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.

AristaCare at Norwood Terrace

4.0

40 Norwood Ave, New Jersey 07060

Memory Care

Independent Living

AristaCare at Norwood Terrace is known for its hands-on approach and the way staff and residents interact daily. Nurses and aides spend about 3.3 hours per day with each resident, which is a bit higher than average, and families often mention that the team knows residents by name and keeps an open-door policy for questions or concerns. They offer a mix of services: post-hospital rehab, long-term nursing care, and specialized memory care for folks with dementia.

Estimated Pricing

$4,418–$13,166 / mth

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Winchester Gardens

4.0

333 Elmwood Ave, New Jersey 07040

Memory Care

Independent Living

Winchester Gardens stands out in the Newark area for its blend of old-world charm and modern senior care. Housed in a historic building with lush gardens, it’s more than just a place to live—it’s a community with personality. Residents talk about the vibrant social scene, from poetry discussions to classical music concerts on weekends.

Estimated Pricing

$2,766–$11,477 / mth

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Birchwood at Fairmount Hotel

4.0

2595 John F. Kennedy Blvd, New Jersey 07306

Independent Living

Birchwood at Fairmount Hotel isn’t your average senior apartment building. It’s actually a piece of Jersey City history—a former landmark hotel that’s been thoughtfully turned into apartments for folks 62 and up. The building itself has a classic, vintage vibe with neoclassical touches, and you can spot original details like fluted columns and old mosaic work if you look closely. There are 60 apartments—studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options—so it doesn’t feel overwhelmingly large.

Estimated Pricing

$4,688–$6,303 / mth

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North Brunswick Senior Housing

4.0

740 Hermann Rd, New Jersey 08902

Independent Living

Nursing Home

North Brunswick Senior Housing, also known as Paul J. Matacera Senior Apartments, is a 150-unit building focused on affordable, independent living for seniors with limited income. The apartments are one-bedroom units, with two floor plan options: one around 600 square feet, the other a bit larger with a walk-in closet and bigger kitchen and bath. The building is managed by the North Brunswick Housing Corporation, a non-profit with clergy leadership, and has been operating since 1996.

Estimated Pricing

$2,601–$10,044 / mth

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Crossroads

4.0

720 US-9, New Jersey 07728

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Crossroads at Howell is a senior apartment community that’s pretty practical if your parent is looking for affordable, independent living in Freehold. This isn’t an assisted living facility with medical care on site, but rather an apartment building for folks 62 and up who qualify for HUD housing. Rent is based on income—about 30% of what your loved one brings in each month—which can be a real relief for families watching their budget.

Estimated Pricing

$3,651–$6,977 / mth

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Birchwood at Perth Amboy

4.0

618 New Brunswick Ave, New Jersey 08861

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Birchwood at Perth Amboy is a senior apartment community for people 62 and older, offering affordable rental options rather than traditional assisted living. The building has 84 apartments, with a choice of one- or two-bedroom layouts. Each unit comes with a modern kitchen, premium appliances (including a dishwasher), central air, and plenty of closet space.

Estimated Pricing

$2,626–$5,375 / mth

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Branchbrook Park Manor

4.0

1 Branch Brook Park Plaza, New Jersey 07104

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Branchbrook Park Manor feels more like a big, welcoming home than a facility. It's a small, family-run place with only 16 residents, so everyone gets to know each other. The staff includes a registered nurse who actually lives on-site, which means there's always someone around who knows the residents well and can keep an eye on their health. People mention how clean and inviting the place is, and the rooms—some with bay windows and views of the cathedral—feel cozy, not institutional.

Estimated Pricing

$2,766–$11,477 / mth

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Montclair Senior Housing Corporation

4.0

340 Orange Rd, New Jersey 07042

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Montclair Senior Housing Corporation, also known as South End Gardens, is a 100-unit senior apartment community that’s been part of Montclair since 1987. What stands out here is the focus on affordable, independent living for older adults—especially those on a fixed income. The building offers a mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments, and residents get practical amenities like an elevator, 24-hour building access, and controlled entry, which is reassuring for families thinking about safety.

Estimated Pricing

$4,121–$6,948 / mth

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North Brunswick Senior Housing

3.9

740 Hermann Rd, New Jersey 08902

Independent Living

North Brunswick Senior Housing, officially known as Paul J. Matacera Senior Apartments, isn’t flashy, but it’s practical and thoughtfully run. It’s a four-story building with 150 one-bedroom apartments, all designed for seniors who want to live independently but benefit from a sense of community. The place is managed by the North Brunswick Housing Corporation, a local non-profit with clergy involvement, which gives it a bit more of a personal, mission-driven feel than most.

Estimated Pricing

$5,551–$7,493 / mth

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Residence at Roosevelt Park

3.9

1 Roosevelt Dr, New Jersey 08837

Independent Living

Residence at Roosevelt Park is an independent living community for adults 62 and older, right next to Roosevelt Park in Edison. This place is really more like an apartment building than a traditional senior living facility—think private one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, your own laundry, and plenty of space. There’s no dining hall or meal plan, so residents cook for themselves, but the kitchens are modern and well-equipped.

Estimated Pricing

$4,457–$6,562 / mth

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Complete Care at Woodlands

3.9

1400 Woodland Ave, New Jersey 07060

Memory Care

Independent Living

Complete Care at Woodlands isn’t fancy, but it’s got a few things going for it that families notice. The staff gets mixed reviews—some families say they’re warm and helpful, especially in the admissions and business office, while others have felt frustrated by communication gaps. One thing that stands out is their recreation director: people rave about the creative activities, from themed lunches (like KFC day) to ice cream Fridays and daily movies.

Estimated Pricing

$4,418–$13,166 / mth

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Park Crescent Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center

3.9

480 N Walnut St, New Jersey 07017

Memory Care

Independent Living

Park Crescent Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is a skilled nursing facility that handles everything from short-term rehab to long-term care and memory support. The staff includes nurses and rehab therapists, and while some families have praised the kindness of the nursing team, others have pointed out issues with cleanliness and room maintenance—especially in shared rooms.

Estimated Pricing

$4,540–$12,080 / mth

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Complete Care at Plainfield

3.9

1340 Park Ave, New Jersey 07060

Memory Care

Independent Living

Complete Care at Plainfield is one of those places families often consider when a loved one needs more than what can be managed at home. They offer skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and long-term care. The building itself is definitely on the older side—don't expect modern finishes or fancy amenities. Some rooms have TVs on dressers instead of mounted, and the layout is pretty basic, but it’s generally kept clean. What stands out most is the staff.

Estimated Pricing

$4,418–$13,166 / mth

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Haven Mano Residential

3.8

51 Lincoln St, New Jersey 07017

Memory Care

Independent Living

Haven Manor Residential at 51 Lincoln Street is a familiar name to many East Orange families looking for a practical, supportive place for their older loved ones. The building itself is unpretentious, but what stands out is the mix of services: residents can get help with daily routines, nursing support, or simply enjoy their own space if they're more independent. Staff are known for being attentive—though some reviews mention that management can be slow to address concerns.

Estimated Pricing

$4,540–$12,080 / mth

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