks like bathing or medication, but there's also a real focus on keeping people engaged.

Estimated Pricing

$3,151–$10,085 / mth

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Brookdale West Orange

4.3

520 Prospect Ave, New Jersey 07052

Memory Care

Independent Living

Brookdale West Orange stands out because they really tailor their support to each resident, especially if your parent needs help with memory issues or more hands-on medical care. They have nurses (RNs and LPNs) on site 24/7, which isn't always the case at other places, so if your parent needs things like wound care, oxygen, or diabetes management, they're equipped for it.

Estimated Pricing

$3,415–$12,762 / mth

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Arbor Terrace Mountainside

4.3

1050 Springfield Ave, New Jersey 07092

Memory Care

Independent Living

Arbor Terrace Mountainside stands out for its strong focus on individualized care, especially for seniors with early-stage memory loss. Families often mention the Bridges Neighborhood, which is a dedicated area for residents experiencing mild cognitive challenges. Here, staff work closely with families to create personalized plans, and there’s a real emphasis on keeping residents engaged—think art classes, language lessons, and regular social events.

Estimated Pricing

$2,766–$9,862 / mth

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Brandywine Living at Livingston

4.3

369 E Mt Pleasant Ave, New Jersey 07039

Memory Care

Independent Living

Brandywine Living at Livingston feels more like a boutique hotel than a typical senior community. The first thing people notice is the upscale vibe—think indoor pool, movie theater, open bar, and a real restaurant-style dining room where you can order off a menu. Some families say it looks and feels like a cruise ship on land. The staff gets a lot of praise for being genuinely friendly and attentive, not just going through the motions.

Estimated Pricing

$2,766–$11,477 / mth

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New Brunswick Senior Citizens

4.3

81 Huntington St, New Jersey 08901

Independent Living

New Brunswick Senior Citizens at 81 Huntington St is more of a community hub than a traditional senior living facility. It’s a city-run senior center, so you’re not looking at assisted living or nursing care here. Instead, it’s a place where older adults in New Brunswick can gather for activities, social events, and practical support. They offer things like group exercise classes, arts and crafts, and educational workshops—think bingo, holiday parties, and maybe even tech help.

Estimated Pricing

$5,551–$7,493 / mth

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Gillette Manor

4.3

650 Washington Rd, New Jersey 08872

Memory Care

Independent Living

Gillette Manor is a 100-unit building that offers independent living for seniors, run by the Sayreville Housing Authority. It’s not a nursing home or memory care facility—despite what some listings say—but rather a place for adults 60 and older who want their own apartment with some support nearby if needed. There’s no income restriction, which is unusual for senior housing in this area. The property manager, Marie Cook, is the main contact for applications and day-to-day questions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,749–$13,830 / mth

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Brookdale Battery Park City

4.2

455 North End Ave, New York 10282

Memory Care

Independent Living

Brookdale Battery Park City provides assisted living, independent living, nursing home, memory care services for senior elders in the Manhattan, NY area. To find the right care for you loved one, connect with one of our senior care experts.

Estimated Pricing

$5,687–$14,292 / mth

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Heritage Village at Bloomfield

4.2

390 Franklin St, New Jersey 07003

Independent Living

Heritage Village at Bloomfield isn’t your typical senior living spot. It’s designed for folks 55 and up who meet certain income guidelines, so it’s genuinely focused on making independent living more accessible. What stands out right away: there’s a long waiting list—up to two years—which says a lot about demand and reputation. The apartments themselves are modern, with hardwood parquet floors, tiled kitchens and bathrooms, and energy-efficient appliances.

Estimated Pricing

$4,891–$6,776 / mth

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Irvington Seniors Apartments

4.2

1 Linden Ave, New Jersey 07111

Memory Care

Independent Living

Irvington Seniors Apartments stands out for its practical, no-frills approach to independent senior living. The building itself is a 12-story high-rise that’s been recently renovated, so you won’t find dated hallways or worn-out common areas. Each apartment is a spacious one-bedroom, giving residents room to bring their own furniture and feel at home. Rent is income-based, which makes it a rare find for seniors who need affordability without sacrificing safety or comfort.

Estimated Pricing

$4,670–$10,646 / mth

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Important things to know about Independent Living

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

Added: Jun 1, 2023

4 min read

Last modified: Nov 26, 2023

Seniors in independent living manage their day-to-day lives on their own. There is no staff to help with personal care

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