Why Commute From South Jersey
What Are the Best Commuter Towns in South Jersey?
One of the best-kept secrets of the Philadelphia region is that some of the finest suburban communities in the country are just a short train or car ride from Center City. South Jersey offers a lifestyle that is hard to beat: top-rated schools, walkable downtowns, beautiful homes, lower cost of living, and a commute to Philadelphia that rivals or beats many city neighborhoods.
Whether you ride the PATCO Speedline from Collingswood in 16 minutes, take NJ Transit from Princeton, or drive into the city on I-295 or Route 42, the options are diverse. The key is finding the right town for your commute pattern, budget, and lifestyle priorities.
I have helped hundreds of buyers find their ideal commuter community in Burlington County, Camden County, and across South Jersey. With my knowledge of the transit lines, school districts, and neighborhood character, I can help you find the perfect match.
Transit Options
How Do I Get to Philadelphia from South Jersey?
South Jersey offers multiple transit options that make commuting to Philadelphia convenient, affordable, and stress-free.
PATCO Speedline
The PATCO Speedline is the premier rail option for Philadelphia commuters. Running 24 hours a day, it connects Camden County to Center City in 15 to 30 minutes. Stations in Collingswood, Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Voorhees, and Lindenwold make it the most convenient transit option for Camden County residents.
- 24-hour service, 7 days a week
- Trains every 5-10 min during peak hours
- Fares from $2.80 to $4.00 one-way
- Parking available at most stations
NJ Transit Rail
NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor and River LINE serve commuters from Mercer County and Burlington County. Princeton, Hamilton, and Trenton offer direct rail service to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. The River LINE connects Camden, Riverside, and Burlington City with light rail service.
- Northeast Corridor: Princeton to 30th Street in about 60 min
- River LINE: Light rail along the Delaware River
- Monthly passes available with significant savings
- Connections to SEPTA at 30th Street Station
Driving & Highways
For commuters who prefer to drive, South Jersey's highway network provides excellent access to Philadelphia. I-295, Route 42, the Walt Whitman Bridge, and the Ben Franklin Bridge connect Burlington and Camden Counties to Center City. Commute times range from 20 to 45 minutes depending on your starting point.
- I-295: Direct access to the Walt Whitman Bridge
- Route 42: Fast connection from Gloucester County
- NJTP: Express route from Mercer and Burlington
- Tolls on bridges, E-ZPass recommended
Best Commuter Towns
Top South Jersey Towns for Philadelphia Commuters
These communities offer the best combination of commute convenience, lifestyle, schools, and home value for Philadelphia-bound professionals.
Collingswood
PATCO Station: Collingswood | 16 min to 8th & Market
Collingswood is one of South Jersey's most popular commuter towns for good reason. Its vibrant downtown on Haddon Avenue is packed with acclaimed restaurants, independent shops, and a thriving farmers market. The PATCO station sits right in the heart of downtown, making the commute to Center City just 16 minutes.
The housing stock includes Victorian twins, Craftsman bungalows, Cape Cods, and new construction townhomes. It is popular with young professionals, food lovers, and families who want a walkable, transit-connected lifestyle. Camden County location.
Commuter Profile
- 16 min PATCO to Center City
- Walkable downtown, dining destination
- Victorian twins, bungalows, townhomes
- Moderate price point for PATCO corridor
Haddonfield
PATCO Station: Haddonfield | 20 min to 8th & Market
Haddonfield is widely considered the crown jewel of Camden County. Its historic downtown on Kings Highway is one of the most beautiful in the region, with high-end boutiques, acclaimed restaurants, and a genuine small-town feel. The PATCO station is steps from downtown, with a 20-minute ride to Philadelphia.
The schools are among the best in New Jersey. The housing market features historic Colonial and Victorian homes on tree-lined streets. Haddonfield commands a premium, but homes here hold their value exceptionally well. Ideal for professionals and families who want top schools and a train commute. Learn more about Haddonfield.
