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

Brighton Gardens of West Orange

4.0

220 Pleasant Valley Way, New Jersey 07052

Memory Care

Independent Living

Brighton Gardens of West Orange is one of those places that gets a lot of praise for its caring staff and clean, inviting environment, but it’s not without its drawbacks. The team there includes people like Director Irania and nurse Lisa, who are mentioned by name in reviews for being attentive and genuinely invested in residents’ well-being. Care managers like Sarah, Ava, and Michelle also get called out for going the extra mile.

Estimated Pricing

$2,766–$9,862 / 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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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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Golden Age Towers

4.0

200 E Milton Ave #1, New Jersey 07065

Independent Living

Golden Age Towers is an independent living apartment building for seniors, right in the heart of Rahway. It’s a high-rise with 9 stories and nearly 200 units, mostly studios and one-bedrooms, built back in 1980. The building is known for offering affordable housing options, including Section 8 PBRA (Project-Based Rental Assistance), which helps keep rent manageable for older adults on fixed incomes.

Estimated Pricing

$5,250–$7,311 / 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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Aging In Montclair

4.0

13 Trinity Pl, New Jersey 07042

Memory Care

Independent Living

Aging In Montclair (AIM) isn’t your typical senior care provider—in fact, they don’t offer hands-on medical or personal care at all. Instead, AIM is a grassroots, volunteer-driven membership organization focused on helping older adults stay active, connected, and informed while living independently in the Montclair area. Membership is free and open to anyone 55 and older.

Estimated Pricing

$5,111–$8,353 / 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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Arc Supported Living

4.0

579 Roosevelt Ave, New Jersey 07008

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Arc Supported Living at 579 Roosevelt Ave in Carteret is part of the broader Arc network, which is well-known across New Jersey for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Here, the focus is on helping adults—often seniors—live as independently as possible, but with the right amount of support.

Estimated Pricing

$2,975–$8,212 / 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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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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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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Fritz Reuter Altenheim

3.9

3161 John F. Kennedy Blvd, New Jersey 07047

Memory Care

Independent Living

Fritz Reuter Altenheim has been part of North Bergen’s senior care landscape for over a century, and it shows in the way they run things. This isn’t a massive corporate chain—families say it feels more like a close-knit community, with staff who know residents by name and pay attention to the little things. They offer independent apartments for folks who want their own space, plus skilled nursing and memory care for those who need more help.

Estimated Pricing

$5,714–$12,625 / 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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