Rockaway, NJ 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Rockaway, New Jersey is a borough in Morris County. Surrounded by nature, residents can enjoy hikes and long walks to soak in the scenic environment. Furthermore, Rockaway is home to two historical sites that are in the National Registry of Historic Places. This quaint community has plenty to offer in amenities and health care, making residential living very comfortable. 

Climate and Geography

Like most of the rest of the state, Rockaway is in a humid subtropical climate region, characterized by hot, humid summers and cool winters. Residents can expect more rain and snow than the national average, and approximately 206 sunny days throughout the year.

Rockaway is located in Northern New Jersey, amongst the New York-New Jersey Highlands, which is mostly made up of rolling foothills and valleys. The surrounding area is home to many rivers like the Rockaway River, Whippany River, South Branch of the Raritan River, and the Black River. There are also several lakes including Lake Hopatcong, Budd Lake, Lake Parsippany, and the Boonton Reservoir. National protected areas near Rockaway include the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Troy Meadows, and Morristown National Historical Park. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Some of the top attractions in Rockaway include Wildcat Ridge Hawkwatch, Rockaway Townsquare, Fleetwood Lights, Farney State Park, Egbert’s Lake Park, Splitrock Reservoir, AMC Theater Rockaway 16, Rockaway Lanes, Tavern on the Rocks, Line Dancing in Rockaway. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Rockaway is higher than the state and national averages. 

The effective income tax rate of New Jersey is 1.53 percent for single filers and 3.37 percent for joint filers. Retirement income like IRAs, pensions, and annuities can be excluded from taxable income. Other retirement income such as Social Security benefits, military pensions, and railroad retirement benefits are also fully exempt. 

Health Care

Rockaway residents have access to great health care like Morristown Medical Center which is about nine miles away in Morristown and is nationally ranked and rated high performing in several specialties, procedures, and conditions by U.S. News. Other highly rated hospitals include Chilton Medical Center, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation, Overlook Medical Center, Newton Medical Center-New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Clara Maass Medical Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Valley Hospital, St. Michael’s Medical Center, and Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.