There's no denying that people want to live in New Jersey. In fact, there are many locations around The Garden State people are actively seeking to move to (more on that list in a bit).

But for retirement? That's a different story. In fact, many flock from The Garden State in their golden years in hopes of finding a more affordable location to live.

And it's something that shouldn't shock any of us. What is surprising, however, is that one New Jersey city did make a national list of one of the best places for retirement in 2024.

What's even more surprising is the city that made the list. And to be honest? You'll most likely be questioning the results.

Here's a look at those top 20 cities that are considered the best places for retirement, including that surprising New Jersey location.

Retirement / Beach / NJ
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LOOK: These are the top 20 best places to retire in America

U.S. News analyzed housing affordability and healthcare data in 150 cities across the country to help determine which were considered most suitable to meet Americans' needs and expectations for retirement in 2024. Scores are based on a scale from 1 (Low) to 10 (High).

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

FILE - In a June 30, 2016 file photo, the Capital dome is seen at the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton, N.J. The case last year of a New Jersey state worker resigning when his conviction on corruption charges came to light has turned up three additional workers who got public jobs despite a law barring them from working at taxpayer expense. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal's review followed news that Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration hired a convicted former Passaic councilman to work in the state Department of Education. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)
FILE - In a June 30, 2016 file photo, the Capital dome is seen at the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)
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Retire... in Trenton?

Trenton actually made #20 on the top overall list of best cities to retire in. If you're a little puzzled by this one, you're not alone.

Excluded from the results above are crime statistics. When it comes to Trenton, violent crimes rank higher than the national average.

Those of us in the Garden State shouldn't be too shocked by that. What is surprising, however, is that Trenton is actually below the national average when it comes to property crime.

With that said, it's the other statistics about Trenton that helped land it on the national list of best places to retire, such as good healthcare (Read more about Trenton statistics here).

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Where are people in New Jersey really moving to?

When it comes to more desirable locations around the state, we have to look at some of our smaller municipalities. Below are the top most-desired locations in New Jersey. Places those in the Garden State are actually moving to.

These NJ towns are among the best, most sought-after places to live statewide

According to Travel & Leisure, they are the 10 best places to live in New Jersey based on data from local real estate experts.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

LOOK: Average salary needed to get by in every U.S. state

According to data from GOBankingRates.com, The median salary across the U.S. a single person must make to get by collectively is $57,000. However, some states are far from that.

So how much higher or lower is your state to the national average, and which states are the top 10 most and least affordable overall? Let's find out.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 Sunday morning host Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.

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