It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Soldiers and Sailors Monument gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Allentown, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me -”
“I am a current client of this provider I hired Always Best Care for Mom Monday”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also cared for me and my family.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in caring for a loved one. We have a brother and his significant other who were living independently and when visiting them realized they had not been eating or keeping their home clean. Since we knew of Always Best Care and heard of their excellent reputation we contacted them. They immediately stepped in and assisted us in knowing what steps we needed to take. After taking both our brother and his significant other to the doctors and learning that they had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease, we met with Carmen who helped us set up a plan. She suggested that we start with a few days a week of in home care so that we would know that they were eating. She provided us with excellent aids that not only helped prepare meals, but also interacted with our family members to encourage socialization. These few days increased to five days a week which left us with Saturday and Sunday to monitor their eating. While this was taking place, Carmen helped us find an Assisted Living Community where they could move. We visited several in the area and decided on one after consulting with Carmen. She and Gimbert were always available to take our calls if we had any questions. They helped us with finding someone to clean out the house and assisted us in relocating our bother and his significant other to their new home. We have recommended Always Best Care to several of our neighbors who have needed assistance with caring for loved ones. Carmen is on top of any situation that needs attention. Whether a person needs an aid for a week, a month or indefinitely she arranges the right person for the client’s needs. Always Best Care, Carmen and Gimbert, cared for our family members as if they were their own family. We would not have been able to care for our family members as well as the aids from Always Best Care.Hopefully we will not need the services of Always Best Care again, but if we do we know that they will be there to help us.”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me - her knowledge/advice, genuine caring, and friendly personality. We're managing well and hopefully that continues and if needed, we know to call ABC.”
“I am a current client of this provider I hired Always Best Care for Mom Monday through Friday. They are expensive, but that's the going rate, unfortunately. They were very reactive; I called them, and the next day, they were at the house doing the assessment to see what was exactly needed. However, there were two occasions where I called them and did not get a response back within 12 hours. On one occasion, I called them on a Friday afternoon, and they called me back on Saturday at 10:00. But, they're not bad. The person they recommended was wonderful. I don't have complaints about that.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lehigh Parkway with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Grille 3501 or visit Mack Trucks Historical Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Allentown, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Allentown, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Allentown, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our ...
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2025).
© 2025 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.
YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here.
For optimal functionality on nj.com, please disable your ad blocker before continuing.
These nine towns in New Jersey, beautified by history, nature, and local spirit, reflect a gentler rhythm of life. The neighborhoods are tight, and the roads are safe. This is the latest from the Garden State by WorldAtlas.com.Allentown Allentown’s small-town appeal lies in its balance between rural landscapes and community charm. The town is distinguished by its preservation of history, with old small businesses in the heart of the central district that make for a relaxing downtown stro...
These nine towns in New Jersey, beautified by history, nature, and local spirit, reflect a gentler rhythm of life. The neighborhoods are tight, and the roads are safe. This is the latest from the Garden State by WorldAtlas.com.
Allentown’s small-town appeal lies in its balance between rural landscapes and community charm. The town is distinguished by its preservation of history, with old small businesses in the heart of the central district that make for a relaxing downtown stroll. Iconic spots include the Old Allenwood General Store and Vintage America, which retails proudly American-made craft products like hats, candles, and more. Dining destinations like Woody’s Towne Café add to the experience with their traditional diner aesthetic. Historic highlights in Allentown include the Allentown Presbyterian Church, built in 1837, and the Old Mill, now home to the Moth Coffeehouse. Open green spaces like Heritage Park, with water streams from Indian Lake, also contribute to the town’s appeal as a prime destination to enjoy a slower pace of life.
Ocean Grove adds a relaxed, distinctive appeal to the typical small waterfront town in New Jersey with its wooden boardwalks, intimate beaches, and rows of pastel-painted Victorian homes. With a population of just 2,916, it's known for having one of the largest concentrations of Victorian architecture in the United States. The town’s historic charm is showcased in landmarks like the soaring Great Auditorium, the Centennial Cottage maintained by the Historical Society of Ocean Grove, and the iconic Tent Colony, where canvas tents have been passed down through generations since the town’s founding in 1869. Whether you're exploring the tree-lined streets, attending a concert, or staying at a charming local inn like The Inn at Ocean Grove or The Ocean Plaza Hotel, Ocean Grove invites visitors to slow down and experience coastal New Jersey at its most graceful and timeless.
