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Part of the G.I. Jobs 50 States of Opportunity for Veterans series.
Using the Military Friendly® States Tool, this series explores what makes each state unique and why it may—or may not—be the right place to begin your next mission.
New Jersey at a Glance
Veteran Population: 273,031 Veterans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 estimates.
Veteran Employment: The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated about 295,000 New Jersey Veterans age 18+ in 2025, with roughly 124,000 employed. BLS did not publish a reliable state-specific Veteran unemployment rate for New Jersey because the sample did not meet its reporting threshold.
State Unemployment: 4.4% in July 2026.
Housing: The Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 median owner-occupied home value was $454,400. Redfin reported a statewide median sale price of $602,831 in July 2026.
Rent: The Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 median gross rent was $1,720.
Taxes: Military pensions and survivor benefit payments are exempt from New Jersey gross income tax. Qualifying Veterans can also claim a $6,000 state income-tax exemption.
Major Career Fields: Life sciences, healthcare, logistics, technology, financial services, advanced manufacturing, defense and public-sector employment.
Military Connection: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Picatinny Arsenal give New Jersey a significant defense, aviation, logistics, engineering and federal-employment footprint.
Best For: Veterans who want access to major East Coast job markets, defense and logistics careers, strong healthcare, dense VA access and proximity to New York City and Philadelphia—and can handle the housing and property-tax costs.
The Short Version
New Jersey is a strong career state for Veterans who want options. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Picatinny Arsenal, the New York and Philadelphia job markets, a major life-sciences sector, extensive logistics infrastructure and strong VA healthcare access create more civilian pathways than the state’s size suggests.
The tradeoff is cost. Housing is expensive, property taxes are among the most important budget considerations, and traffic can turn a theoretically short commute into a lifestyle decision.
Table of Contents
- Veteran Snapshot
- Why Veterans Choose New Jersey
- New Jersey by the Numbers
- Employment Outlook for Veterans
- If Your MOS Was…
- Education Opportunities
- Veteran Benefits in New Jersey
- Healthcare & VA Resources
- Best Cities for Veterans
- Cost of Living
- Outdoor Recreation & Veteran Lifestyle
- Veteran Reality Check
- 3 Things Veterans Should Know Before Moving to New Jersey
- Pros & Cons
- Is New Jersey Right for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Veteran Snapshot
New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the country, and that density changes the Veteran opportunity in a useful way.
You are rarely far from something.
A major employer.
A hospital.
A university.
A train line.
A federal installation.
Or another job market entirely.
The Census Bureau estimates that 273,031 Veterans lived in New Jersey during 2020–2024.
The state’s largest military anchor is Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
JB MDL is the Department of Defense’s only tri-service base, combining Air Force, Army and Navy missions across roughly 42,000 acres in central New Jersey.
The installation supports more than 80 mission partners and a military-connected population of more than 46,000 service members, civilians and family members living and working in and around the base.
Its missions include airlift, air refueling, contingency response, Army training, naval aviation engineering, logistics and expeditionary operations.
For transitioning Veterans, that creates a very broad military-to-civilian ecosystem.
Air Force Veterans may find opportunities in aviation, mobility, maintenance and logistics.
Army Veterans may connect with training, supply, transportation and support missions.
Navy Veterans may find engineering and aviation connections around Lakehurst.
And contractors and federal civilian agencies create pathways that do not require leaving the defense world entirely.
Then there is Picatinny Arsenal in northern New Jersey.
Picatinny is a major Army research, engineering and weapons-development center with work connected to armaments, engineering, acquisition, technology and defense systems.
For Veterans with engineering, ordnance, logistics, technical or acquisition backgrounds, it is another meaningful career anchor.
But New Jersey’s real advantage is that military-connected careers sit inside an enormous civilian economy.
North Jersey connects to New York City.
South Jersey connects to Philadelphia.
Central Jersey sits between them.
That means a Veteran living in New Jersey can realistically work in defense, pharma, healthcare, finance, logistics, technology, government or another state entirely.
