The #1 reason to live in Cherry Hill is its excellent schools and quick PATCO commute to Philadelphia, while the biggest drawback is the high property taxes, which average about $9,874 per year. Whether you are considering a move to Cherry Hill or just curious how it compares to other communities, this honest breakdown of the pros and cons will help you decide if it is the right fit for you and your family.
I have helped hundreds of families navigate the Cherry Hill market over the past 20 years. Some fell in love with the town immediately. Others found a better fit in a neighboring community. Here is what you should know before making the move.
What Are the Pros of Living in Cherry Hill?
How Are the Schools in Cherry Hill?
The Cherry Hill Public School District is one of the strongest in New Jersey, earning an A- grade from Niche. The district serves about 10,600 students across 20 schools, with Cherry Hill High School East ranking among the top high schools in the state. Joseph D. Sharp Elementary School is ranked #21 in New Jersey. For families prioritizing education, Cherry Hill delivers.
How Is the Commute from Cherry Hill?
Few South Jersey suburbs offer better transit access than Cherry Hill. The PATCO Speedline has multiple stations in town, providing a 20- to 25-minute ride to Center City Philadelphia. Driving is just as fast, with easy access to I-295 and Route 38. Philadelphia International Airport is about 20 minutes away.
What Shopping and Dining Options Does Cherry Hill Offer?
The Cherry Hill Mall and the Route 38 corridor offer the best selection of retail and dining in Camden County. From major department stores to local restaurants serving every cuisine imaginable, you will rarely need to leave town for entertainment or errands.
What Housing Options Are Available in Cherry Hill?
Cherry Hill has one of the widest ranges of housing types in South Jersey. You will find affordable townhomes, mid-century ranches, classic colonials, and luxury estates all within the same town. This diversity means you can move up within Cherry Hill as your needs change.
What Parks and Recreation Does Cherry Hill Offer?
With more than 50 parks, Cherry Hill offers abundant outdoor recreation. Laurel Acres Park, Challenge Grove Park, Croft Farm, and the Barclay Farmstead provide playgrounds, walking trails, fishing, and cultural programming for residents.
What Is the Community Like in Cherry Hill?
Despite being the largest municipality in South Jersey, Cherry Hill maintains a strong sense of community through its individual neighborhoods. Each area has its own identity, civic organizations, and social networks.
What Are the Cons of Living in Cherry Hill?
How High Are Property Taxes in Cherry Hill?
Average annual property taxes in Cherry Hill are approximately $9,874. While this is typical for top-rated New Jersey school districts, it is significantly higher than the national average and may be a shock for buyers relocating from states with lower property taxes.
Does Cherry Hill Have a Walkable Downtown?
Unlike nearby Haddonfield or Collingswood, Cherry Hill does not have a traditional walkable downtown. The commercial areas are concentrated along Route 38, a busy highway corridor. If you want to walk to a coffee shop or stroll through a historic main street, you will need to drive to a neighboring town.
How Bad Is Traffic on Route 38?
Route 38 is the main commercial artery, and it can get congested, especially on weekends and during rush hour. Getting to the Cherry Hill Mall on a Saturday afternoon requires patience. Residents learn to plan their errands around peak traffic times.
How Competitive Is the Cherry Hill Housing Market?
Because Cherry Hill is so desirable, the housing market can be competitive. Well-priced homes in the best neighborhoods often receive multiple offers, and buyers need to be prepared to act quickly. Working with an experienced local agent and having your financing pre-approved is essential.
How Large Is the Cherry Hill School District?
While the schools are excellent, Cherry Hill's district is large. With 20 schools and about 10,600 students, it does not have the small-town feel of a district like Haddonfield or Moorestown. Some families prefer the intimacy of smaller school systems.
Is Cherry Hill Right for You?
Cherry Hill is an excellent choice for families and professionals who value top-rated schools, a convenient commute, and unmatched amenities. The trade-offs are higher property taxes, a car-dependent lifestyle, and a competitive housing market. For many, these are worthwhile sacrifices for the quality of life Cherry Hill provides.
If you are not sure whether Cherry Hill is the right fit, I encourage you to explore our Best Neighborhoods in Cherry Hill guide to see which area might suit you best. You can also visit the Cherry Hill Community Guide for a deeper dive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest drawbacks of living in Cherry Hill?
The biggest drawbacks are high property taxes (averaging about $9,874 annually), traffic congestion on Route 38, and the lack of a traditional walkable downtown. The housing market can also be competitive in desirable neighborhoods.
Is Cherry Hill more expensive than neighboring towns?
Cherry Hill is generally more affordable than Haddonfield but more expensive than Collingswood or Pennsauken. Housing prices are competitive with Voorhees and Mount Laurel. Property taxes in Cherry Hill are in line with other top New Jersey school districts.
Is Cherry Hill safe?
Yes. Cherry Hill is considered a safe community with crime rates well below the national average. The township has its own police department, and most neighborhoods are very family-friendly.
How does Cherry Hill compare to Moorestown?
Moorestown offers a historic downtown, smaller school system, and larger lot sizes, but homes tend to be more expensive. Cherry Hill offers more housing diversity, better shopping and dining, and excellent transit options. Both have top-rated schools. For a firsthand look at Cherry Hill, read our Complete Guide to Living in Cherry Hill.
Is Cherry Hill good for families?
Yes. Cherry Hill is one of the most popular family-friendly communities in South Jersey, with excellent schools, more than 50 parks, family attractions like the Garden State Discovery Museum and Jake's Place, and numerous youth sports and community programs.
Bob Millaway
Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent™ · 636+ homes sold across Burlington County and South Jersey. I help families make confident real estate decisions every day.
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