Anyone who calls South Jersey home knows firsthand why it’s such a great place to live, work and play. Aside from being conveniently located near Philadelphia and other major cities—not to mention the Shore—the area is full of coveted communities that each deliver their own unique charm and appeal. When you factor in the tremendous school systems, leading health care providers, a dynamic dining scene and remarkable recreational offerings, it should come as no surprise why so many of us have planted our roots here.
Each year, our Top Towns spotlight looks to shine a light on the region, celebrating the places that make South Jersey so special. Our rankings were formulated using data from the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Department of Education and the state’s Division of Local Government Services. Using a weighted formula, we combined average property values and taxes, crime reports and high school performance numbers consisting of average SAT scores, graduation rates and more.
For 2025, Haddonfield has returned to the top of the list. The borough is beloved for its quality schools, high property values, stellar dining and retail options, and a vibrant community atmosphere that brings people together.
Of course, the rest of the list is also full of desirable locales that impress in their own right. With South Jersey continuing to grow and evolve, the future looks even brighter. While each community is worthy of their own recognition, as a whole they represent why South Jersey is truly the place to be.
Top 25 Towns
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Haddonfield
This colorful and chic town is brimming with life and history, with a variety of businesses and events alongside hidden gems to admire and to learn from—such as the Hadrosaurus sculpture. -
Moorestown
The picturesque township is a popular family destination for its stunning outdoor areas and its focus on education with its highly rated schools and numerous historical attractions from which to learn. -
Medford
This township has the best of both worlds: a rich agricultural scene in a quaint atmosphere and a vibrant Main Street that showcases local talent within businesses and special events. -
Harrison Twp.
Harrison Township blends history and small-town charm and families love it for its excellent schools, community events where civic pride runs deep and a bustling Main Street replete with dining destinations, shops, salons and more. -
Woolwich
This community in western Gloucester County has experienced significant growth in recent years with the addition of modern housing developments and new businesses while also preserving its rich farmland. -
Voorhees
Named after a former N.J. governor, Voorhees has been the longtime home of the Philadelphia Flyers’ practice facility and Virtua Hospital, one of the leading health care providers in the region. -
Evesham
Evesham boasts more than 45,000 residents (with more than 18,000 residential addresses) but is also home to more than 2,000 businesses, making it one of South Jersey’s major commercial hubs. -
Bordentown
Wrapped around the bustling, artsy destination of Bordentown City is this comparatively quieter town boasting an irresistible blend of historical charm, natural beauty and welcoming neighborhoods. -
Mantua
This close-knit Gloucester County community continues to see new growth thanks to many new residents being drawn to the area for its highly rated school system and high quality of life. -
Cherry Hill
The ever-expanding town is central to exciting action and new business developments while remaining a safe place to both live and explore with a wide range of opportunities. -
Southampton
Residents love the laid-back living found in this rural community that is largely located in the Pinelands Preserve and home to historic Vincentown. -
Washington Twp.
Known affectionately by locals as “Township,” this prideful community includes two beautiful parks, the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center and plenty of great food options, from Italian bakeries to popular farmers’ markets. -
Cinnaminson
This Burlington County river town is home to well-regarded schools and a thriving art scene, with a local landscape amply punctuated by historical sites and well-preserved green spaces alike. -
Monroe Twp.