Why Veterans Choose New Jersey
New Jersey is not the state you move to because you want to disappear.
It is the state you move to because you want access.
Access to jobs.
Access to healthcare.
Access to universities.
Access to airports.
Access to New York.
Access to Philadelphia.
Access to military installations.
Access to industries that pay well enough to make the housing market slightly less terrifying.
The state’s strongest industries line up surprisingly well with military backgrounds.
New Jersey is one of the country’s major life-sciences and pharmaceutical hubs.
Technology and financial services are significant.
Ports, airports, highways, railroads and warehouses make logistics foundational.
Defense and advanced manufacturing create technical opportunities.
Healthcare is everywhere.
Then there are the location advantages.
From northern New Jersey, the New York City job market can be part of your civilian career strategy.
From South Jersey, Philadelphia can be.
From Burlington and Ocean counties, JB MDL can be.
That gives dual-career military families something especially valuable:
Options for both spouses.
New Jersey also gives military retirees a meaningful tax advantage.
Military pensions and military survivor benefits are exempt from New Jersey gross income tax.
Qualifying Veterans can claim an additional $6,000 exemption on their New Jersey income-tax return.
The downside is that New Jersey will eventually find another way to remind you that you live in New Jersey.
Usually through your property-tax bill.
New Jersey May Be a Great Fit If You…
✓ Want access to New York City or Philadelphia career markets
✓ Have experience in aviation, logistics, engineering, defense or maintenance
✓ Want careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, finance or technology
✓ Prefer dense healthcare and VA access
✓ Are a military retiree who can benefit from New Jersey’s military-pension tax treatment
✓ Want strong public-sector and federal-employment options
✓ Like the idea of beaches, cities, mountains and major airports all within a few hours
You May Want to Think Twice If You…
✕ Need low housing costs
✕ Want low property taxes
✕ Hate traffic
✕ Want a lot of land at a modest price
✕ Prefer a slower rural lifestyle far from major metro areas
New Jersey by the Numbers
| Metric | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Veterans, 2020–2024 | 273,031 |
| Veteran population estimate, 2025 BLS | 295,000 |
| Veteran unemployment rate | Not published by BLS for 2025 |
| State unemployment, July 2026 | 4.4% |
| Median household income | $103,556 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $454,400 |
| Current median sale price, July 2026 | $602,831 |
| Median gross rent | $1,720 |
| Owner-occupied housing rate | 63.8% |
| Veteran-owned employer firms | 5,042 |
| Mean commute | 30.5 minutes |
The numbers explain New Jersey quickly.
This is a high-income state with high housing costs.
Median household income reached $103,556 in the Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 data.
That is strong.
A July 2026 statewide median sale price of $602,831 is also strong.
Just in a different direction.
The Census Bureau’s median owner-occupied home value of $454,400 reflects a multi-year period and therefore understates what many current buyers will see in today’s market.
Rent is not especially forgiving either.
The state’s 2020–2024 median gross rent was $1,720.
Employment is more encouraging.
New Jersey’s statewide unemployment rate fell to 4.4% in July 2026.
BLS estimated about 124,000 employed Veterans in 2025, although it did not publish a reliable New Jersey Veteran unemployment rate because the sample was too small for its reporting threshold.
That distinction matters.
An unpublished rate is not the same thing as zero unemployment.
Employment Outlook for Veterans
New Jersey’s biggest career strength is variety.
A Veteran can realistically build a target-employer list in defense, pharma, logistics, healthcare, finance, technology, manufacturing or public-sector work without leaving the state.
Defense, Aviation & Federal Employment
JB MDL is the most obvious military-to-civilian bridge.
The installation supports Air Force, Army and Navy missions tied to:
• Air mobility
• Air refueling
• Logistics
• Aircraft maintenance
• Contingency response
• Training
• Engineering
• Communications
• Security
• Supply
• Facilities
• Program management
• Federal civilian careers
• Defense contracting
Veterans who want to remain near military culture without remaining on active duty may find central New Jersey especially useful.
