Best Independent Living near me in Union, New Jersey

Union, NJ, is a suburban community located in Union County, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods and access to urban amenities. Known for its rich history and close proximity to...

Union, NJ, is a suburban community located in Union County, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods and access to urban amenities. Known for its rich history and close proximity to major cities like Newark and New York City, Union provides a blend of suburban tranquility with city accessibility. It features parks, shopping centers, and a well-developed transportation infrastructure, making it an attractive place for residents of all ages.

Costs of Independent Living in Union, NJ

The average cost of independent living in Union, NJ, ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per month, depending on the level of amenities, location, and size of the facility. Some luxury communities can be more expensive, while more basic independent living options may fall on the lower end of the spectrum.

Average Income in Union, NJ

The average household income in Union, NJ, is approximately $80,000 to $85,000 per year. The city has a diverse economic base, with many residents working in industries such as healthcare, retail, and transportation, benefiting from its proximity to major urban centers.

Ranking of Union among Top Cities in New Jersey

Union ranks among the mid-tier cities in New Jersey in terms of livability, education, and access to amenities. It is known for its convenient location near New York City and its affordable living options compared to more expensive nearby cities like Hoboken or Jersey City.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in Union, NJ:

Arbor Glen Senior Living
Atria Cranford
Brightview West Orange
Sunrise of East Brunswick
The Chelsea at East Brunswick

Atria Cranford

4.2

10 Jackson Dr, New Jersey 07016

Memory Care

Independent Living

Atria Cranford is a well-established senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. What stands out most is how approachable and consistent the staff are—names like Michelle, Alma, Annika, Khalifa, and Alero come up repeatedly in reviews, and families mention them for their patience and willingness to answer questions. The building itself is clean and generally well-kept, though some families have noticed minor wear and tear, like peeling wallpaper.

Estimated Pricing

$4,046–$13,929 / mth

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The Willows Home

4.2

39 S Willow St, New Jersey 07042

Memory Care

Independent Living

The Willows Home feels more like a big, old house than a typical facility. It’s not flashy, but it’s clean and comfortable. Most residents have their own rooms, and the staff helps with the basics—things like bathing, dressing, and making sure meds are taken on time. Meals are served in a common dining room, and people seem to appreciate the home-cooked style.

Estimated Pricing

$5,111–$10,832 / mth

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South Plainfield Senior Residence

4.1

151 Morris Ave, New Jersey 07080

Memory Care

Independent Living

South Plainfield Senior Residence isn’t your typical senior care facility. Instead, it’s an affordable housing community for adults 55 and older, run by Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey. The building offers 100 one- and two-bedroom apartments, some of which are accessible for people with disabilities. Residents get their own private space, with central air, and can use shared amenities like a computer center and exercise room.

Estimated Pricing

$3,076–$10,416 / mth

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Walpan Residence for Senior Citizens

4.1

176 Christopher St, New Jersey 07042

Memory Care

Independent Living

Walpan Residence feels more like a cozy inn than a typical senior facility. The building is a converted colonial home on a quiet street, which gives it a warm, personal feel. Residents get three home-cooked meals a day and have access to both indoor and outdoor common spaces. The staff is described as attentive and genuinely kind, and families often mention how clean and well-kept the place is.

Estimated Pricing

$4,121–$10,832 / mth

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Prospect Place

4.1

130 Prospect St, New Jersey 07450

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Prospect Place at 130 Prospect St is a small, independent living residence for older adults right in Ridgewood. It’s run by SHARE, Inc., a local nonprofit that’s been part of the community for decades. This isn’t a big, impersonal facility—it’s a renovated Victorian home with space for just 14 residents, so everyone gets to know each other. Each person has a private bedroom (bring your own furniture to make it feel like home), and shares a bathroom with one other resident.

