New York living isn’t exactly known for being calm, affordable, or low-stress — especially once you start thinking about retirement. 😅
But just across the Hudson, there’s a small suburb quietly proving that you can have safety, wealth, culture, and city access without the chaos.
According to a new 2025 ranking from GOBankingRates, Fort Lee, New Jersey has been named one of the safest and wealthiest retirement towns in America, landing at #12 nationwide — and earning the distinction as the only tristate area town on the list.
The ranking analyzed towns where at least 25% of residents are 65 or older, factoring in crime rates, livability scores, retirement income, housing values, and access to amenities like healthcare.
Fort Lee stood out with a livability score of 88, ultra-low violent crime, and an average retirement income just under $48,000 a year — paired with million-dollar homes and skyline views.
In other words: this is retirement living with a luxury edge.
Safe, affluent, and shockingly close to NYC
One of Fort Lee’s biggest flexes is location.
Sitting right at the foot of the George Washington Bridge, the town is just minutes from Manhattan — close enough to walk across on a nice day — while still feeling worlds away from city noise.
Crime is where Fort Lee really separates itself too.
Violent crime rates are nearly 60% lower than the national average, and property crime is also well below what you’d expect for a suburb this dense and this close to NYC. That combination of safety and accessibility is rare, and it’s exactly what helped push Fort Lee into the national spotlight.
Healthcare access is another major plus. Residents are close to top-rated hospitals like Holy Name Medical Center, with countless specialists just a short ride away in Manhattan — a big reason the area appeals to retirees who want peace of mind without isolation.
Practical luxury with serious quality-of-life perks
Fort Lee isn’t flashy in the way some Florida or Arizona retirement towns are — and that’s part of the appeal too.
Think high-rise condos with Hudson River views, quiet tree-lined streets, and a walkable downtown packed with good food and everyday conveniences.
The town is also known for its vibrant Korean and Japanese food scene, with everything from elevated soba and omakase to legendary casual spots like Hiram’s Roadstand, famously loved by Anthony Bourdain.
Add in luxury movie theaters, nearby Korean spas, and an active arts scene, and it feels more “cool enclave” than sleepy suburb.
Outdoor access seals the deal too since Fort Lee borders the Palisades Interstate Park— offering miles of scenic walking trails, river overlooks, and gentle hikes that are especially popular with older residents.
Waterfront strolls, sunset views, and quiet mornings are seemingly baked into daily life here.
A retirement town with history — and a future
Before Hollywood, Fort Lee was the birthplace of the American film industry, a legacy now preserved at the Barrymore Film Center.
Today, the town blends that cultural history with modern perks, including an active senior community supported by programs like the borough’s “Nest” Adult Activity Center, which offers transportation, social events, and organized Broadway trips for residents over 55.
For retirees looking to stay connected to NYC while dialing life down a notch, this small New Jersey suburb might just be the safest, smartest move around.