Why South Jersey
Why Is South Jersey a Great Place to Live?
South Jersey offers something increasingly rare in the Northeast: choice, affordability, and quality of life. Whether you are relocating for a job, moving closer to family, or starting a new chapter, the region combines excellent schools, reasonable commute times to Philadelphia, diverse housing options, and a strong sense of community.
The area spans four distinct counties—Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer—each with its own personality, housing stock, and lifestyle. You can live in a walkable historic downtown like Moorestown or Collingswood, spread out on acreage in Medford or Shamong, enjoy a riverfront lifestyle in Bordentown or Riverton, or settle into a modern suburban neighborhood in Mount Laurel or Marlton.
With 20 years of experience and over 600 homes sold across this region, I have helped hundreds of relocating families find their perfect community. I know the schools, the commute patterns, the neighborhood personalities, and the market trends that matter most when you are moving to a new area.
636+
Homes Sold
$87M+
Career Sales Volume
20+
Years in Real Estate
AI
Certified Agent™
Cost of Living
What Is the Cost of Living in South Jersey?
South Jersey offers a significantly lower cost of living than Northern New Jersey, New York City, or many parts of the Northeast. Housing prices are more affordable while still offering access to excellent schools, amenities, and employment centers.
The typical price range for homes in Burlington County is $300,000 to $900,000, with first-time buyer opportunities in communities like Hainesport, Lumberton, and Delran starting well under $400,000. Gloucester County offers even more affordable entry points, with typical prices from $250,000 to $600,000.
Property taxes are a significant factor in New Jersey. Rates vary substantially by town and school district. I provide every relocating buyer with a detailed tax analysis for any home they are considering so there are no surprises in the monthly payment. A home in one town with the same sale price as a home in another can have a dramatically different monthly payment.
Typical Price Ranges by County
- Burlington County: $300,000 – $900,000
- Camden County: $250,000 – $800,000
- Gloucester County: $250,000 – $600,000
- Mercer County: $300,000 – $1,200,000+
What Affects Your Monthly Payment
- Purchase price and down payment
- Property taxes (varies by town)
- Homeowners insurance
- Mortgage interest rate
- HOA fees (if applicable)
Counties
Which South Jersey County Is Right for Me?
Each county has its own character, housing stock, school districts, and lifestyle. Here is what you need to know as you explore your relocation options.
Burlington County
The largest county in New Jersey by land area, Burlington County is the heart of South Jersey real estate. It offers an extraordinary range of housing options, from the prestigious historic homes of Moorestown and the family-friendly neighborhoods of Mount Laurel and Marlton (Evesham) to the rural retreats of Medford, Shamong, and Tabernacle.
Typical price range: $300,000 – $900,000
Commute to Philadelphia: 25–40 minutes by car, 30–50 minutes by train
Key Burlington County Towns
- Moorestown - Top schools, historic downtown, prestigious
- Mount Laurel - Central location, excellent schools, suburban
- Marlton (Evesham) - Family-friendly, shopping, dining
- Medford - Historic, equestrian, nature-oriented
- Evesham - Great schools, family lifestyle
Also serving: Hainesport, Lumberton, Southampton, Shamong, Tabernacle, Eastampton, Westampton, Delran, Cinnaminson, Burlington Township, Bordentown, Florence, Riverton, Palmyra, and more.
Camden County
Camden County is where South Jersey's transit-oriented communities shine. Cherry Hill is one of the most recognized suburbs in the state, offering exceptional shopping, dining, and schools. Haddonfield and Collingswood are two of the most charming walkable downtowns in the region, with PATCO stations providing easy access to Philadelphia.
Typical price range: $250,000 – $800,000
Commute to Philadelphia: 15–30 minutes by PATCO train, 20–35 minutes by car
Key Camden County Towns
- Cherry Hill - Shopping, dining, top schools
- Haddonfield - Historic downtown, PATCO direct
- Voorhees - Excellent schools, suburban charm
- Collingswood - Walkable downtown, dining, PATCO
- Haddon Township - Affordable, PATCO accessible
Gloucester County
Gloucester County offers a more affordable entry into South Jersey without sacrificing quality of life. Mullica Hill is known for its historic charm and antique shops, while Washington Township provides family-friendly neighborhoods and excellent schools. Swedesboro and Mantua offer small-town character, and Deptford provides shopping and retail convenience.
Typical price range: $250,000 – $600,000
Commute to Philadelphia: 25–40 minutes by car
Key Gloucester County Towns
- Mullica Hill - Historic charm, antique shops
- Washington Township - Family-friendly, schools
- Swedesboro - Small-town character
- Mantua - Affordable, community feel
- Deptford - Shopping, accessibility
Mercer County
Mercer County is home to Princeton, one of the most prestigious addresses in New Jersey, with its world-class university, historic downtown, and architecturally stunning homes. Hamilton provides excellent suburban living with a wide range of housing options, while Lawrenceville offers a charming village feel. Hopewell and Ewing round out the county with more rural and suburban options.