Clinton, New Jersey, offers a harmonious blend of small-town charm and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a slower pace of life. Nestled in Hunterdon County, Clinton is surrounded by scenic parks and reservoirs that offer plenty of outdoor recreation. Just 4.5 miles away, Spruce Run Recreation Area features a 1,290-acre reservoir popular for camping, boating, fishing, and swimming. Another nearby option is Round Valley Recreation Area, located 5.8 miles away and home to New Jersey’s only wilderness camping sites. Accessible by hiking or boating, these secluded spots along the reservoir’s southeastern shoreline provide a more rugged experience for seasoned adventurers. After a day spent in nature, visitors can unwind in Clinton’s quaint downtown, exploring the historic Red Mill Museum, browsing local boutiques, or enjoying a meal at one of its cozy eateries. With its rich history, picturesque setting, and welcoming community, Clinton is both a peaceful retreat and a convenient stopover for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Spring Lake offers a quieter, more refined experience on the Jersey Shore, known for its historic homes, calm atmosphere, and a boardwalk free of commercial distractions. Stretching two miles along the ocean, the boardwalk is ideal for peaceful, reflective beach walks. Nearby, Third Avenue serves as the town’s main business district, home to casual dining spots like Sun & Waves and Honey Berry Café. The surrounding streets are lined with beautifully preserved Victorian homes that showcase the town’s timeless character. Visitors interested in local history can explore the Spring Lake Historical Society, which features artifacts from the town’s past. For an immersive stay, the Spring Lake Inn offers a taste of old-world charm inside a spacious Victorian mansion with 16 elegant guest rooms.
Lambertville is a top choice for those seeking a slower pace of life, thanks to its mix of antique shops, art spaces, and scenic surroundings. Known as the Antique Capital of New Jersey, Union Street—one of the town’s main business areas—is lined with gems like A Touch of the Past Antiques and the Antiques Center at the People’s Store.
Art lovers will enjoy stops like Union Gallery and Cross Pollination Gallery, both of which showcase work by local artists. The Goat Hill Overlook and the D&R Canal Trail in nearby Stockton offer peaceful riverside walks and bike rides. From Bridge Street, visitors can easily reach New Hope, Pennsylvania, to explore additional shops, cafés, and galleries such as New Hope Art House and Gallery Piquel. Top accommodation options in town include the Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn, located on the Delaware River waterfront, and the Lambertville House, offering a more historic stay in the heart of town.
Cranbury is a peaceful escape from the city, offering small-town calm just over 45 miles from New York. Strolling down Main Street feels like walking through history, with colonial-era buildings, charming shops, and preserved landmarks at every turn. Highlights include the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury, established in 1746, and the Cranbury Township Town Hall, both central to the town’s story. Brainerd Lake offers tranquil views and gentle water activities, while Village Park adds space for slow-paced outdoor fun. Main Street is home to small businesses and classic eateries, with standouts like Teddy’s Luncheonette and The Cranbury Inn welcoming guests with tradition and charm.
Belmar is a relaxing aquatic escape for those looking to enjoy watersports while soaking in an upscale coastal ambiance. The town offers fishing, boating, and leisurely exploration through the Belmar Manutti Marina, a central hub for water lovers. A visit becomes even more memorable thanks to seasonal events that embrace Belmar’s identity as a seaside destination. Among the most celebrated are the New Jersey Seafood Festival, which showcases local flavours and draws visitors from across the state, and the New Jersey Sandcastle Contest, where creative talent transforms the shoreline into a gallery of sculpted masterpieces. The small-town experience in Belmar is complete with fine dining destinations like the Marina Grille, which offers a memorable meal among an aquatic backdrop, and La Dolce Vita, a local Italian favourite.
Salem, New Jersey, stands out as one of the best communities for a relaxed visit thanks to its quiet riverside setting, deep-rooted history, and small-town atmosphere untouched by heavy tourism. Located near the Delaware border, the town is home to colonial landmarks, scenic riverbanks, and preserved architecture that invite slow exploration. A stroll along Market Street reveals centuries of history, including the Old Salem County Courthouse, dating back to 1735, and the Salem County Historical Society, which features artifacts from the area’s past, including clothing, furniture, and more. For those looking to venture further into nature, surrounding green spaces like Oakwood Beach and Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, located 3.8 miles away, offer peaceful escapes.
Blairstown is one of the best small towns to experience calming greenery and serene nature, with nearby spots like Sycamore Park and Limestone Ridge Marsh Preserve, located just 1.4 miles away. Surrounded by rolling hills and farmland in Warren County, the town offers peaceful moments at every turn, from walking across the iconic footbridge at Footbridge Park to spending a quiet afternoon on the Paulinskill Valley Trail. Its compact Main Street is as quiet and relaxing as the landscape around it, lined with local shops, vintage storefronts, and the historic Roy’s Hall Theatre, dating back to 1913. Whether you’re taking in the scenery, exploring trails, or simply enjoying the slower rhythm of daily life, Blairstown delivers an easygoing retreat rooted in natural beauty and small-town charm.
