Why New Hanover
What Makes New Hanover Special?
New Hanover is a rural township in eastern Burlington County, South Jersey, sitting next to Wrightstown and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in the Delaware Valley. Created by royal charter in 1723, it is one of the oldest townships in the state, and it has kept its agricultural character across more than two centuries. Broad farm fields, quiet country lanes, and a scattering of historic homes define the landscape today.
With a population of roughly 6,000 residents, much of the township's land is taken up by the Joint Base, while the remaining ground outside the base remains open, agricultural, and uncrowded. The Cookstown area and the surrounding rural roads are home to historic farmhouses, small businesses, and long-time farming families who give the township its down-to-earth spirit.
New Hanover offers the best of both worlds: genuine country living with excellent access to jobs. Wrightstown, the base, and Fort Dix are right next door, Princeton and Trenton are within reach, and Philadelphia is a manageable drive. For military families, agricultural workers, commuters, and anyone who values space and history, New Hanover is a quietly compelling choice.
History
One of New Jersey's Original Townships
New Hanover traces its origins to a royal charter dated December 2, 1723, and was formally incorporated as a township on February 21, 1798, making it one of the original townships of New Jersey. Over the following two centuries, its territory was carved into neighboring townships, and a large share of the land was eventually taken for the development of what became Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Despite those changes, New Hanover held onto its agricultural heart. Farmers have worked this soil since colonial days, and the township remains part of Burlington County's historic farmland belt. Old farmhouses, roadside barns, and the country crossroads of Cookstown connect today's residents directly to that long, quiet heritage.
The presence of the military base is now woven into the township's identity as well. The base brings jobs, families, and a steady, respectful rhythm to the area, while New Hanover itself keeps the rural character that first defined it.
Lifestyle
What Is It Like Living in New Hanover?
Life in New Hanover is unhurried, grounded, and neighborly. Homes sit on generous lots with room for gardens, animals, and projects. The pace follows the seasons, from planting to harvest, and the views of open fields and big skies are a daily gift. It is a wonderful place to raise a family away from the noise and pressure of suburban life.
The community is tight-knit and practical. Farming families, base personnel, and long-time locals mix easily at Cookstown's stores, churches, and community events. People here take care of each other, and newcomers who appreciate quiet country values are welcomed warmly.
At the same time, New Hanover is far from isolated. Wrightstown and the base amenities are minutes away, Bordentown, Burlington, and Mount Holly provide shopping and services, and both Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore are within a reasonable drive for work or weekends.
Nearby Communities
Explore Neighboring Towns
New Hanover sits near several well-known Burlington County towns with their own personalities and housing markets.
Pemberton
A historic river town and rural township just to the west, offering the charming Pemberton Borough downtown, the Rancocas Creek, and a range of housing from historic homes to country properties.
ExploreBordentown
A historic riverfront city to the northeast with an active downtown, parks, and NJ Transit River LINE service. New Hanover students attend Bordentown Regional schools for high school.
ExploreMansfield
A growing township just to the west with easy access to Routes 206 and 130, affordable housing, and convenient services. A practical, family-friendly neighbor.
ExploreEducation
How Are the Schools in New Hanover?
The New Hanover Township School District serves students in pre-K through 8th grade from the non-military portions of the township, including the Cookstown section, along with students from Wrightstown. It is a small, community-focused district where children are known by name.
For high school, New Hanover students attend Bordentown Regional High School on a tuition basis as part of the Bordentown Regional School District. Bordentown Regional is a well-regarded school with strong academics, athletics, and arts programs, and it gives township students a friendly, manageable commute to a school community with deep local roots.
Children living on the Joint Base portion of the township are served through a different arrangement, with younger students typically attending North Hanover Township schools and older students moving on to Northern Burlington County Regional schools. As with any border community, it is always worth confirming which district serves a specific address before you buy.
Commute
What Is the Commute Like from New Hanover?
New Hanover is well placed for commuters. Route 206 runs nearby, and the New Jersey Turnpike and I-295 are close by, along with Routes 130 and 68 for fast access to the base and the region beyond.
50-60 min
To Philadelphia by car
10-15 min
To Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
15-20 min
To Bordentown and Burlington
The drive to Center City Philadelphia takes about fifty to sixty minutes via the Turnpike or I-295. Princeton and Trenton are roughly thirty to forty minutes away, and the Jersey Shore is about an hour. For rail travel, the NJ Transit River LINE in Bordentown and Burlington City offers service toward Trenton with connections to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, and the Northeast Corridor line itself is accessible from nearby stations. Base personnel will find the commute to McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst remarkably short.
Market Insights
What Is the Real Estate Market Like in New Hanover?