Picatinny Arsenal adds another defense corridor in northern New Jersey.
Its engineering and weapons-development mission creates opportunities for Veterans with backgrounds in ordnance, engineering, acquisition, systems, electronics and technical project management.
Life Sciences & Healthcare
This is one of New Jersey’s most important civilian advantages.
The state is a global life-sciences hub with major pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical-device and research employers.
Choose New Jersey reports that eight of the world’s 10 largest pharmaceutical companies have a presence in the state.
That creates opportunities far beyond laboratory scientists.
Veterans can find roles in:
• Facilities
• Supply chain
• Quality assurance
• Manufacturing
• Cybersecurity
• Security
• Project management
• Regulatory operations
• Engineering
• Healthcare administration
• Clinical operations
Military medics and healthcare professionals also benefit from New Jersey’s dense hospital network and proximity to major medical centers in New York and Philadelphia.
Logistics & Supply Chain
New Jersey is basically a logistics map wearing a state outline.
The Port of New York and New Jersey.
Newark Liberty International Airport.
Interstates 78, 80, 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike.
Major warehouse and distribution corridors.
Dense population centers.
That creates civilian opportunities for Veterans with experience in transportation, supply, warehouse operations, procurement, fleet management and logistics planning.
Central Jersey is particularly strong for distribution and warehouse operations because of its location between the New York and Philadelphia metros.
Technology & Cybersecurity
North Jersey gives Veterans access to New Jersey technology employers plus the greater New York market.
Defense technology around Picatinny adds another lane.
Financial services companies also need cyber, infrastructure, risk and data professionals.
Signal, intelligence and cyber Veterans should think beyond companies that advertise themselves as “tech.”
Banks.
Pharma companies.
Hospitals.
Defense contractors.
Ports.
Logistics companies.
They all need cybersecurity.
Financial Services
New Jersey’s proximity to New York makes finance relevant even when the job itself is on the New Jersey side of the Hudson.
Veterans with backgrounds in intelligence, analysis, finance, risk, compliance and leadership may find opportunities in banking, insurance and financial operations.
Government & Public Sector
New Jersey has another Veteran benefit that directly affects employment.
Eligible Veterans receive an absolute Veterans Preference when applying for qualifying New Jersey civil-service positions.
Qualified Veterans who pass an open competitive examination are placed ahead of non-Veterans on eligible lists.
Eligible Disabled Veterans receive an even higher preference.
That can make state and local government employment particularly attractive.
Veteran Employment Support
New Jersey Veterans can use state Veterans Service Offices, workforce programs and civil-service preference programs to support their transition.
When building your employer list, also compare Military Friendly® employers across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Ready to Translate Your Military Experience?
New Jersey has plenty of employers that need logistics, technical, healthcare and leadership skills. Your job is making sure they understand that those are exactly the skills you already have.
If Your MOS Was…
Your military experience doesn’t disappear when you leave the military—it translates.
| Military Background | Civilian Opportunities in New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Aviation & Maintenance | Aircraft Maintenance, Aerospace Support, Industrial Maintenance, Aviation Operations |
| Logistics & Supply Chain | Warehouse Manager, Distribution Supervisor, Procurement Specialist, Fleet Manager |
| Medical & Healthcare | Nursing, Medical Technology, Healthcare Operations, Behavioral Health |
| IT & Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity Analyst, Network Engineer, Systems Administrator, Defense IT |
| Intelligence & Analysis | Risk Analyst, Data Analyst, Defense Analyst, Financial Intelligence |
| Engineering & Ordnance | Systems Engineer, Defense Engineering, Quality Assurance, Technical Project Management |
| Security & Law Enforcement | Corporate Security, Port Security, Law Enforcement, Emergency Management |
| Leadership & Management | Operations Manager, Program Manager, Project Manager, Production Supervisor |
New Jersey gives Veterans several unusually direct translation paths.
A logistician can move into the massive warehousing and distribution economy.
An aircraft maintainer can look toward JB MDL, aviation operations or industrial maintenance.
