The best towns for families in South Jersey are Moorestown, Medford, Mount Laurel, and Marlton in Burlington County for top-rated schools and family amenities; Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, and Voorhees in Camden County for excellent schools and commuter access; and Mullica Hill in Gloucester County for a growing family scene with more space. South Jersey offers an impressive range of family-friendly communities, each with its own character, school system, and lifestyle. Whether you prioritize academics, outdoor activities, a tight-knit community, or easy access to Philadelphia, there is a town that fits your family's needs.
Many families reach out to me unsure where to start. They know they want good schools, safe neighborhoods, and enough space to grow, but the number of options can feel overwhelming. I have helped hundreds of families find their perfect town across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer counties. Here is what I have learned about the best places to raise a family in South Jersey.
What Makes a Town Family-Friendly?
Before diving into specific towns, it helps to understand what families actually need from a community. The top factors I hear from buyers include:
- School quality: Strong academics, extracurriculars, and a sense of community within the school
- Safety: Low crime rates and neighborhoods where kids can play outside
- Parks and recreation: Access to playgrounds, sports fields, trails, and community programs
- Community feel: Neighbors who know each other, block parties, and youth sports leagues
- Housing options: Homes with enough bedrooms and yard space at a price point that works
- Commute: A reasonable drive or train ride to work in Philadelphia or other employment centers
Every family weighs these factors differently. Some want the highest-rated schools regardless of cost. Others prioritize a shorter commute or a larger lot. The key is matching your priorities to the right community.
Moorestown: The Gold Standard for Family Living
Moorestown consistently ranks as one of the best places to raise a family not just in South Jersey, but in the entire state. The Moorestown Township Public Schools are among the top-rated in New Jersey, and the town's historic downtown offers a walkable, community-focused center with shops, restaurants, and seasonal events.
What sets Moorestown apart is its combination of small-town charm and modern amenities. The town has an active recreation department with youth sports leagues, summer camps, and community programs. Parks like Wesley Bishop and Laurel Acres provide space for soccer games, picnics, and playground time.
Homes in Moorestown range from historic colonials near downtown to newer construction on larger lots in the eastern part of town. Prices reflect the premium for this community, but many families find the investment worth it for the schools and quality of life.
What families love about Moorestown:
- Top-rated K-12 school system with strong community involvement
- Walkable downtown with family-friendly dining and events
- Active recreation department with year-round programs
- Easy access to Routes 38 and 295 for commuting
- Strong sense of community and neighborhood identity
Medford: Space, Nature, and Excellent Schools
Medford offers families more space and a connection to nature without sacrificing school quality. The Medford Township School District feeds into Lenape High School, which consistently ranks among the top high schools in South Jersey. For families who want the unique lake lifestyle, Medford Lakes offers a private community with 22 spring-fed lakes where residents can swim, canoe, and fish.
Medford's downtown along Main Street has a charming, small-town feel with local restaurants, a coffee shop, and seasonal farmers markets. The town also has extensive parks and trails, including the Medford Leas and Freedom Park.
Housing in Medford includes everything from historic homes downtown to newer subdivisions on larger lots. Medford Lakes has its own unique stock of log cabin-style lake homes. Prices are generally more moderate than Moorestown, especially for buyers who want acreage.
What families love about Medford:
- Excellent Lenape Regional High School District
- Unique lake lifestyle in Medford Lakes
- Larger lots and more space between homes
- Strong equestrian community and rural character
- Proximity to the Pine Barrens for outdoor adventures
Mount Laurel: Convenience and Value
Mount Laurel is one of Burlington County's most convenient communities for families. Located at the intersection of Routes 70, 38, and 295, it offers easy access to Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore, and the New Jersey Turnpike. The Mount Laurel School District serves families with multiple elementary schools and a strong middle and high school program.
What makes Mount Laurel stand out for families is the value. You often get more square footage and newer construction for your money compared to Moorestown or Medford. The town has extensive parks, including Laurel Acres Park with its pond, playground, and walking trails, plus the Mount Laurel Recreation Department offers programs for all ages.
The housing stock in Mount Laurel is diverse, from townhomes and condos perfect for first-time buyers to large single-family homes in neighborhoods like Country Walk and Laurel Creek.