Typical price range: $300,000 – $1,200,000+
Commute to Philadelphia: 40–60 minutes by train, 45–60 minutes by car
Key Mercer County Towns
- Princeton - Prestigious, historic, university
- Hamilton - Suburban, diverse housing
- Lawrenceville - Village charm, schools
- Hopewell - Rural, historic character
- Ewing - Quiet suburban setting
Schools
What Do Relocating Families Need to Know About Schools?
South Jersey is home to some of the best public school districts in New Jersey. For relocating families, school quality is often the most important factor in choosing a community, and rightfully so. The school district you choose affects not only your children's education but also your property values and resale potential.
Burlington County is known for exceptional school districts. Moorestown Township Public Schools, Medford Township Public Schools, Mount Laurel Schools, and Lenape Regional High School District (serving Marlton, Medford, Mount Laurel, and more) are consistently ranked among the top in the state. Evesham Township School District, Hainesport, and Lumberton also offer strong educational programs.
Camden County features highly rated districts in Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, and Voorhees. Gloucester County has strong districts in Washington Township, Mullica Hill (Clearview Regional), and Kingsway Regional. Mercer County is home to Princeton Public Schools, one of the most prestigious districts in the country.
I help relocating families research school options, compare districts, and choose communities that align with their educational priorities. I can also connect you with local school resources and help you understand the nuances of each district.
Top-Ranked School Districts in South Jersey
- Moorestown Township - Burlington County
- Medford Township - Burlington County
- Haddonfield - Camden County
- Princeton - Mercer County
- Cherry Hill - Camden County
- Mount Laurel - Burlington County
- Voorhees - Camden County
- Lenape Regional (Marlton/Medford) - Burlington County
Private & Parochial School Options
South Jersey also offers excellent private and parochial school options, including Moorestown Friends School, Doane Academy, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Holy Cross Academy, and multiple Catholic school systems across the region. I can help families explore all educational options.
Commute Times from Key Towns
- Collingswood to Center City: 15 min (PATCO)
- Haddonfield to Center City: 18 min (PATCO)
- Cherry Hill to Center City: 20 min (PATCO)
- Moorestown to Center City: 25 min (car)
- Mount Laurel to Center City: 30 min (car)
- Medford to Center City: 35 min (car)
- Princeton to NYC: 60 min (NJ Transit)
Commute
What Are My Commute Options to Philadelphia?
One of the biggest advantages of living in South Jersey is the easy access to Philadelphia. For many relocating families, the ability to work in the city while living in a suburban or rural setting is the primary reason they choose this region.
The PATCO Speedline is the region's most popular transit option, providing direct rail service from Camden County stations to Center City Philadelphia in as little as 15 minutes. Stations serve Collingswood, Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, and other Camden County communities. PATCO operates 24 hours on weekends and is clean, safe, and reliable.
NJ Transit serves Mercer County communities including Princeton, Hamilton, and Lawrenceville, with connections to both Philadelphia and New York City. RiverLINE light rail connects Burlington County river towns to Camden and Philadelphia.
For drivers, major highways include I-295, the New Jersey Turnpike, Route 38, Route 70, Route 73, and Route 206, providing convenient access throughout the region.
Lifestyle
What Lifestyle and Recreation Options Does South Jersey Offer?
South Jersey offers a lifestyle that blends suburban comfort, historic charm, and outdoor recreation. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, a history buff, or a sports fan, there is something for everyone.
The Pinelands National Reserve covers over one million acres across South Jersey, offering hiking, biking, kayaking, and birding. Rancocas State Park and Wharton State Forest are popular destinations for outdoor recreation. The Delaware River provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic riverfront living.
The region's historic downtowns are a major draw. Moorestown, Medford, Haddonfield, Collingswood, and Princeton offer walkable downtowns with independent shops, farm-to-table restaurants, coffee houses, and community events like farmers markets and holiday parades. The Cherry Hill Mall and Moorestown Mall provide traditional shopping and dining options.
South Jersey is also within easy driving distance of the Jersey Shore, with popular beach towns like Ocean City, Wildwood, Cape May, and Long Beach Island reachable in under an hour from most of the region. The Philadelphia sports scene (Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers) and cultural attractions (museums, theaters, concert venues) are also easily accessible.
Things to Do in South Jersey
- Hiking and biking in the Pinelands and State Parks
- Historic downtowns with shopping and dining
- Jersey Shore beaches (under 1 hour drive)
- Philadelphia sports and cultural events
- Youth sports leagues and community programs
- Boating and fishing on the Delaware River
- Wineries, breweries, and farm-to-table dining
The Process
How Does the Relocation Process Work?
Relocating to a new area is a big undertaking. Here is how I help relocating buyers navigate the process from initial exploration to moving day.
Step 1
Initial Consultation & Community Discovery
We start with a conversation about your goals, timeline, budget, and priorities. What brings you to South Jersey? Where will you be working? What are your must-haves in a community? Are schools a priority? Do you want a walkable downtown or a quiet rural setting?