An intelligence analyst can move into defense, finance, cyber or risk.
A medic can move into healthcare.
A technical Veteran can target pharma manufacturing, engineering or defense.
And officers and senior NCOs should not overlook project and program management.
The challenge is translating what you did in the military into language a hiring manager recognizes immediately.
If you need one credential to close the gap, explore certifications Veterans can earn in under six months.
Education Opportunities
New Jersey has no shortage of higher-education options.
Major institutions include:
• Rutgers University
• New Jersey Institute of Technology
• Montclair State University
• Rowan University
• The College of New Jersey
• Thomas Edison State University
• Stockton University
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• Princeton University
• New Jersey community colleges
The state also maintains specific resources for student Veterans, including school-by-school information on Veteran support services, GI Bill counseling, military-credit policies and Yellow Ribbon participation.
That is useful because the best school for a Veteran is not necessarily the school with the biggest name.
It is the school that:
Accepts your military credit.
Has a program connected to actual jobs.
Understands GI Bill processing.
And helps you get hired afterward.
Thomas Edison State University deserves particular attention from Veterans because of its flexible adult-learning model and established military-education support.
New Jersey’s community colleges can also be strong choices for career-focused programs in:
• Nursing
• Skilled trades
• Automotive technology
• IT
• Cybersecurity
• Manufacturing
• Business
• Engineering technology
Veterans should compare Military Friendly® schools before choosing a program.
New Jersey also operates the Veterans Tuition Credit Program for a limited group of Veterans who served during the Vietnam-era eligibility period. The current reimbursement can be up to $400 per year for full-time students and $200 for part-time students who meet the program’s eligibility rules.
Qualifying children of POW/MIA service members may also receive free undergraduate tuition under a separate state program.
These are state benefits.
They do not replace federal GI Bill benefits.
Thinking About Going Back to School?
New Jersey gives you access to everything from trade programs to elite research universities. Start with the civilian career you want, then choose the school that gets you there without wasting benefits.
Veteran Benefits in New Jersey
New Jersey is not a low-tax state overall.
But several Veteran-specific tax benefits are genuinely valuable.
Military Retirement
Military pensions and military survivor benefit payments are exempt from New Jersey gross income tax.
That applies to qualifying military pensions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Civil-service pensions are different.
If your retirement comes from a federal civilian career rather than military retirement, do not assume the same exemption applies.
Veteran Income Tax Exemption
Qualifying honorably discharged Veterans may claim an additional $6,000 exemption on their New Jersey income-tax return.
If both spouses on a joint return are qualifying Veterans, each may claim the exemption.
That is separate from the military-pension exclusion.
$250 Veterans Property Tax Deduction
Qualifying honorably discharged Veterans who own property in New Jersey may receive an annual $250 property-tax deduction.
Eligible surviving spouses and certain surviving partners may also qualify.
It is useful.
It is also important to keep the scale in perspective.
On a high New Jersey property-tax bill, $250 is relief—not transformation.
100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
This is one of New Jersey’s strongest Veteran benefits.
Qualifying honorably discharged Veterans who are certified by VA as 100% permanently and totally disabled due to active-duty service may receive a full property-tax exemption on their principal residence.
Qualifying surviving spouses or partners may also be eligible.
For a disabled Veteran comparing New Jersey with another high-cost state, this benefit can completely change the housing calculation.
Civil Service Preference
Eligible Veterans receive an absolute Veterans Preference for qualifying New Jersey civil-service hiring.
Disabled Veterans receive the highest preference.
That can make state and local government employment a particularly strong transition path.
Veterans Memorial Homes
New Jersey operates three state Veterans Memorial Homes:
• Paramus
• Menlo Park
• Vineland
These facilities provide long-term nursing and rehabilitation care for eligible Veterans and other qualifying residents.
Outdoor Benefits
New Jersey offers one of the more generous disabled-Veteran hunting and fishing benefits in the series.
Honorably discharged resident Veterans with a VA-rated service-connected disability of any degree can qualify for free hunting and fishing licenses, permits and stamps.