What families love about Mount Laurel:
- Excellent value compared to neighboring towns
- Central location with easy highway access
- Diverse housing options for all budgets
- Great parks and recreation programs
- Strong sense of community in individual neighborhoods
Cherry Hill: Amenities and Options
Cherry Hill is one of the largest and most amenity-rich communities in South Jersey. The Cherry Hill Public Schools are highly rated, and the town offers an almost endless array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The Cherry Hill Recreation Department runs extensive youth sports leagues, camps, and community events throughout the year.
For families, the sheer volume of options is a major draw. Whether you want soccer, gymnastics, swimming, music lessons, or scouting, Cherry Hill has it all. The town also has excellent parks, including Croft Farm, Challenge Grove, and the Cherry Hill Environmental Center.
Housing in Cherry Hill is incredibly diverse. You can find everything from affordable townhomes and ranches in neighborhoods like Kingston Estates to larger colonials in Barclay and Woodcrest. The PATCO Speedline provides direct train service to Philadelphia, making it ideal for commuting parents.
What families love about Cherry Hill:
- Extensive youth programs and activities
- Highly rated schools with diverse programming
- PATCO train access to Philadelphia
- Huge variety of housing options and price points
- Convenient access to shopping and dining
Haddonfield: Walkable, Historic, and Top Schools
Haddonfield is a historic borough that offers one of the most walkable downtowns in South Jersey. Families love the ability to walk to the PATCO station, the Haddonfield Farmer's Market, and the many restaurants and shops along Kings Highway. The Haddonfield School District is consistently ranked among the best in the state.
The town has a village feel that is hard to find elsewhere. Block parties, school events, and community celebrations bring neighbors together. Haddonfield's parks, playgrounds, and the PATCO access make it especially appealing for families with two working parents who want a car-light lifestyle.
Homes in Haddonfield lean toward historic Victorians, colonials, and Craftsman-style houses, with prices reflecting the premium location and schools. For families who value walkability and community character above all, Haddonfield is tough to beat.
What families love about Haddonfield:
- Award-winning, walkable downtown
- Top-ranked K-12 school district
- PATCO station with direct access to Philadelphia
- Strong community identity and events
- Historic homes with charm and character
Mullica Hill: Growing Family Hub
Mullica Hill in Gloucester County has become one of the fastest-growing family destinations in South Jersey. The Clearview Regional School District is excellent, and the town offers a mix of historic charm along Main Street with newer developments on larger lots. Mullica Hill has a strong agricultural heritage with a number of farms and farm stands.
For families who want more space and a slower pace than the closer-in suburbs, Mullica Hill offers an appealing balance. It has a growing family scene with youth sports, community events like the Mullica Hill Street Fair, and easy access to Route 55.
How to Choose the Right Town for Your Family
Every family is different, so here is a framework I share with buyers:
- School priority: If schools are your top concern, Moorestown, Haddonfield, and Medford offer the highest academic ratings
- Commute matters most: Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, and Mount Laurel offer PATCO or quick highway access to Philadelphia
- Space and nature: Medford, Mullica Hill, and Lumberton offer larger lots and a more rural feel
- Budget-friendly: Mount Laurel, Delran, and Cinnaminson offer strong value with good schools
- Walkability: Haddonfield, Collingswood, and Moorestown downtowns are among the most walkable
Frequently Asked Questions
What South Jersey town has the best schools for families?
Moorestown, Haddonfield, and Medford are consistently ranked among the top school districts in the region. Each offers strong academics, excellent extracurriculars, and high community involvement in the schools.
Which South Jersey town is safest for raising children?
Moorestown, Medford, Haddonfield, and Riverton have some of the lowest crime rates in the region. Many South Jersey towns are very safe, but these communities are particularly known for their family-friendly safety records.
What is the most affordable family-friendly town in South Jersey?
Mount Laurel, Cinnaminson, and Delran offer excellent schools and family amenities at more moderate price points. For even more affordability, Willingboro and Pemberton offer entry-level pricing while still providing access to good schools and community resources.
Which South Jersey town has the best parks and recreation for families?
Cherry Hill has the most extensive parks and recreation programming with sports leagues, camps, and community events year-round. Medford and Moorestown also excel with well-maintained parks and active community programs.
Is there a family-friendly town with a walkable downtown?
Haddonfield, Collingswood, and Moorestown all offer walkable downtowns with shops, restaurants, and community spaces. Haddonfield's Kings Highway and Moorestown's Main Street are particularly family-friendly with sidewalks, crosswalks, and seasonal events.