With original residents predating the nation’s founding, Monroe Township blends rich history and growth. Evolving from its glass industry roots, the town is now a thriving suburb focused on community events and business development. -
Mount Laurel
From Rancocas Woods to its eponymous Laurel trees, from fine dining to great education, it’s no wonder Money magazine kicked off the ’20s by naming this town among the country’s best places to live. -
Haddon Township
With welcoming neighborhoods, a bustling restaurant and bar scene, opportunities to experience live theater and the natural beauty of Saddler’s Woods, there’s a lot to love about Haddon Township. -
Burlington Township
With nearly 350 years of history behind it, this progressive community continually propels itself forward with a convenient location, exceptional recreational programs, and in-demand business and retail spaces. -
Lumberton
Known for its farming culture, sprawling fields and aviation museum, Lumberton evolved from a simple lumber town to a suburban sprawl surrounding off-shoots of Rancocas Creek. -
Florence
Set along the Delaware River, Florence offers beautiful landscape views, a serene atmosphere and a charming small-town feel with a strong emphasis on its past, through the Roebling Historical Society. -
Franklin Township
With spacious land, numerous parks and presevered open space, and a strong emphasis on inclusion, activisim and town pride, Franklin Township is a great place for anyone to call home. -
Delran
Befitting a name indicating that it's where the Deleware River and Rancocas Creek meet, this family-friendly municipality as plenty of natural charm adding to its quaintly suburban appeal. -
Gloucester Twp.
A fast-growing community, Gloucester Township prides itself on public events—like farmers’ markets, local concerts and more—recreation opportunities including a municipal pool, a community college and shopping venues. -
West Deptford
Situated along the Delaware River in Gloucester County, West Deptford boasts the triving RiverWinds complex, which includes a golf course, tennis courts, a community center and an award-winning resturant. -
Waterford
Formed in 1964, Waterford is one of the state's oldest towns and celebrates its past while keeping an eyefirmly focused on future growth and development. -
Collingswood
An appealing town filled with a variety of restaurants, shops, arts and culture, a variety of community-wide events and its popular farmers’ market.
By County
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Top 10 Burlington County Towns |
Top 10 Camden County Towns |
Top 10 Gloucester County Towns |
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By The Numbers
Big Towns
|
MUNICIPALITY |
Average Residential Property Value |
Average Total Property Taxes |
Crime Rate % Per 1,000 residents |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bordentown Twp. |
$243,080 |
$8,177 |
11.2 |
|
Burlington Twp. |
$235,033 |
$6,881 |
13.1 |
|
Cinnaminson |
$236,301 |
$8,374 |
22.5 |
|
Delran |
$211,532 |
$8,070 |
18.7 |
|
Evesham |
$272,847 |
$8,697 |
20 |
|
Florence |
$222,930 |
$5,581 |
2.7 |
|
Lumberton |
$301,882 |
$8,036 |
17.5 |
|
Maple Shade |