That “any degree” part matters.
Many states reserve similar benefits for Veterans with much higher disability ratings.
Veterans must complete the state certification process first.
For broader comparisons, use the Military Friendly® States Tool alongside current New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs information.
Healthcare & VA Resources
New Jersey’s biggest VA healthcare advantage is density.
The VA New Jersey Health Care System currently provides care at 11 locations in the state.
That includes hospitals in East Orange and Lyons and nine community-based outpatient clinics.
East Orange
The East Orange VA Medical Center is one of the state’s major VA hospital campuses.
Veterans in North Jersey benefit from its proximity to Newark, Jersey City and the greater New York metropolitan area.
For Veterans who need specialty care regularly, northern New Jersey offers one of the densest combinations of VA and civilian healthcare in the series.
Lyons
The Lyons VA Medical Center in Somerset County is the state’s other major VA hospital campus.
It provides access for Veterans in central and northern New Jersey and serves as another anchor of the statewide system.
Hackensack / Paterson / Morristown
North Jersey Veterans also have outpatient access through clinics in Hackensack, Paterson and Morristown.
That gives Veterans in Bergen, Passaic and Morris counties multiple local options for routine care without automatically traveling to East Orange.
Jersey City
The Jersey City clinic improves access for Veterans living in Hudson County and communities directly across from Manhattan.
This can be particularly useful for Veterans who work in New York City but live in New Jersey.
Central New Jersey
VA clinics in Hamilton and Piscataway serve central New Jersey Veterans.
These locations are especially practical for Veterans living around Trenton, Princeton, New Brunswick and the broader central corridor.
Jersey Shore
Toms River and Tinton Falls provide outpatient access for Veterans along the Shore.
That matters for retirees and military-connected families living near Ocean and Monmouth counties.
South Jersey
South Jersey Veterans may use facilities within the broader regional VA network, including resources outside the immediate New Jersey VA system depending on location.
Veterans living near Camden or other Philadelphia-adjacent communities should think regionally.
A state line may be less important than which VA medical center is actually closest.
Best Cities for Veterans
New Jersey is less about finding “the best city” and more about choosing the correct employment corridor.
| If You Want… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Biggest metro job access | Newark / Jersey City |
| New York City careers | Jersey City / Hoboken / North Jersey |
| Defense & military community | Burlington / Ocean County near JB MDL |
| State government | Trenton |
| Logistics & distribution | Central Jersey |
| Pharma & life sciences | New Brunswick / central NJ |
| Defense engineering | Morris County / Picatinny region |
| Philadelphia access | Camden County / South Jersey |
| Jersey Shore lifestyle | Monmouth / Ocean County |
| Strong VA specialty access | East Orange / central North Jersey |
Jersey City
Jersey City makes sense for Veterans who want access to New York City without actually living in New York City.
Finance, technology, professional services and corporate careers are all within reach.
Public transit is one of the biggest advantages.
Housing cost is the biggest disadvantage.
If your civilian salary is tied to the New York market, the numbers may work.
If it is not, run them carefully.
Newark
Newark combines major transportation infrastructure, Newark Liberty International Airport, healthcare, logistics, education and proximity to New York.
It is also near the East Orange VA Medical Center.
Veterans with aviation, transportation, logistics, security or healthcare backgrounds may find the location especially useful.
Trenton
Trenton is New Jersey’s state-government center.
For Veterans using civil-service preference, that matters.
It also sits near central New Jersey employers, JB MDL and Philadelphia-region opportunities.
The city itself has challenges, so many Veterans working in Trenton may prefer surrounding communities while keeping the commute short.
Burlington County / JB MDL Area
This is New Jersey’s strongest military-community choice.
Veterans can remain close to JB MDL while accessing employment in logistics, defense contracting, aviation, maintenance and federal service.
The location is also relatively central between Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore.
For a retiring service member already stationed at JB MDL, staying in the region can make the transition unusually straightforward.
