A staggering number of older New Jersey residents are contemplating a move out of the Garden State, driven by an “affordability crisis” that shows no signs of slowing down. According to the newly released AARP New Jersey Vital Voices survey, 35% of residents age 45 and older have considered leaving the state in the past year, with most citing the high cost of living as their primary motivator.
The findings, released in New Brunswick, paint a sobering picture of a demographic feeling squeezed by a combination of record-high property taxes, rising grocery bills, and skyrocketing utility costs.
The survey highlights an overwhelming reliance on and support for the Stay NJ property tax relief program. The initiative, which promises eligible homeowners up to $6,500 per year in relief, is seen by many as the only way they can afford to “age in place.”
- Property tax pressure: 53% of those considering leaving cited property taxes as a key reason for their potential departure.
- Public mandate: 65% of respondents want to see Stay NJ kept exactly as it is, maintaining both the current income eligibility and the full $6,500 benefit.
- Grocery strain: An incredible 92% of older residents identified the ability to afford groceries and everyday necessities as a top priority.
“New Jersey should be a place where people can afford to grow older, not a place they feel forced to leave,” Chris Widelo, state director of AARP New Jersey said. “When it comes to property tax relief, people want policymakers to keep the promise that was made.”
Beyond housing, the survey identified two other major financial “pain points”: utilities and unpaid caregiving.
An alarming 89% of residents expressed concern over increasing electricity bills, adding a layer of instability for those on fixed incomes. Meanwhile, more than half (54%) of adults over 45 have provided unpaid care to a loved one, with 86% of respondents calling for a caregiver tax credit to help offset the significant out-of-pocket costs associated with family care.
The survey also touched on the quality of life in New Jersey’s nursing homes. Residents sent a clear message to state leaders regarding accountability:
- 82% support requiring nursing homes to disclose their ownership, staffing levels, and financial arrangements.
- 88% want full transparency regarding how Medicaid funding is utilized within these facilities.
AARP New Jersey is urging state leaders to view these results as a warning. The organization is calling for a holistic approach to affordability that addresses the full spectrum of costs—from the tax bill to the utility meter and the pharmacy counter.
“This survey sends a clear message,” Widelo added. “If New Jersey wants to remain a place where people can age with dignity, we must focus on making it more affordable to stay.”
