Could Hunterdon County Harbor The Secret To Longevity?

Does Hunterdon County harbor the secret to a long life?

The New York Post recently asked and sent a reporter and photographer to the area in search of the answer.

Hunterdon County is known for its scenic landscapes and healthy living, but it is now ranked as New Jersey’s leader in life expectancy, according to US News and World Report’s 2024 Healthiest Communities rankings.

During a special tour last month, Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl and Commissioner Deputy Director Susan Soloway showcased the county to New York Post lifestyle reporter Asia Grace and photographer Stephen Yang.

The US News and World Report’s 2024 Healthiest Communities rankings that the New York Post was following showed Hunterdon County’s average life expectancy was 82.9 years, compared to 77.5 years for the rest of the country.

The county, which has an average life expectancy 3.7 years above the New Jersey average, attributes its success to a combination of fresh food, ample outdoor spaces, and a strong community focus on wellness, officials said.

The tour began at the new Hunterdon County Public Health Nursing Annex where Grace spoke with Kuhl and Health Director Karen DeMarco.

Access to farm-fresh foods, active recreation areas, and a commitment to maintaining clean waterways are essential to the community’s health, DeMarco explained.

Kuhl emphasized the county’s commitment to preserving natural beauty.

“It’s a different world here in Hunterdon County, many visitors cannot believe that this scenic space exists outside the hustle and bustle of New York City. As a commissioners board we have preserved 38,000 acres of open space for farms and residents to enjoy,” he said.

The county’s lifestyle features were on full display with a visit to WoodsEdge Farm in Stockton, a farm known for breeding yaks, llamas, and alpacas and promoting sustainable farming practices.

“WoodsEdge Farm is a wonderful part of our Explore Hunterdon Initiative and the 579 Trail,” said Soloway, who also liaises with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “Brent and Amy’s commitment to preserving open space and promoting sustainable farming practices is truly commendable. Their farm is a wonderful way for the community to connect with nature and learn about these fascinating animals.”

The tour concluded with a visit to the home of Michael Parisi, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and longtime resident who credits his long life to an active lifestyle and the clean air of Hunterdon County.

Parisi shared that “playing the accordion and tap-dancing since he was 10-years old, marrying a good wife, and breathing in the fresh air of Hunterdon County” have helped him live so long.