New Brunswick / Edison
Central New Jersey is one of the strongest choices for life sciences, healthcare and logistics.
Rutgers and major healthcare systems add education and medical careers.
The Menlo Park Veterans Memorial Home is in Edison.
The biggest advantage is location.
You can reach North Jersey, Philadelphia-region markets and major central Jersey employers without committing fully to either metro.
Morristown
Morristown and surrounding Morris County offer access to healthcare, corporate employers and the Picatinny Arsenal region.
Defense, technology and engineering Veterans may find this part of the state especially relevant.
Housing is expensive.
The quality of life is high.
Both statements can be true at once.
South Jersey
Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel and other South Jersey communities give Veterans access to Philadelphia jobs while remaining in New Jersey.
This can work especially well for healthcare, education, government, logistics and professional-service careers.
Housing can also look somewhat different from North Jersey, although “South Jersey” should not automatically be translated as “cheap.”
Toms River / Ocean County
Veterans prioritizing the Shore, retirement lifestyle or proximity to JB MDL may like Ocean County.
Toms River has VA outpatient access.
Beaches and boating are nearby.
The job market is not as broad as North Jersey or central Jersey, so make sure the career piece is solved before choosing the beach-adjacent life.
Cost of Living
New Jersey’s cost-of-living problem is not difficult to find.
Look at the house.
Then look at the property-tax bill.
The Census Bureau’s median owner-occupied home value was $454,400 during 2020–2024.
Redfin reported a statewide median sale price of $602,831 in July 2026.
That is a major relocation consideration.
North Jersey
Housing is heavily influenced by access to New York City.
Communities with strong rail access, good schools and short Manhattan commutes can command extraordinary prices.
The upside is access to New York salaries.
The downside is that the mortgage knows that too.
Central Jersey
Central New Jersey can provide a somewhat different balance.
You gain access to pharma, healthcare, logistics and defense employers while remaining between New York and Philadelphia.
Prices still vary dramatically by town and school district.
South Jersey
South Jersey can sometimes offer more attainable housing than the most expensive North Jersey markets.
But proximity to Philadelphia and desirable suburban school systems can still push prices higher than newcomers expect.
Property Taxes
This is the line item Veterans should not ignore.
New Jersey property taxes can be substantial.
A house that looks affordable based on purchase price alone may be significantly less affordable once annual property taxes are included.
Qualifying Veterans receive a $250 annual deduction.
Qualifying 100% permanently and totally disabled Veterans may receive a full exemption on their principal residence.
For everyone else:
Get the actual tax bill for the actual property.
Traffic & Transportation
New Jersey’s average commute was 30.5 minutes in Census data.
That statewide number hides some truly heroic commuter behavior.
The good news is that New Jersey has stronger public transportation than most states in this series.
NJ Transit trains and buses can make New York-area commuting possible without driving.
The bad news is that road congestion around the Turnpike, Garden State Parkway and major metro corridors can consume a lot of your week.
What changes the math?
A New York or Philadelphia salary can make New Jersey much easier to afford.
So can exempt military retirement income.
A full disabled-Veteran property-tax exemption can completely transform the calculation.
Remote or hybrid work can also let Veterans live farther from the most expensive commuter corridors.
In New Jersey, the neighborhood, school district, commute and property-tax bill can matter more than the statewide average.
Outdoor Recreation & Veteran Lifestyle
New Jersey gets picked on.
Some of it is deserved.
The Turnpike has seen things.
But New Jersey is also far more outdoorsy than its national reputation suggests.
The state gives Veterans four very different weekend options:
The Shore.
The Pine Barrens.
The Highlands.
The Delaware River.
Jersey Shore
New Jersey has more than 100 miles of Atlantic coastline.
That means:
• Beaches
• Surfing
• Fishing
• Boating
• Kayaking
• Boardwalks
• Family beach weekends
Veterans living in central or South Jersey can reach the coast without turning the trip into a full vacation.
