Middlesex County is the best place to live, work, and play — at ANY age, including as you get older. With incredible access to arts, culture, entertainment, nature, fitness, educational enrichment, and some of the best healthcare providers in the nation, as well as numerous County programs and services for older residents, it’s no surprise Middlesex County is an AARP-designated age-friendly community. There are so many reasons to stay here in the community you love even after retirement, such as:

• A Vibrant Arts Scene. From the County’s FolkLIVE Series and annual Roaring 20s Jazz Party, to live music and theater in our County parks and fun for all ages at the East Jersey Old Town Village and Cornelius Low House, there are myriad free and low-cost opportunities to enjoy arts, culture, entertainment, and history in Middlesex County. Visit MiddlesexCountyCulture.com to plan your next local adventure.
• A Range of Programs. The Middlesex County Office of Aging and Disabled Services works with community partners to provide a range of services such as Medicare counseling, the Senior Meal Program, a senior farm market, Age in Place guides, and much more. Of particular note is the Middlesex County Multi-Assistance Program (MCMAP), which provides services to assist County residents with their personal needs so they can continue to live safely in the community. Services include home health care, social and medical adult care, prescription assistance, home delivered meals, medical equipment and supplies, home modifications, and care management. The County also hosts an annual Senior Health and Fitness Walk each autumn, which brings seniors together to enjoy the outdoors and connect with their neighbors. Visit middlesexcountynj.gov and search for the Office of Aging & Disabled Services for details about programs and services.
  
  Additionally, the County Office of Transportation offers Middlesex County RIDE, previously known as Middlesex County Area Transit or MCAT. Middlesex County RIDE provides public mobility options at a low cost, including RIDE Routes (fixed-route shuttle services), RIDE Reservations (shared transportation via reservation for residents age 60+, disabled, or veterans), and in the City of New Brunswick: RIDE On Demand. Visit middlesexcountynj.gov/ride to learn more.
• A Lot of Reasons to Get Outdoors. With 19 scenic County parks and three golf courses, there are plenty of options for spending time outside in Middlesex County all year. From live music and theater in our County parks throughout the summer months, to opportunities to walk, hike, fish, or play pickleball or other sports year-round. Residents and their dogs can participate in our free Bark Rangers program, while our Junior Rangers program is an excellent way for mobile grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren.
• A Robust Economy. Middlesex County’s sound fiscal management provides a solid foundation that enables the County to provide the vital programs and services residents rely on. It also makes it possible for us to invest in and support programs that enrich and enhance our residents’ quality of life — from arts and culture to lifelong education opportunities and transportation infrastructure. The County’s thriving economy is designed to ensure Middlesex County remains the best place to live, work, and play for all ages.

To top it off, the State of New Jersey is making it even easier to remain in your home and community for as long as you like with the Stay NJ property tax relief program — and there’s still time to apply!

Open to homeowners aged 65 or older who meet income and residency requirements, Stay NJ offers a 50% reimbursement on property taxes — up to $13,000 annually — with a cap of $6,500 for 2024. The application deadline is Friday, October 31, 2025, with payments expected in early 2026. This year, residents can conveniently apply for property tax relief by submitting a single application to claim benefits for Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze.

If you are aged 65 or older and have not yet applied for Stay NJ, I urge you to submit your application today. Visit middlesexcountynj.gov/taxrelief for more info.

The real cost of leaving your home is not just measured in dollars and cents; it’s also measured in time and distance — from your family, friends, neighbors, and the community you’ve been part of for years. There are so many reasons for our seniors to stay, continue to make new memories, and be part of our vibrant senior community.

My colleagues and I on the Board of County Commissioners cherish the seniors in our community and will continue to work hard to provide critical programs, services, and amenities to improve their quality of life.

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