October 21, 2022
If you’re on the search for the perfect place to raise a family, retire, or simply enjoy an active lifestyle, the South Jersey suburbs offer plenty of comfortable and affordable towns to lay your roots and find your dream home. With endless amenities and easy access to major roadways and mass transit options that can quickly get you to Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore, and beyond, this desirable area has long been attractive to buyers in every stage of life.
The following five towns offer a host of conveniences, cultural attractions, and a wide inventory of homes that fit any budget. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, fine dining, art galleries, or farm-fresh produce, one of these South Jersey towns is sure to satisfy all your desires.
If an abundance of amenities tops your list of “must-haves,” look no further than Marlton. With a wealth of shopping centers located within minutes of each other, stocking up on groceries at Whole Foods or home decor at Home Goods is quick and easy. Treat yourself to something special from one of the many high-end retailers located at The Promenade at Sagemore before enjoying a delightful dinner at Redstone American Grill, Estia Taverna, or Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Afterwards, head over to AMC Marlton 8 to catch the latest film or find your next favorite novel at the local Barnes & Noble.
Get all of the necessities right in your backyard while getting to know your neighbors over a game of golf at Indian Spring Country Club or take the family to Marlton Farmers Market for specialty shops and local produce.
Route 73 runs right through the middle of the bustling shopping and entertainment district, making Marlton an incredibly convenient place to live while also offering easy access to both the city and the beach. The average property value in the town was about $400k, making Marlton a convenient and affordable place to live.
Named “the best place to live” in 2005 by MONEY Magazine, very few places marry antique charm and modern conveniences quite like Moorestown. A tree-lined colonial Main Street has a wealth of small boutiques, shops, and art galleries, making Moorestown a quintessential hometown experience. With homes ranging from farmhouses to jaw-dropping estates, there are options for young couples, burgeoning families, or those looking toward retirement.
In Moorestown, there’s no shortage of things to do. Local businesses like Flying Feather Farm, a farmers’ market at the corner of Bridgeboro and Westfield Roads and Healthy Garden Cafe just across town highlight the small town, local charm. For fun-filled shopping trips and unique dining experiences, visit the Moorestown Mall to find a new outfit and then enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill or Yard House.
Moorestown is also a fantastic place to raise a family thanks to its top-tier schools. In 2000, Moorestown High School won the Blue Ribbon Award, the highest honor a school can receive. The Moorestown School District boasts a 56% AP participation rate, meaning half of enrolled students have taken at least one test that results in college credit. The teacher to student ratio in the school district averages out to 12:1, and the average SAT score of 1280 proves it. Moorestown has an average home value of about $650k — but the convenience and colonial cuteness is worth the price tag!
Conveniently located between Route 73 and the junction of Routes 42 and 295, Voorhees is an ideal place to settle down — especially for commuters. With a super quick drive to the Lindenwold PATCO station, you can be in Center City in less than 30 minutes. The average home price in Voorhees is about $420,000, which is more than worth it considering the location and multitude of things to do in town.
If you’re into the outdoors, Voorhees has plenty of parks and nature to experience. Connolly Park has outdoor exercise equipment, scenic overlooks, playgrounds, and even a dog run — perfect for a young family. As for closeby dining, enjoy a delectable steak at Library 2, visit Nimit Palace for a delightfully delicious Chicken Tikka, or head to Voorhees Town Center for a variety of fine dining options like Catelli Duo, Iron Hill Brewery, or Rodizio Grill.
If you’re thinking about raising a family in Voorhees, they also house the largest branch of the Camden County Library and above average SAT scores. On the weekends, take the kids to Flyers Skate Zone before finishing up your family outing with a trip to the AMC Voorhees 16.
Located only minutes from the Ben Franklin Bridge, Cherry Hill is arguably the most convenient place to live for anyone who works in or visits the city frequently. With several major roads intersecting this town (Routes 73, 38, 30, 295, and NJTP), it’s fast and easy to get wherever you need to be. Cherry Hill School District was rated #66 out of 243 schools in New Jersey — that, combined with the proximity to Philadelphia, makes Cherry Hill a tough place to beat. Cherry Hill home values are about $400,000 on average.
On weekends, head over to charming Springdale Farm Market for fresh produce during the summer months, hayrides in the fall, and Christmas trees in the winter. Need to release some stream? Throw an axe or two at Bury the Hatchet. Nearby, the Cherry Hill Mall is a premiere fashion destination and is just minutes away from world-class restaurants like Caffe Aldo Lamberti, Farm and Fisherman Tavern, and The Capital Grille.
Cherry Hill also offers a ton of fun outdoor activities. Try bird watching at Croft Farm, a historic landmark that played a role in both the American Revolution and the Underground Railroad, or take a walk or kayak along The Cooper River. During the spring, make sure to take a walk down Chapel Avenue, where community members have planted cherry trees along the road for the past 40 years, turning it into a cherry blossom heaven.
If you’re looking for a hometown feel, you’ll want to add Haddonfield to your short list. The charming colonial Haddon Avenue features unique treasures that you can’t find anywhere else. The pedestrian-friendly main street houses art galleries, daycares (including doggy), and plenty of dining (check out The Bistro for a top notch breakfast or Fuji Restaurant for flavorful sushi).
If you love the outdoors, take an idyllic weekend stroll through Wallworth Park, where quaint bridges and pathways circle the lake, and come Monday, walk to the very conveniently located PATCO station that takes you straight into Philadelphia.
For those with children, Haddonfield’s school district is ranked #15 out of 243 in New Jersey and is home to Elizabeth Haddon School, which was awarded a coveted National Blue Ribbon Award in 2015. On weekends, treat the kids to something at The Happy Hippo Toys before heading to Pennypacker Park for an experience as educational as it is scenic — dinosaurs included.
With so much history and amenities available at your fingertips, Haddonfield’s average home price of about $685,000 is far outweighed by the rich culture, top-tier education system and priceless conveniences you’ll discover in this one-of-a-kind town.
These five South Jersey towns are packed to the brim with culture, intrigue, and amenities; making them a prime destination to invest in a home for the long-haul. Whether you’re looking for a historic Victorian masterpiece, a comfy condo, or a sprawling estate, there’s a home waiting for you in this area that has everything on your priority list. If you’re ready to find your Jersey dream home, get in contact with an experienced realtor like Anne E. Koons. With over 36 years of experience, Anne is the only name you need to know in real estate.