Ultimately, the best towns in New Jersey with a slower pace of life are the ones where time lingers, stories live in old buildings, and forests, lakes, and winding trails frame outdoor adventures. Whether you're wandering through a historic district or hiking a peaceful trail, these towns remind us that less can mean more.
The results are in.Allentown senior Gavin Alvarez was voted as N.J.’s top track athlete for the 2025 season, garnering 3,339 votes.Alvarez has undoubtedly been the best sprinter in Mercer County this year, and his outdoor times are among the best in the state. His 100 dash PR of 10.48 is the fastest in county and ranks No. 3 in New Jersey. He also ranks inside the Top 15 statewide in both the 400-meter dash (48.72) and the 200-meter dash (21.83).At the CVC Championships on May 10, Alvarez won conference titles in a...
The results are in.
Allentown senior Gavin Alvarez was voted as N.J.’s top track athlete for the 2025 season, garnering 3,339 votes.
Alvarez has undoubtedly been the best sprinter in Mercer County this year, and his outdoor times are among the best in the state. His 100 dash PR of 10.48 is the fastest in county and ranks No. 3 in New Jersey. He also ranks inside the Top 15 statewide in both the 400-meter dash (48.72) and the 200-meter dash (21.83).
At the CVC Championships on May 10, Alvarez won conference titles in all three sprint events. At the Central, Group 2 sectional meet, he finished second in both the 100 and 200, and took third place in the 400.
Orange senior Kevin Jones snagged second place in our poll with 2,591 votes.
Last year, Morris Knolls‘ Elijah Bastos was voted as N.J.’s best boys track athlete with 36 percent of the vote.
After you vote in our track athlete poll, be sure to check out our field athlete poll here.
Jay Adimala, Colts Neck, Jr.
Lorenzo Andrade, West Milford, Sr.
Luke Andresen, Haddonfield, Jr.
Benjamin Andrus, Haddonfield, Jr.
Jason Alvarez, Elizabeth, Sr.
Stephen Barbera, Monroe, Sr.
Dominic Bassey, Winslow, Sr.
Brody Bogos, Cherry Hill East, Sr.
Tommy O’Brien, St. Peter‘s Prep, Sr.
Alexander Osayemi, Clayton, Sr.
Essien Plummer, Neptune, So.
Benjamin Realley, Cherokee, So.
John Richardson, Bernards, Sr.
Carter Solloway, Hawthorne, Jr.
Jaiden Steele, Camden, Jr.
Clay Stevens, Manalapan, Jr.
David Stewart, Schalick, So.
Chad Stone, St. Peter‘s Prep, So.
Mouad Taire, Dickinson, So.
Burke Thompson, Hightstown, Sr.
Ivan Timochko, Demarest, Sr.
Rohan Tucker, Madison, Jr.
Marcus Valenzuela, Chatham, Jr.
Abraham Went, St. Peter‘s Prep, Sr.
Taysaun Wilson, Toms River North, Sr.
NOTE: The outcome of voting will have no bearing on NJ.com postseason awards or All-State/All-Group selections, which will made solely by boys track and field writers Corey Annan and Bakari Tice. Voting will conclude on May 27 at noon. The poll can be found below the list of athletes. Marks from the below athletes can be found on NJMileSplit.
NOTE: We know you take these polls seriously. We do, too. We ask that you operate by the following guidelines. Your organized voting campaigns consisting of friends, family and school communities are OK. Please note, the poll will view rapid-fire voting from any individual IP as an attack and will put that IP in a time out. Use of automation, technical enhancements or other unnatural tactics designed to skew results may result in voiding of votes.
Some mobile apps, including the X (formerly known as Twitter) app, may not show the poll below. To open in your mobile device click this link, or copy it and paste into your mobile web browser.
Follow them or send them a message on X at @BakariTice and @coreyannan360.
The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now!
Tuesday night’s Colonial Valley Conference Tournament title was four years in the making for Allentown.The seniors for Allentown this season that have played since their freshman year have known nothing but heartbreak as the Redbirds have lost in the Mercer County Tournament final the last three seasons.Complete Box Score »This season was different. This year the Mercer County Tournament was replaced by the Colonial Val...
Tuesday night’s Colonial Valley Conference Tournament title was four years in the making for Allentown.
The seniors for Allentown this season that have played since their freshman year have known nothing but heartbreak as the Redbirds have lost in the Mercer County Tournament final the last three seasons.
This season was different. This year the Mercer County Tournament was replaced by the Colonial Valley Conference Tournament, which consisted of only teams within the conference. So teams like Lawrenceville, which had won the last six county titles, were out.
Top-seeded Allentown, ranked No. 7 in the NJ.com Top 20, and second-seeded Notre Dame were on a collision course as both teams tore through the quarter and semifinal rounds and met on Tuesday night for the second time this season. The Redbirds won the first meeting 9-4 on April 9 in a Colonial Division matchup.