Estimated Pricing

$5,588–$10,098 / mth

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Nutley Parkside Apartments

4.1

7 William St, New Jersey 07110

Independent Living

Nutley Parkside Apartments stands out in Nutley as one of the few options offering affordable independent living for older adults, especially those on a fixed income. Unlike assisted living or nursing homes, this community is designed for seniors who are still able to live on their own but want the convenience of included utilities and a location close to downtown, parks, and public transportation.

Estimated Pricing

$4,837–$7,300 / mth

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Jewish Federation Towers

4.1

1 Linden Ave Suite 1, New Jersey 07111

Memory Care

Independent Living

Jewish Federation Towers is one of those places that quietly fills a real need in Irvington. What stands out isn’t flashy amenities or luxury—it’s the sense of community and stability for older adults who want to stay independent but appreciate a little extra support. The building offers senior apartments specifically for folks with low to moderate incomes, so it’s more accessible than many options in Essex County.

Estimated Pricing

$4,670–$11,971 / mth

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Spruce Terrace

4.1

21 Spruce St, New Jersey 07032

Independent Living

Spruce Terrace is a spot for seniors who want to keep their independence but need a little help making ends meet. It’s not a fancy place, but it’s practical and feels like a real community, especially for folks who’ve lived in Kearny a long time. The apartments are simple—mostly studios and one-bedrooms—and designed for people 62 and older who qualify as low-income. There’s a real sense that everyone’s in the same boat, which makes it easier to connect with neighbors.

Estimated Pricing

$5,445–$9,388 / mth

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PineRidge of Montclair, a UMC Community

4.1

60 Glenridge Ave, New Jersey 07042

Memory Care

Independent Living

PineRidge of Montclair is a smaller senior community that stands out for being genuinely affordable in a pricey area. It's not a sprawling campus—just 47 apartments in a four-story building, so it feels more like a neighborhood than an institution. The place is designed for older adults with moderate to low incomes, and it's backed by the United Methodist Communities and local churches, with support from HUD. That means rent is subsidized, which is rare in Montclair.

Estimated Pricing

$4,121–$10,832 / mth

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The Society House

4.1

328 E Mt Pleasant Ave, New Jersey 07039

Independent Living

Assisted Living

The Society House in Livingston feels more like a big, comfortable home than a typical senior facility. It’s a small place—only about 15 residents at a time—so everyone gets to know each other. Staff are described as genuinely caring and flexible, helping families arrange visits and making sure residents can get out for special occasions.

Estimated Pricing

$3,576–$7,043 / mth

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Memorial Home For Aged

4.0

185 Fernwood Ave, New Jersey 07043

Memory Care

Independent Living

Memorial Home For Aged at 185 Fernwood Ave is a smaller, more traditional senior residence that feels a bit like an old-fashioned boarding house, but with a focus on elder care. Residents have their own private, air-conditioned rooms (each with a sink), and share bathrooms. There’s a sense of privacy, but also a low-key community vibe—folks gather in common areas or chat over meals. Staff are on-site around the clock, and there’s a doctor on call plus regular nurse visits each week.

Estimated Pricing

$4,121–$10,832 / 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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Mira Vie at Clifton

4.0

782 Valley Rd, New Jersey 07013

Memory Care

Independent Living

Mira Vie at Clifton feels more like a lively community than an institution. The apartments are spacious and thoughtfully designed—wheelchair accessible, with emergency call systems in every unit, so families don’t have to worry about safety. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, or memory care, and there’s also respite care for short-term stays.

Estimated Pricing

$3,147–$13,575 / mth

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Little Senior Residence

4.0

71 Christopher St, New Jersey 07042

Memory Care

Independent Living

Little Senior Residence on Christopher Street is a small, family-run senior care home that feels more like an old Montclair house than an institution. The staff is known for being genuinely warm and attentive—several families mention that caregivers and aides quickly become like extended family, not just employees. The owner and manager, Brian, is frequently praised by name for being hands-on and responsive, which is rare in this industry.

Estimated Pricing

$4,121–$8,353 / mth

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