Commuter Profile
- 20 min PATCO to Center City
- Historic downtown, top NJ schools
- Colonial, Victorian, premium market
- Premium price point
Cherry Hill
PATCO Stations: Cherry Hill, Ashland, Woodcrest | 20-25 min
Cherry Hill is the largest and most amenity-rich suburb in Camden County, with three PATCO stations giving residents multiple options for a 20-25 minute commute to Center City. The housing stock is incredibly diverse, from historic homes near the PATCO line to expansive new construction in the western sections.
Cherry Hill is a shopping and dining destination, anchored by the Cherry Hill Mall, and the schools are well-regarded. For commuters who drive, I-295 provides fast access to the Walt Whitman Bridge. It offers the widest range of housing options at various price points. Learn more about Cherry Hill.
Commuter Profile
- 20-25 min PATCO to Center City
- 3 PATCO stations, diverse housing
- Shopping, dining, excellent schools
- Range of price points
Moorestown
10 min to Haddonfield PATCO | 30 min total to Center City
Moorestown is one of the most prestigious addresses in South Jersey, and its commuter access is excellent. While it does not have a PATCO station within town limits, the drive to the Haddonfield station is about 10 minutes, making the total commute to Center City roughly 30 minutes.
The trade-off is one of the finest school districts in New Jersey, a charming historic downtown, and some of the most beautiful homes in the region. For families who can afford the premium, Moorestown offers an exceptional quality of life with easy city access. Learn more about Moorestown.
Commuter Profile
- 10 min drive to PATCO station
- ~30 min total commute to Center City
- Top-ranked schools, historic charm
- Premium price point
Mount Laurel
10-15 min to Woodcrest PATCO | 35-40 min total to Center City
Mount Laurel is one of Burlington County's most popular commuter towns. It offers easy access to the Woodcrest PATCO station (about 10-15 minutes by car), I-295, and Route 38. The combination of excellent schools, diverse housing options, and reasonable prices makes it a top choice for families.
The housing stock ranges from affordable townhomes and starter homes to executive estates. Mount Laurel is also home to major employers like Lockheed Martin and Virtua Health, making it ideal for those who want a short local commute in addition to Philadelphia access. Learn more about Mount Laurel.
Commuter Profile
- 35-40 min total to Center City
- I-295 access, major employers nearby
- Diverse housing, excellent schools
- Great value for Burlington County
Princeton
NJ Transit to 30th Street Station | ~60 min
Princeton offers a longer commute but an unparalleled lifestyle. The NJ Transit Northeast Corridor train connects Princeton Junction to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station in about an hour, making it viable for professionals who value Princeton's extraordinary cultural and educational environment.
Princeton also has excellent highway access via Route 1 and the New Jersey Turnpike. For commuters who drive, the trip to Center City takes about 50-70 minutes depending on traffic. Princeton is ideal for university professionals, executives, and anyone who wants one of the nation's most prestigious addresses. Learn more about Princeton.
Commuter Profile
- ~60 min NJ Transit to 30th Street
- Ivy League town, cultural prestige
- Extraordinary schools, historic estates
- Premium price point
Burlington County
What Burlington County Towns Are Good for Commuters?
Burlington County offers excellent options for Philadelphia commuters, with easy highway access and proximity to PATCO stations.
Marlton (Evesham)
~15 min to Ashland PATCO
Excellent schools, abundant shopping, easy highway access to Routes 73 and 70. A favorite for families.
Medford
~20 min to Ashland PATCO
More rural lifestyle with larger properties. Peaceful setting, excellent schools, historic village.
Hainesport
~20 min to Woodcrest PATCO
Quieter, affordable Burlington County town with quick highway access. Great for buyers seeking value.
Lumberton
~20 min to Woodcrest PATCO
Affordable homes, good schools, and a quiet suburban feel. Easy access to I-295 and Route 38.
Evesham
~15-20 min to Ashland PATCO
Suburban Burlington County town with excellent schools, shopping, and highway access via Route 70 and 73.
Cinnaminson
~15 min to Riverside PATCO
Delaware River community with convenient access to the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge and PATCO via Riverside.
Lifestyle Benefits
Why Live in South Jersey and Work in Philadelphia?