Notre Dame did its best to slow the game down in the first half on Tuesday night, and it worked to an extent as Allentown led 5-3 at halftime. But the Redbirds erupted in the second half, outscoring the Irish 7-2 for a 12-5 victory and their first tournament crown since 2013.
“We practiced really hard for it, the first time we saw them they came out with a faceguard so we knew we had to be prepared no matter who it was,” Allentown’s Marleigh White said. “So I think our defense just pushing us really hard in practice really helped us out.”
In the first half Notre Dame would hold the ball for minutes at a time in order to frustrate Allentown and throw the Redbirds off their game. It worked at the end of the first quarter as Kate Moog scored on an assist from Reese Parker to tie the game 2-2 with 1:43 remaining after holding the ball for almost two minutes.
“I think it was important for us not to get frustrated when they were holding the ball, I know obviously it’s a hard situation to be in when we just want the ball and we want to score,” Allentown’s Mya Lourenco said. “I think we all did a good job of keeping our composure.”
Allentown also had a trick up its sleeve as the Redbirds took leading scorer Delaney Nolan out of the equation in the first half. When Allentown was on offense, Nolan would remove herself from the fray and hang out near the edge of the field, taking a Notre Dame defender with her.
“They were face-guarding (Nolan). You have to be a student of the game and I saw during the UNC women’s game against Boston College they were doing the same,” Allentown coach Justin Schmid said of the tactic. “So I was just like let’s make it six versus six. We noticed in practice it throws (Notre Dame) for a loop and it worked. It was great to see. I’m so proud (of Nolan), it stinks to be standing out there but she was the ultimate teammate and did it and I believe that’s part of why we won today.”
In the second quarter Allentown opened with three-straight goals from White, who scored twice, and Madison Sullivan for a 5-2 lead with 6:59 remaining in the half. Capri Valentino scored for the Irish with 5:09 left for the 5-3 score at halftime.
“Honestly I think we just played how we usually play, we knew once they started coming at us to lock in and when they held the ball then so did we,” White said. “We didn’t put too much pressure to tire ourselves out, but we just played our game and it helped us out.”
Allentown kept it up in the third quarter, scoring just 38 seconds in on a goal from Addison Wagner, which was her 100th career goal. Hayden Raff, Sullivan and White also scored as the Redbirds kept Notre Dame off the board for a 9-3 lead.
Moog scored her second of the game just 12 seconds into the fourth quarter to cut it to 9-4, but Raff scored again just 29 seconds later for a 10-4 game with 10:19 left.
White scored her fourth goal with 8:41 remaining to give Allentown an 11-4 lead, but a goal from Notre Dame’s Aubrey Davis cut it to 11-5 with 6:33 left.
Nolan scored her first - and the final - goal of the game with 18 seconds remaining for the 12-5 final.
“I understand their strategy, we’re a good offense, you have to slow the game down and muck it up and it came down to the draw,” Schmid said of Notre Dame’s plan. “It’s kind of been four years in the making, our seniors have lost three conference tournaments in a row, and I’m just so happy they get this because this particular group is so tight and they’ve just done it the right way.”
Valentino led with two goals and two assists for Notre Dame, which had a nine-game win streak snapped. Moog scored twice and won two draw controls. Parker contributed one assist, which was her 200th career point, and four draw controls. Goalie Riley Carr made six saves.
For Allentown, which won its 12th-straight game, White finished with four goals, two assists and a game-high nine draw controls while Sullivan recorded a hat trick and two draw controls. Wagner and Raff each scored twice, while Lourenco chipped in three assists. Megan Conroy made 12 saves and is two away from a career 500.
“I think our draws really helped us out, our team is incredible, we work together so well, the communication is great,” White said. “I think getting the draw and pushing it fast really helped us out to get a couple going and then settling it down on offense really helped us out.”
Tuesday night’s conference tournament win has been a long time coming for Allentown, which has only lost two games this whole season - to Westfield and Haddonfield. The Redbirds have two regular season games left, against No. 12 Cherry Hill West and Southern, before the start of the state tournament.
According to Schmid, who has been at the helm for three years, this season is the culmination of a lot of hard work, dedication and buying in.
“They’ve bought into the culture, we went to Universal Studios for spring training and it brought everybody closer,” he said. “They realized it takes a team and togetherness and we always haven’t battled adversity well I think. This year it’s just been every time things have gone wrong, it’s just next play. They’re not letting adversity affect them and it’s proof here, it got to 2-2 and instead of getting flustered and frustrated it was next play and we built the lead back up.
“It’s staying together instead of going on our own islands. The connectiveness really has gotten us through those adverse times.”
609-455-2886
