Best Independent Living near me in West Orange, New Jersey

West Orange, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is a vibrant suburban town known for its scenic views and rich history. With easy access to New York City, it offers residents a mix of...

West Orange, located in Essex County, New Jersey, is a vibrant suburban town known for its scenic views and rich history. With easy access to New York City, it offers residents a mix of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. The town is home to numerous parks, historical sites, and diverse residential areas, making it an appealing destination for families and retirees alike. West Orange has a well-established reputation for being an ideal place to live with a range of amenities and services.

Costs of Independent Living in West Orange

The cost of independent living in West Orange, NJ, can vary significantly depending on the location and type of community. On average, seniors can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per month for independent living. These costs typically cover accommodations, meals, and access to social and recreational activities, though additional services may come at an extra cost.

Average Income in West Orange

The average household income in West Orange is approximately $110,000 per year. This reflects a relatively high standard of living, with a combination of professionals, retirees, and families contributing to the local economy. The higher income levels also allow for a wider range of housing and healthcare options, including independent living communities.

Ranking of West Orange among Top Cities in New Jersey

West Orange is often ranked as one of the top places to live in New Jersey, particularly for those seeking a suburban environment with access to metropolitan amenities. It ranks high for its quality of life, excellent public schools, and strong community services, including healthcare and recreation. Its proximity to New York City further enhances its desirability for residents.

Top Independent Living Providers/Facilities in West Orange, NJ:

Lutheran Social Ministries
Arden Courts of West Orange
The Montclair
Sunrise

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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Regan Development Corporation - Horizons at Scales Plaza

3.2

100 Scales Plaza, New Jersey 07013

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Horizons at Scales Plaza isn’t your typical senior care facility—it’s more like a community of affordable apartments designed for older adults who want to keep their independence but might need a little support. The apartments are spacious, with one- and two-bedroom options, and there are shared spaces like a community room, exercise area, and library that encourage people to socialize and stay active.

Estimated Pricing

$3,147–$5,868 / mth

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Senior Citizens Building of Orange

3.6

355 Thomas Blvd, New Jersey 07050

Memory Care

Independent Living

Senior Citizens Building of Orange stands out for its strong sense of community and practical, resident-focused amenities. The building itself is known for being spotless—families and visitors regularly mention how clean and well-kept the common areas are. Staff are approachable and genuinely helpful, not just at move-in but day-to-day, which makes a big difference for residents who need a little extra support or reassurance.

Estimated Pricing

$3,093–$12,109 / 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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Carillon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

4.0

830 Park Ave, New York 11743

Memory Care

Independent Living

Carillon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center provides assisted living, independent living, nursing home, memory care services for senior elders in the Huntington, NY area. To find the right care for you loved one, connect with one of our senior care experts.

Estimated Pricing

$3,700–$13,177 / mth

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Amber Court of Elizabeth

3.7

1155 E Jersey St, New Jersey 07201

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Amber Court of Elizabeth is a mid-sized assisted living and independent living community set in a converted hotel right in downtown Elizabeth. What stands out immediately is their willingness to accept Medicaid from day one—a rare find in this area, and a huge relief for families watching costs. The building itself is older and still undergoing renovations in some areas, so expect a mix of updated and more dated spaces.

Estimated Pricing

$2,977–$6,576 / 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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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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CareOne at Wayne

3.9

493 Black Oak Ridge Rd, New Jersey 07470

Memory Care

Independent Living

CareOne at Wayne stands out for its strong rehab and nursing team—families mention staff by name, like therapists Amy and Hazel, and describe them as both skilled and genuinely warm. The place is bigger than some might expect, which can be a plus for activity options, but a few people found it a bit overwhelming. Most reviews highlight the attentive nurses and aides, who go out of their way to make residents comfortable, even celebrating holidays with special meals.

Estimated Pricing

$3,639–$8,981 / mth

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Care One at Wellington

3.9

301 Union St, New Jersey 07601

Memory Care

Independent Living

Care One at Wellington is the kind of place families in Hackensack talk about—sometimes with gratitude, sometimes with a dose of realism. Walk in and you’ll notice the place is kept spotless, and there’s a steady hum of activity, from bingo games to therapy sessions. The staff gets mentioned by name in reviews—Mike and Anette from admissions, Vanessa at the front desk, and nurses who seem to know how to put people at ease.

Estimated Pricing

$3,953–$13,618 / mth

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Cliffside Park Housing Authority

3.9

500 Gorge Rd, New Jersey 07010

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Cliffside Park Housing Authority is a local agency that manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers for people who need affordable housing in Cliffside Park. Their main office is in the Gerald A. Calabrese Complex at 500 Gorge Road, which is also where many of their 351 public housing apartments are located. They also oversee 347 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, helping low and moderate income families and seniors find stable housing.

Estimated Pricing

$3,500–$7,625 / mth

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Cranford Lincoln Senior Apartments

3.8

800 Lincoln Ave E, New Jersey 07016

Memory Care

Independent Living

Cranford Lincoln Senior Apartments is a senior apartment community that offers affordable, no-frills living for older adults who value their independence but want the convenience of on-site amenities. The apartments themselves are straightforward—think basic kitchens with an oven and refrigerator, heating and air conditioning, and practical layouts. Residents have access to shared laundry facilities, and there’s a clubhouse and fitness center for socializing or staying active.

Estimated Pricing

$4,046–$10,258 / mth

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Fort Lee Housing Authority

4.6

1403 Teresa Dr, New Jersey 07024

Independent Living

If you’re looking for a place where your parent can live independently but still have access to support if they need it, Fort Lee Housing Authority at 1403 Teresa Dr is worth a closer look. They run a 40-unit public housing building right on Teresa Drive, specifically for folks who want to stay active and live on their own, but who may also need affordable rent. The Authority also manages a much larger Section 8 voucher program, helping nearly 500 families in the area with rental assistance.

Estimated Pricing

$4,695–$7,510 / mth

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Maplewood Senior Apartments

3.1

564 Irvington Ave, New Jersey 07040

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Maplewood Senior Apartments at 564 Irvington Ave is more like a small, close-knit community than a big facility. The apartments are designed for older adults who want their own space but appreciate having friendly neighbors and a bit of extra support if needed. The building itself is pretty straightforward—think accessible entryways, elevators, and features that make life easier for folks with mobility challenges.

Estimated Pricing

$2,766–$6,462 / 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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