New Hanover's housing market is quiet, affordable, and land-rich. The inventory centers on older farmhouses and country homes in the Cookstown area, set on large lots with room to spread out. Because much of the township is occupied by the base, the residential market outside its gates is small, stable, and close-knit.
Buyers are typically military families who want to live just off the base, people who work in the surrounding region, and anyone who prize space, privacy, and a slice of New Jersey's rural past. Prices reflect the township's country character and typically sit below the county's suburban core, making it one of the more affordable corners of Burlington County.
Because the market here is small, accurate pricing and honest guidance matter. I combine deep knowledge of this part of Burlington County with current data to help you buy or sell with confidence, whether you are new to the area or a long-time neighbor.
Market Snapshot
New Hanover Market Snapshot
A quick read on today's New Hanover market, pulled from live tracker data refreshed on this run.
Median List Price
$350K
Movoto, Jan 2026
Days on Market
n/a
Not published for this small market
Active Listings
20
Homes for sale (Zillow)
Price per Sq. Ft.
$208
Median (Movoto, Jan 2026)
New Hanover is one of the smallest housing markets in Burlington County, so the big trackers publish listing-based figures rather than a dependable sale-price median, and none of the three publishes days on market for the township. Listing data around $350,000 and $208 per square foot gives the best directional read, and a direct look at current MLS detail tells the real story.
Data as of September 14, 2026. Sources: Redfin, Zillow and Movoto. Refreshed on this run from live web data. Third-party trackers can differ from official MLS compilations. Treat these figures as directional.
Things to Do
What Is There to Do in New Hanover?
New Hanover is a place where recreation starts in your own backyard, with country roads, open fields, and easy drives to the region's best attractions.
Country Roads & Farm Country
New Hanover's quiet country lanes are made for cycling, running, and scenic drives through working farmland. In season, nearby farms offer pick-your-own produce, farm stands, and a taste of the region's agricultural heritage right at your doorstep.
Historic Cookstown
The Cookstown crossroads is the historic heart of New Hanover, home to long-standing businesses, churches, and a sense of place that reaches back to the early days of the township. It is a friendly place to run errands and catch up with neighbors.
Within Easy Reach
Bordentown's historic downtown, Burlington City's waterfront and River LINE, the shops of Mount Holly, and the parks along the Delaware are all within a short drive. For outdoors lovers, the Pine Barrens, Wharton State Forest, and Rancocas State Park are close by, and the Jersey Shore is about an hour away.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hanover
What is it like to live in New Hanover?
Living in New Hanover means quiet country living on generous lots surrounded by farmland and open sky. It is a small, neighborly community next to Wrightstown and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, with easy drives to Bordentown, Burlington, and Philadelphia. It is ideal for anyone seeking space, privacy, and a slower pace.
How are the schools in New Hanover?
The New Hanover Township School District serves pre-K through 8th grade for the non-military portions of the township, including Cookstown, plus Wrightstown. High school students attend Bordentown Regional High School on a tuition basis. Children on the base portion are served by different districts, so it is worth confirming the arrangement for a specific address.
How is the commute from New Hanover to Philadelphia?
The drive to Center City Philadelphia takes about fifty to sixty minutes via the Turnpike or I-295. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is just ten to fifteen minutes away, Princeton and Trenton are roughly thirty to forty minutes, and the NJ Transit River LINE in Bordentown and Burlington City offers rail connections toward Trenton.
What types of homes are available in New Hanover?
New Hanover's market centers on older farmhouses and country homes in the Cookstown area on large lots, with the occasional newer build and acreage parcels. It is a small, stable market with prices that typically sit below the county's suburban core, and the listing median generally lands in the mid-$300,000 range.
Why do people move to New Hanover?
People move to New Hanover for the land, the history, and the proximity to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. It appeals to military families who want to live just outside the gate, farm and country enthusiasts, and anyone who wants an affordable, spacious, low-key home base near both Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore.
Meet Your Agent
Bob Millaway | Epique Realty Agent
With two decades helping families across Burlington County, I know the rural, historic communities of eastern South Jersey inside and out. I have helped hundreds of buyers and sellers find their place in this part of the county, from Cookstown farmhouses to properties around the base. I combine deep local knowledge with the most advanced technology available to give my clients an unfair advantage.
My approach is built on education, honesty, and guidance. My role is not to pressure you into a decision. It is to give you the information, perspective, and support you need to make the right choice for your family.
Ready to Make Your Move in New Hanover?
Whether you are buying, selling, or just getting to know New Hanover and the surrounding towns, I can help you navigate the market with confidence. No pressure. No obligation. Just honest guidance.
856.426.1522 | bob@robertmillaway.com | NJ Lic. #791082