Benjamin Franklin once stated that New Jersey is a ‘barrel tapped at both ends’ thanks to the state’s location between New York City and Philadelphia. While northern Jersey is what most people think of when they think New Jersey, there’s also South Jersey with its rolling landscapes, large bodies of water, and suburban feel when compared to their northern neighbors. If you’re ready for a great place to live nearby but not too close to sprawling cities - South Jersey is the place to be.
What is South Jersey?
It’s a small state but New Jersey is separated into three distinct regions known as North Jersey, Central Jersey, and South Jersey. The designation of these areas is purely superficial and is based more on cultural differences and which city you’re most likely to commute to compared to borders or boundaries.
South Jersey is considered the southern portion of the state between the lower Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean. South Jersey residents are much more likely to commute to nearby Philadelphia than New York City. South Jersey is composed of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties. Some consider Ocean County a part of New Jersey though it’s more influenced by New York City than Philadelphia.
Where to Live in South Jersey
South Jersey is home to dozens of different towns, municipalities, and neighborhoods, and each has its own unique advantages and drawbacks. To help narrow your search for the perfect South Jersey rental we’ve highlighted three great neighborhoods and why you should consider them for your South Jersey home.
Live in Marlton, New Jersey for Variety
Marlton is one of the more varied neighborhoods of South Jersey, offering sprawling luxurious homes down to affordable 2-bedroom rentals. Many residents use Marlton to commute to larger cities like Philadelphia, but Marlton is a home on its own. Due to home affordability, different options for homes and rentals, and several dining and shopping options, Marlton is one of the best South Jersey neighborhoods for young families and commuting young professionals.
Population – 10,358
Average Rental Price for Marlton NJ
The average price for a 1-bedroom rental in Marlton is $1,172 per month. A 2-bedroom averages $1,418, while a 3-bedroom averages $1,778. Marlton rental prices are higher than the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington Metro average but are less than the New Jersey state rental average.
Things to Do in Marlton
There’s plenty to do in Marlton without visiting NYC or Philadelphia. Shop the many venues of the Promenade at Sagemore, take the kids to the inflated trampolines of Pump it Up Party, try your hand at the Escape Room Challenge, or relax with some local suds at the Marlton Tavern.
Live in Medford for a Suburban Oasis
Though just a short drive from many urban centers, Medford NJ is a gorgeous oasis and ideal place to raise a family. Loaded with varying rental homes for all types, Medford is home to several parks, ponds, and acres of lush New Jersey wooded landscape including Medford Lake and the nearby New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve. Families can also enjoy the shops, restaurants, and other fun of Main Street Medford.
Population – 23,496
Average Rental Price for Medford NJ
The average price for a 1-bedroom rental in Marlton is $1,208 per month. A 2-bedroom averages $1,488, while a 3-bedroom averages $1,906. Medford rental prices are even with the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington Metro average but are less than the New Jersey state rental average.
Things to Do in Medford NJ
Medford is all about escaping the hustle of nearby urban behemoths. Medford includes Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford Park, Freedom Park, and Johnson’s Corner Farm. You’re also close to the previously mentioned Pinelands National Reserve for plenty of fun in the great outdoors.
Live in Haddonfield for the Charm
New Jersey can get a bad criminal rap, but charming Haddonfield is among the safest places in the country to raise a family. How can you be a criminal in such a charming community? Thanks to a beautiful downtown area with more than 200 unique shops and galleries as well as several independently owned restaurants, Haddonfield was named New Jersey’s ‘Most Charming Town’ by Reader’s Digest.
Population – 11.435
Average Rental Price for Haddonfield NJ
The average price for a 1-bedroom rental in Haddonfield is $1,020 per month. A 2-bedroom averages $1,230, while a 3-bedroom averages $1,1540. Haddonfield rental prices are slightly higher than the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington Metro average but are less than the New Jersey state rental average.
Things to Do in Haddonfield
Haddonfield is all about comfortable suburban living with popular locales including the independently owned King’s Road Brewing Company, Indian King Tavern, and the Anatolia Art Craft Studio. You can spend hours in downtown Haddonfield visiting the different shops and venues.
Houses for Rent in NJ
Though surrounded by gigantic cities, South Jersey offers a peaceful respite and is a perfect place to call home for renters and home-owners. If South Jersey looks like the place for you, try exploring the unique neighborhoods for yourself, talk with a rental company, or browse the selection of houses for rent in South Jersey to find the perfect South Jersey rental for you.
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Photo credit: Kevin Burkett from Philadelphia, Pa., USA, Ben Franklin Bridge-3, CC BY-SA 2.0