$161,708 |
$6,138 |
23.3 |
|
Medford |
$330,799 |
$11,739 |
8.7 |
|
Moorestown |
$463,277 |
$12,768 |
11.5 |
|
Mount Holly |
$171,403 |
$5,584 |
23.1 |
|
Mount Laurel |
$238,716 |
$6,987 |
24.5 |
|
Pemberton |
$186,320 |
$5,810 |
17.9 |
|
Southampton |
$193,349 |
$6,377 |
9.1 |
|
Willingboro |
$161,028 |
$6,950 |
15.7 |
|
Bellmawr |
$168,463 |
$6,370 |
15 |
|
Cherry Hill |
$227,065 |
$9,383 |
36.8 |
|
Collingswood |
$233,419 |
$9,052 |
30.2 |
|
Gloucester City |
$109,789 |
$5,503 |
21.1 |
|
Gloucester Twp. |
$188,342 |
$7,773 |
12.5 |
|
Haddon Twp. |
$234,485 |
$9,230 |
33.9 |
|
Haddonfield |
$530,509 |
$17,138 |
14.4 |
|
Lindenwold |
$112,632 |
$5,342 |
24.9 |
|
Pennsauken |
$142,718 |
$5,921 |
46 |
|
Pine Hill |
$118,763 |
$6,302 |
17.7 |
|
Voorhees |
$263,165 |
$11,316 |
13.8 |
|
Waterford |
$175,135 |
$7,715 |
7 |
|
Winslow |
$177,376 |
$6,429 |
12.2 |
|
Deptford |
$183,152 |
$6,173 |
39.4 |
|
Franklin Twp. |
$189,113 |
$6,905 |
13.1 |
|
Glassboro |
$192,616 |
$6,779 |
14.6 |
|
Harrison Twp. |
$347,540 |
$11,286 |
4.6 |
|
Mantua |
$312,345 |
$7,747 |
18.4 |
|
Monroe |
$207,526 |
$7,598 |
12.9 |
|
Washington Twp. |
$232,786 |
$8,184 |
16.9 |
|
West Deptford |
$201,719 |
$7,043 |
15 |
|
Woodbury |
$153,573 |
$7,388 |
39 |
|
Woolwich |
$321,904 |
$10,808 |
7 |
Small Towns
|
MUNICIPALITY |
Average Residential Property Value |
Average Total Property Taxes |
Crime Rate % Per 1,000 residents |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bordentown City |
205,848 |
$7,578 |
5.2 |
|
Burlington City |
139,670 |
$6,048 |
24.7 |
|
Chesterfield |
393,697 |
$12,808 |
3.5 |
|
Delanco |
195,722 |
$6,676 |
10.3 |
|
Eastampton |
235,376 |
$7,335 |
12.5 |
|
Edgewater Park Twp. |
184,463 |
$6,251 |
15.7 |
|
Hainesport |
282,935 |
$7,539 |
14.7 |
|
Mansfield |
254,724 |
$8,265 |
7.3 |
|
Medford Lakes |
289,816 |
$11,016 |
4.6 |
|
New Hanover Twp. |
182,159 |
$5,519 |
0.9 |
|
North Hanover Twp. |
321,984 |
$7,680 |
2.2 |
|
Palmyra |
148,789 |
$6,432 |
21 |
|
Riverside |
152,260 |
$6,009 |
9.6 |
|
Riverton |
249,495 |
$9,594 |
20.5 |
|
Shamong |
310,579 |
$9,943 |
5 |
|
Tabernacle |
274,397 |
$9,086 |
5 |
|
Westampton |
241,391 |
$6,779 |
29.6 |
|
Audubon |
203,988 |
$8,234 |
8.6 |
|
Barrington |
194,253 |
$9,300 |
9.9 |
|
Berlin |
236,773 |
$8,076 |
15.9 |
|
Berlin Twp. |
188,165 |
$8,076 |
33.8 |
|
Clementon |
119,309 |
$5,383 |
17.6 |
|
Haddon Heights |
296,399 |
$10,194 |
5.4 |
|
Magnolia |
149,041 |
$7,154 |
29 |
|
Merchantville |
188,916 |
$10,065 |
16.4 |
|
Mount Ephraim |
146,640 |
$7,662 |
48.5 |
|
Oaklyn |
165,928 |
$8,768 |
54.3 |
|
Runnemede |
149,094 |
$6,717 |
19.2 |
|
Somerdale |
143,641 |
$6,694 |
56.8 |
|
Stratford |
157,072 |
$7,621 |
9.8 |
|
Clayton |
274,172 |
$6,784 |
8.1 |
|
East Greenwich Twp. |
299,735 |
$9,527 |
8.9 |
|
Elk Twp. |
213,413 |
$7,671 |
6.4 |
|
Greenwich Twp. |
164,815 |
$5,674 |
9.3 |
|
Logan Twp. |
326,364 |
$4,242 |
17.3 |
|
National Park |
140,977 |
$6,704 |
15.3 |
|
Paulsboro |
105,763 |
$4,653 |
23.4 |
|
Pitman |
239,127 |
$8,352 |
3.4 |
|
Swedesboro |
174,581 |
$7,422 |
5.9 |
|
Wenonah |
260,719 |
$11,563 |
9.5 |
|
Westville |
127,887 |
$6,618 |
29.6 |
|
Woodbury Heights |
179,502 |
$8,559 |
4.8 |
