Mayor’s Column

A great place to retire

People are living longer today, enjoying retirement and the “Golden Years” much more than they did in past generations. A recent article written by Frederick Kaimann for The Inside Jersey Score reported that Secaucus ranked number 12 out of 566 New Jersey communities as the best place to retire. The weighted tabulation combined quality of life factors including property tax, access to healthcare, culture, affordability, safety, and crimein its formula to determine the best places in New Jersey to retire.
Mapping was a key component for the report. Kaimann, a reporter for The Star Ledger, said he mapped the number of doctors, acute care facilities, and longterm providers, cultural attractions such as theatres, museums, and historical sites in proximity to the community. Violent crime scored very low at less than 2 incidents per 1,000 while culture and medical scores ranked exceptionally high.According to the census bureau, 14 percent of the 6,297 Secaucus households have a member aged 75 or older. In fact, Secaucus has quite a few centurion residents living in town.
The data gathered by Inside Jersey Score comes frommany sources and is used for guides for NJ industry including restaurants, shopping, fashion, real estate, as well as recreation and health among many other subjects. The scoring system used to calculate the information is based on statistics, facts and geography. However, residents of Secaucus know it takes more than looking at numbers on paper to make a community ideal for living out the retirement years.
With three senior housing buildings filled to capacity, and many senior home owners living in town, it is no secret that Secaucus would rank in the top percentile of best places in New Jersey to retire.
In addition to scoring 92.7 percent out of 100 for medical careincluding specialty doctors and Meadowlands Hospital close by, this administration has made the health and well-being of its seniors a priority. We are committed to ensuring residents have every opportunity to maintain good health through vasthealth screenings, and routine blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar monitoring. Regular fitness classes including yoga and water aerobics are also available at the Recreation Center on Koelle Boulevard and the Senior Center on Centre Avenue.
When it comes to cultural affairs, geographically Secaucus ranked 94.1 percent for surrounding attractions such as Kerasotes Theatres, the new Field Station Dinosaur Park at Laurel Hill, New York City, a wide variety of restaurants and plenty of affordable shopping.
Let’s take a closer look at programs and activities that are available to our seniors.
To start the summer season, more than 300 senior citizens enjoyed a barbeque lunch at Outback. Many of our restaurants generously sponsor holiday luncheons. The Senior Center located at 101 Centre Ave. has undergone the first phase of its renovation, which included a brand new Bingo machine, construction of news offices, and a comfortable lounge where seniors gather to socialize. Along with the ambiance of the new facelift, there are so many more events coming up for seniors and all residents. Starting with the annual summer concerts and movies in the park, bands like Neil & the Diamonds, British Invasion and the Bronx Wanderers areback by popular demand. The July 4 celebration with fireworks at the Municipal Swim Center, Yankee games and Festivals also fill the summer days and nights.Seniorsplay Bingo during the week and enjoy Ice Cream Socials and take scheduledbus trips to nearby restaurants and shopping centers.
Many of our seniors are retired doctors, lawyers, and teachers; and many others are retired housewives who raised families here in town. It isn’t always a walk in the park for some. Programs like Meals on Wheels, Emergency Food Pantry, and assistance with Medicaid and other government forms helps seniors get through some tough times. Secaucus has long been a leader in community service, in good times and bad times we are a family oriented community where young and old live together and help each other,raise families and retire. We are proud to be showcased as the 12th best place to retire in the great state of New Jersey.

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