Lower Cost of Living
South Jersey offers significantly lower housing costs than comparable Philadelphia neighborhoods. Your money goes further, whether you are buying a single-family home with a yard or a spacious townhome. Property taxes are higher in New Jersey, but the overall cost of homeownership is often lower than city alternatives.
Top-Rated Schools
Many South Jersey suburbs have school districts that rank among the best in New Jersey and the nation. Towns like Moorestown, Haddonfield, Princeton, Mount Laurel, and Medford offer exceptional educational opportunities for families.
Walkable Downtowns and Community
South Jersey commuter towns are not just bedroom communities. Collingswood, Haddonfield, Moorestown, and Medford have vibrant, walkable downtowns with restaurants, shops, cultural venues, and community events. You get the benefits of suburban space without sacrificing a sense of place.
Space and Privacy
A South Jersey home typically means more square footage, a yard, a driveway, and space to spread out. For growing families, downsizers, or anyone who values their personal space, the trade-off of a slightly longer commute is well worth it.
No City Wage Tax
While Philadelphia residents pay a city wage tax of nearly 4%, residents of South Jersey suburbs do not. This can mean significant annual savings for professionals commuting to the city for work.
Expert Guidance
How Do You Help Me Find a Commuter Town?
Finding the right commuter community is about more than just transit access. I consider your work location, schedule preferences, budget, school needs, and lifestyle priorities to match you with the right town.
- Personalized town matching based on your commute, budget, and lifestyle
- Detailed area knowledge of every transit corridor and commuter community
- School, tax, and commute analysis to help you compare options side by side
- No-pressure guidance I educate, not sell. You make the decision that is right for you
Related Resources
PATCO Commuter Guide
Detailed guide to every PATCO station town
Complete Buyer Guide
Step-by-step guide to buying a home in South Jersey
South Jersey Overview
Explore the region across all four counties
Relocation Hub
Everything you need to move to South Jersey
River Towns Guide
Historic Delaware River communities
FAQ
What Do Clients Ask About Commuting from South Jersey?
What is the fastest commute from South Jersey to Philadelphia?
The fastest commutes are from Collingswood (16 minutes via PATCO), Haddonfield (20 minutes), and towns along the PATCO Speedline. For drivers, towns near the Walt Whitman Bridge like Collingswood and part of Cherry Hill can reach Center City in 15-20 minutes outside of peak traffic.
Which South Jersey town has the best schools and commute combination?
Haddonfield offers the strongest combination of top-tier schools and a very short PATCO commute. Moorestown has exceptional schools and a slightly longer commute via car to the PATCO station. Mount Laurel and Marlton provide great schools at a more affordable price point with highway access.
Is it cheaper to live in South Jersey or Philadelphia?
Overall, South Jersey offers more space and value for your housing dollar. While New Jersey property taxes are higher, you avoid Philadelphia's city wage tax (nearly 4%), and home prices per square foot are often lower than comparable city neighborhoods. The trade-off is a longer commute and higher transportation costs.
How much does the PATCO monthly pass cost?
PATCO monthly passes range from about $85 to $130 depending on the distance traveled. This compares very favorably to the cost of driving and parking in Philadelphia, where monthly parking alone can exceed $200. Monthly passes are available through the PATCO FREEDOM Card system.
What is the most affordable commuter town near Philadelphia?
Haddon Township (Westmont), parts of Cherry Hill, and Burlington County towns like Hainesport and Lumberton offer more affordable options with reasonable commutes. Gloucester County towns like Deptford and Washington Township also provide good value with highway access to Philadelphia.
Do I need a car if I live near a PATCO station?
Not necessarily. Collingswood and Haddonfield are walkable enough that some residents live car-free or as a one-car household. Both towns have grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and services within walking distance of the PATCO station. For most other towns, a car is still helpful for errands and weekend activities.
Find Your Perfect Commuter Community
I know every commuter corridor in South Jersey. Let's find the town that fits your commute, your lifestyle, and your budget. No pressure. Just honest guidance from someone who knows the territory.
856.347.2002 | bob.millaway@redfin.com | NJ Lic. #791082