Based on our conversation, I will recommend communities that align with your lifestyle. I will send you detailed community guides, neighborhood profiles, and market data so you can start exploring from wherever you are currently located.
What We Will Cover
- Your budget and price range
- Commute requirements and preferences
- School district priorities
- Home type preferences
- Timeline and moving logistics
- Lifestyle and amenity priorities
Step 2
Community Exploration & Virtual Tours
If you are relocating from out of state, I offer virtual tours of communities and homes. I will walk neighborhoods with you on video, show you downtown areas, school campuses, and parks, and help you get a feel for each community before you ever set foot in New Jersey.
I also provide detailed information about each community, including school ratings, tax data, commute times, and local amenities. Many of my relocating buyers visit South Jersey for a focused weekend tour, and I will plan a custom itinerary that shows you the best homes and neighborhoods in your target communities.
Virtual Tour Services
- Live video walkthroughs of neighborhoods
- Virtual home tours (3D and video)
- Detailed community comparison reports
- Custom weekend tour itinerary
- School district research and data
Step 3
Finding the Right Home & Making an Offer
Once we have identified the right communities, I will set up a customized home search that sends you listings matching your criteria. As a Redfin Senior Agent, I have access to pre-market and coming-soon listings that never appear on public sites like Zillow.
When you find the right home, I will guide you through the offer process with data-driven pricing strategies, market analysis, and honest advice. You will never feel pressured. I will explain every term of the offer so you can make a confident decision.
How I Help You Win
- AI-powered market analysis and pricing
- Pre-market and coming-soon access
- Competitive offer strategy
- Skilled negotiation
- Inspection and appraisal guidance
Step 4
Closing, Moving In & Settling Down
Closing on a home in New Jersey typically involves a title company or real estate attorney. I will be with you every step of the way, from the final walkthrough to the signing table. I will help you understand your closing costs, coordinate with your lender and attorney, and make sure everything goes smoothly.
After you close, I do not disappear. I stay in touch with every relocating client to help them settle in. I can recommend trusted contractors, service providers, doctors, and everything else you need to feel at home in your new community. Many of my past relocating clients become lifelong friends and refer their friends and family to me years later.
Settling In Resources
- Trusted local contractors and handymen
- Healthcare providers and recommendations
- School enrollment guidance
- DMV and vehicle registration info
- Utility setup and local services
- Community groups and local events
Your Relocation Guide
How Do You Help Relocating Buyers?
Relocating to a new area is one of the most significant life decisions you can make. You need someone who knows the region inside and out, who can guide you honestly, and who will put your goals ahead of the transaction.
With 20 years of experience, over 600 homes sold, and more than $87 million in career sales, I have helped hundreds of families relocate to South Jersey from across the country. I know the schools, the neighborhoods, the commute patterns, and the market dynamics that matter most when you are moving to a new area.
My approach is simple: educate first, sell second. I will never pressure you into a decision. Instead, I will give you the information, perspective, and support you need to make the right choice for your family. Whether you are relocating for a job transfer, moving closer to family, or starting a new chapter, I am here to help you move forward with confidence.
Bob Millaway
Redfin Senior Agent
AI Certified Agent™ | NJ Lic. #791082
Brokerage: Redfin · 619 Lake Ave Ste 3, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 · (609) 216-7035
What Relocating Clients Say
"Working with Robert was the best decision we made during our home buying process. He was patient, knowledgeable, and always made us feel informed instead of pressured. Every question was answered honestly, and we never felt rushed into making a decision. His knowledge of Burlington County was invaluable, and he guided us every step of the way with professionalism and genuine care."
Explore More
What Resources Are Available for Relocation?
All Community Guides
Explore every town and county in South Jersey with detailed community profiles and market data.
South Jersey Overview
A comprehensive guide to the entire South Jersey region, including market insights and lifestyle information.
PATCO Commuter Guide
Best South Jersey towns for Philadelphia commuters, with transit access times and neighborhood profiles.
River Towns Guide
Discover the historic architecture and lifestyle of the Delaware River towns.
Complete Buyer Guide
The full step-by-step guide to buying a home in South Jersey, from pre-approval to closing.
Best Places to Live in Burlington County
Discover the top communities in Burlington County for families, professionals, and retirees.
FAQ
What Do Clients Ask About Relocating to South Jersey?
Which South Jersey town is best for families?
What is the commute like from South Jersey to Philadelphia?
What are property taxes like in South Jersey?
Is now a good time to buy a home in South Jersey?
How do I buy a home in South Jersey from out of state?
What is the cost of living in South Jersey compared to other regions?
What are the best schools in Burlington County?
Can I buy a home in South Jersey before I sell my current home?
How long does it take to relocate to South Jersey?
How do I get started with my relocation?
Ready to Make the Move?
Let's Find Your New Home in South Jersey
Whether you are relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, I am here to help you find the perfect community. No pressure. No obligation. Just honest guidance from someone who has been helping families move to South Jersey for 20 years.
Bob Millaway · Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent™ · NJ Lic. #791082
Redfin · 619 Lake Ave Ste 3, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 · (609) 216-7035