You may love Philadelphia but be ready for a driveway, a little distance from your neighbors, or a yard where you can spend your evenings. Moving to the Philadelphia suburbs in New Jersey can give you more breathing room while keeping your job, friends, and favorite city spots within reach.
You also don’t have to give up having somewhere to walk for coffee or dinner. Several South Jersey towns have their own downtowns, local restaurants, and train stations. The areas in this guide offer different ways to make that move—from a home near PATCO to a quieter street with more outdoor space.
Collingswood: Walkable Restaurants and Small-Town Charm
Collingswood is a good fit if you want local restaurants, older homes, and a train station close to downtown. Haddon Avenue is the main gathering place, with shops, places to eat, and businesses you can visit on foot.
Homes include rowhouses, twins, bungalows, Victorian houses, and condos. You’ll find plenty of character, although yards and parking vary by property.
On weekends, browse the seasonal Collingswood Farmers’ Market, spend time at Knight Park, or walk along nearby Cooper River Park.
Home prices: The recent median sale price was about $430,000.
Philadelphia commute: Collingswood is roughly 6–8 road miles from central Philadelphia. PATCO takes about 15 minutes to 8th & Market or 20 minutes to 15th/16th & Locust, plus time getting to and from the stations.
Haddonfield: Historic Homes and a Lively Downtown
Haddonfield is worth considering if you love historic homes, tree-lined streets, and a downtown you can explore on foot. Kings Highway has shops, restaurants, and coffee stops, with residential neighborhoods nearby.
Areas such as Elizabeth Haddon, Birdwood, the Estates, and Gill Tract offer different home sizes and styles. Condition matters: an older house needing updates can be a very different purchase from a fully renovated home.
Spend an afternoon browsing downtown Haddonfield, visiting the Indian King Tavern Museum, or enjoying seasonal community events.
Home prices: The recent median sale price was about $1.1 million, the highest among the sale-price snapshots in this guide.
Philadelphia commute: Haddonfield has its own PATCO station, with rides of about 19 minutes to 8th & Market or 24 minutes to 15th/16th & Locust.
Haddon Heights: A Smaller Downtown and a Relaxed Pace
Haddon Heights offers a smaller borough setting with local businesses, older homes, and established residential streets. Station Avenue is the heart of downtown, and some homes are within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
The seasonal Sunday farmers market is a local weekend stop. Nearby Haddon Lake Park offers paths, playgrounds, and space to get outside.
Home prices: The recent median sale price was about $475,000.
Philadelphia commute: The borough is roughly 10–11 road miles from central Philadelphia. It does not have its own PATCO station, so compare driving into the city with driving to a nearby station such as Haddonfield or Westmont.
Haddon Township: Dining and Train Access Around Westmont
Haddon Township is a good option if you want restaurants, parks, and direct train access around Westmont. It is separate from Haddon Heights and Haddonfield, despite the similar names.
Near Haddon Avenue, you’ll find restaurants, pubs, and community events. Newton Lake Park adds walking paths and green space nearby. Depending on your address, dinner and the train may both be a walk away.
Other sections of the township involve more driving, so check the exact location of each home.
Home prices:Zillow’s typical home value was about $491,000 in September 2026. This is an estimated home value, not a median sale price.
Philadelphia commute: From Westmont PATCO, the train takes about 17 minutes to 8th & Market or 22 minutes to 15th/16th & Locust.
Cherry Hill: Housing Choices and Everyday Convenience
Cherry Hill is worth exploring if you want more housing options and plenty of shopping and recreation nearby. Homes range from condos and townhomes to ranches, split-levels, and larger detached houses.
Daily life usually involves a car. Your street may feel tucked away, while shops and busy roads are a short drive away. Check how the neighborhood connects to Routes 70 and 38, especially during your commute.
For things to do, explore Cherry Hill Mall and Garden State Park, or enjoy trails and arts activities at Croft Farm. Challenge Grove Park and Jake’s Place playground are nearby outdoor options.
Home prices: Recent median sale prices were about $460,000 in 08002, $584,000 in 08003, and $459,000 in 08034. These are separate ZIP-code figures, not one township-wide average.
Philadelphia commute: Woodcrest PATCO offers rides of about 22 minutes to 8th & Market or 27 minutes to 15th/16th & Locust. Add the drive from your home to the station.
Marlton: Suburban Living With Nature Close By
Marlton offers residential neighborhoods, convenient shopping, and access to wooded trails. It is within Evesham Township, and listings often use “Marlton” for the broader area.
You’ll find condos, townhomes, and detached houses, including wooded and lake-oriented communities around Kings Grant and Marlton Lakes. Check association fees and amenity access if a lake, pool, or recreation facility is part of the appeal.
Enjoy shopping and dining at The Promenade at Sagemore, or head to Black Run Preserve for time on the trails.
Home prices: The recent median sale price for Redfin’s Marlton market area was about $473,000. That area does not include every neighborhood advertised as Marlton/Evesham.
Philadelphia commute: Central Marlton is roughly 14–15 road miles from Center City, with longer trips from outlying neighborhoods. There is no PATCO station in Marlton. You can drive into Philadelphia or drive to a station such as Woodcrest or Ashland
Which NJ towns offer direct train service to Philadelphia?
Collingswood, Haddonfield, Haddon Township, and Cherry Hill offer direct PATCO service to Philadelphia. Their stations are Collingswood, Haddonfield, Westmont, and Woodcrest, respectively.
Haddon Heights and Marlton do not have their own PATCO stations. Living there may mean driving to the train or commuting by car.
The train times above come from the PATCO weekday timetable. They do not include parking, waiting, or travel between the station and your home or workplace. Check current schedules and try the full commute before choosing a neighborhood.
Where can I find real estate listings in Philadelphia suburbs in NJ?
Start with a local agent’s home search or browse Realtor.com, Zillow, and Redfin. Search each town separately to compare what your budget buys.
Try both “Westmont” and “Haddon Township,” or “Marlton” and “Evesham,” because listings may use different local names. Look beyond the asking price to compare taxes, home condition, association fees, parking, and station access.
You can also contact Venture Philly Group to discuss your move and ask about searches in your preferred South Jersey towns.
Find real estate agents specializing in Philadelphia-area NJ properties.
Choose an agent who knows the local towns and has experience helping people buy and sell on both sides of the river. If you’re selling in Philadelphia and buying in New Jersey, having a team that can coordinate both transactions can make the move easier.
Venture Philly Group’s Philadelphia real estate agents, including Scott Sepkowicz, Alec Palmieri, and Matt Bigelow, offer experience in Philadelphia and New Jersey real estate. Their published client reviews highlight help with buying, selling, finding properties, and moving across the river. One of Alec’s clients specifically describes a successful move from Philadelphia to New Jersey, while Scott’s clients share experiences buying and selling with him.
When comparing real estate agents in Philadelphia, ask about their recent sales in your preferred NJ towns, read online reviews, and discuss how they would coordinate your move.
What Should You Know Before Moving From Philadelphia to New Jersey?
Compare your full monthly budget and daily routine—not just the home price. Include property taxes, insurance, maintenance, association fees, transportation, and parking.
Moving to New Jersey does not automatically remove Philadelphia Wage Tax if you still work in the city. The states’ reciprocal agreement does not cover that municipal tax. Ask a tax professional how your work arrangement affects your taxes and any available credits. New Jersey tax guidance.
Check school assignments by property address, review the home’s condition, and visit during the hours you would normally be there. A weekend visit and a weekday commute can give you very different impressions.