Florida could also be a dream retirement vacation spot for a lot of Americans, however it is not all the time an reasonably priced one. A latest article in The Independent said that folks incomes lower than $75,000 a 12 months might not have the ability to afford retirement in Florida due to its increased price of dwelling and residential costs. Thankfully, there are many coastal alternate options to the Sunshine State, together with Somers Point in New Jersey. This vibrant metropolis sits about 17 miles from Atlantic City on Great Egg Harbor Bay, a gateway to the Atlantic Ocean.
Somers Point is one in all New Jersey’s extra budget-friendly cities. According to knowledge by Best Places, the price of dwelling in Somers Point is 6.1% decrease than the nationwide common and 21.6% decrease than the state common. This consists of the value of housing, meals, healthcare, taxes, and transportation. Best Places recommends an annual earnings of $48,400 for a single particular person to dwell comfortably in Somers Point, far lower than what you’d want in Florida.
Retiring to Somers Point would not essentially imply sacrificing the life-style you may need in Florida. Somers Point might not have the identical heat and sunny year-round climate, however it’s nonetheless a coastal metropolis the place you possibly can take pleasure in seashore days, water actions, fishing, and calm bayside dwelling. “The town is a boater’s paradise,” reads one article in Philadelphia Magazine. It’s not missing in leisure, both, with entry to dwell efficiency venues, casinos, and nice eating places.
Beach days and fishing in Somers Point
The major seashore in Somers Point, William Morrow Beach, is positioned inside its historic downtown. The bayfront park has a swimming seashore with lifeguards that is still busy all through the summer season. It hosts out of doors live shows and varied family-friendly occasions within the hotter months. Visitors can solid a line from the fishing pier and chill out at picnic tables on the sand. “Much calmer than the ocean, and a nice place to walk right out and kayak or paddleboard,” one particular person stated in a Google assessment.
Fishing is a well-liked pastime in Somers Point, and lots of locals reap the benefits of town’s a number of marinas to dock personal boats. In the encircling waters, anglers can reel in black sea bass, summer season flounder, striped bass, and dusky smooth-hound, in accordance with previous studies on Fishbrain. Other species recorded within the Somers Point space embrace largemouth bass and chain pickerel. John F. Kennedy Park has a devoted boat ramp for fishing that guests can entry for a payment. All anglers aged 16 and older should have a New Jersey fishing license, which could be bought online. Keep in thoughts that whereas Somers Point might really feel like Florida within the summertime, New Jersey’s lengthy winters are sometimes frigid, windy, and moist. This is the Northeast, in any case.
Coastal cities and on line casino enjoyable close to Somers Point
Somers Point is a superb base for accessing New Jersey’s seaside gaming hubs. Atlantic City, simply 20 minutes up the coast, is dwelling to 10 large-scale on line casino resorts, together with the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, New Jersey’s Vegas-like on line casino. The metropolis is fairly the distinction to Somers Point’s laid-back vibe, however it may well present residents with a close-by supply of leisure. Plus, you do not essentially must gamble to have a very good time in Atlantic City. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino usually hosts huge occasions like dwell bands, title fights, and stand-up comedy. Ocean Casino Resort provides a number of fine-dining eating places, one of many state’s finest day spas, and buying.
Somers Point might solely have one seashore, however you possibly can entry lots extra inside a brief drive. Just 5 minutes throughout the water is Ocean City, one other East Coast retirement spot with seashores, boardwalk enjoyable, and wholesome dwelling. Alternatively, Margate City, recognized for scrumptious seafood and “America’s Oldest Roadside Attraction,” is simply quarter-hour away. You’re by no means removed from a seashore break or metropolis outing when the temper strikes.
Beyond the walkable waterfront space, residents might want to drive or take public transportation to get round in Somers Point. Fortunately, locals aged 62 and older can be part of New Jersey’s Reduced Fare Program and experience public transit for half the value. Somers Point can be a 20-minute drive from Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), making it straightforward to journey domestically or overseas. Visiting members of the family and buddies could have a number of resorts and budget-friendly inns to select from inside strolling distance of the waterfront.