North Jersey & Highlands
Northern New Jersey offers hiking and outdoor access around:
• Delaware Water Gap
• High Point State Park
• Wawayanda State Park
• Ramapo Mountain State Forest
• Worthington State Forest
The Appalachian Trail also crosses New Jersey.
So yes, you can hike in New Jersey.
Nobody from Colorado needs to send an email.
South Jersey
The Pine Barrens create a completely different outdoor environment.
Veterans can camp, hike, paddle and explore huge stretches of protected forest.
The region is especially good for kayaking and canoeing.
Delaware River
Western New Jersey gives you fishing, paddling and recreation along the Delaware.
That includes access near Frenchtown, Lambertville and the Delaware Water Gap.
Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing Benefits
New Jersey’s free hunting and fishing benefit is worth repeating.
Resident honorably discharged Veterans with a service-connected disability of any degree can qualify for free licenses, stamps and permits once certified.
For Veterans who actually hunt or fish, that is a meaningful recurring benefit.
Veteran Reality Check
New Jersey offers access to almost everything.
You will pay for some of that access.
First: The housing market is expensive.
Do not assume a high salary automatically cancels that out.
Second: Property taxes deserve their own spreadsheet column.
Third: Your commute can decide whether you love or hate living here.
A job that looks 25 miles away may not feel 25 miles away at 7:30 on a Tuesday morning.
Fourth: “New Jersey” is not one job market.
North Jersey connects to New York.
South Jersey connects to Philadelphia.
Central Jersey connects to defense, pharma and logistics.
Pick the employment market first.
Then pick the town.
3 Things Veterans Should Know Before Moving to New Jersey
1. You Are Buying Access, Not Cheap Living
New Jersey’s strongest value proposition is proximity.
New York.
Philadelphia.
Ports.
Airports.
Defense installations.
Healthcare.
Universities.
That access creates opportunity.
It also drives housing costs.
2. Military Retirement Gets Better Tax Treatment Than Many Veterans Realize
Military pensions and survivor benefits are exempt from New Jersey gross income tax.
Veterans can also qualify for a separate $6,000 income-tax exemption.
That does not make New Jersey a low-tax state.
But it can make the state considerably more attractive for military retirees than the stereotype suggests.
3. Disabled Veterans Should Run the Property-Tax Numbers Carefully
A qualifying 100% permanently and totally disabled Veteran may receive a full property-tax exemption on a principal residence.
In a state where property taxes can be one of the largest annual household expenses, that is a major financial difference.
Pros & Cons
Pros
✓ Major defense presence at JB MDL and Picatinny Arsenal
✓ Access to New York City and Philadelphia job markets
✓ Strong life-sciences, healthcare and logistics industries
✓ Military pensions are exempt from New Jersey gross income tax
✓ $6,000 Veteran income-tax exemption for qualifying Veterans
✓ Full property-tax exemption for qualifying 100% permanently and totally disabled Veterans
✓ Dense VA healthcare network
✓ Absolute Veterans Preference for qualifying state civil-service employment
Cons
✕ Housing is expensive
✕ Property taxes can be very high
✕ Traffic can significantly affect quality of life
✕ Long commutes are common in major metro corridors
✕ Cost of living varies dramatically by county and town
✕ Rural or inexpensive options are limited compared with larger states
Is New Jersey Right for You?
New Jersey is probably a strong choice if…
You want career options more than cheap acreage.
You work in defense, aviation, healthcare, logistics, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, finance or government.
You want access to New York or Philadelphia without necessarily living in either city.
You are transitioning from JB MDL and already have roots in the region.
Or you are a military retiree who can take advantage of favorable military-pension tax treatment.
New Jersey may not be the best choice if…
You want a large house and low annual housing costs.
You hate traffic.
You want a truly rural lifestyle.
Or your civilian salary is not high enough to comfortably absorb housing and property taxes in the part of the state where your job is located.
The G.I. Jobs Take
New Jersey is a state Veterans should judge by opportunity per square mile.
There is a lot packed into a small space.
JB MDL.
Picatinny Arsenal.
New York.
Philadelphia.
Pharma.
Healthcare.
Ports.
Airports.
Warehouses.
Universities.
VA hospitals.
Federal jobs.
The problem is that everyone else noticed too.
That is why the housing costs what it does.
For the right Veteran, New Jersey can be an outstanding career state—especially if you have technical military experience, a strong civilian salary or a connection to defense, healthcare or logistics.
For a qualifying disabled Veteran, the full property-tax exemption can make the state dramatically more affordable.
For everyone else, the decision comes down to whether the career access justifies the housing cost.
Do not ask, “Is New Jersey expensive?”
It is.
Ask whether New Jersey gives you enough opportunity to make the expense worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Jersey a good state for Veterans?
Yes, especially for Veterans prioritizing career access, military-connected employment, healthcare and proximity to New York City or Philadelphia. Housing and property taxes are the biggest drawbacks.
How many Veterans live in New Jersey?
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 273,031 Veterans lived in New Jersey during 2020–2024.
What are the best places in New Jersey for Veterans?
North Jersey is strongest for New York-area careers, central New Jersey is strong for defense, life sciences and logistics, and South Jersey offers access to Philadelphia. The JB MDL region is particularly attractive for military-connected employment.
Does New Jersey tax military retirement pay?
No. Qualifying U.S. military pensions and military survivor benefit payments are exempt from New Jersey gross income tax.
Does New Jersey offer an income-tax exemption for Veterans?
Yes. Qualifying honorably discharged Veterans may claim an additional $6,000 exemption on their New Jersey income-tax return.
Does New Jersey offer property-tax benefits for Veterans?
Yes. Qualifying Veterans may receive a $250 annual property-tax deduction. Qualifying Veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to service may receive a full property-tax exemption on their principal residence.
What jobs are good for Veterans in New Jersey?
Defense, aviation, logistics, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, engineering, government and financial services all offer strong military-to-civilian pathways.
Does New Jersey give Veterans preference for state jobs?
Yes. Eligible Veterans receive absolute preference on qualifying New Jersey civil-service open competitive lists, while eligible Disabled Veterans receive the highest preference.
Are there Military Friendly® schools in New Jersey?
Yes. Veterans can use the Military Friendly® Schools directory to compare colleges and universities based on Veteran support, military-credit policies and other military-student services.
Can Veterans use the GI Bill in New Jersey?
Yes. Eligible Veterans can use federal GI Bill benefits at approved New Jersey colleges, universities and training programs. New Jersey also has separate limited state education programs for certain Veterans and military-connected dependents.
Where can Veterans receive VA healthcare in New Jersey?
The state’s major VA hospitals are in East Orange and Lyons. Community outpatient clinics serve Hackensack, Hamilton, Jersey City, Morristown, Paterson, Piscataway, Sussex, Toms River and Tinton Falls.
Is New Jersey affordable for Veteran families?
It depends heavily on income and location. New Jersey offers strong Veteran tax benefits, but housing and property taxes are high in many communities.
What is the biggest drawback of living in New Jersey as a Veteran?
Housing cost is the biggest drawback, followed closely by property taxes and commuting. The state makes the most sense when the career opportunity justifies those costs.
How Does New Jersey Compare?
New Jersey is one of the most opportunity-dense states in the Best States for Veterans series.
Its strongest selling points are career access, military-connected employers, healthcare and geography.
Its weakest point is affordability.
Veterans who prioritize low housing costs will find stronger options elsewhere.
Veterans who prioritize defense, healthcare, pharma, logistics, government or access to New York and Philadelphia should give New Jersey a serious look.
Compare New Jersey with the other 49 states in the complete Best States for Veterans guide.
Up Next: New Mexico
We’ve covered New Jersey. Now let’s see what New Mexico has to offer Veterans looking for their next mission.
← Previous: New Hampshire | Next: New Mexico →
Looking for the complete rankings? Visit our Best States for Veterans guide.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development; New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs; New Jersey Division of Taxation; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst; U.S. Army; Choose New Jersey; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
