Which South Jersey Towns Have the Best Downtowns?

If you love the idea of living close to restaurants, coffee shops, local stores, community events and transportation, South Jersey has some wonderful towns to consider.

One question I often hear from buyers is:

“Which South Jersey towns have the best downtowns?”

For many buyers today, choosing a home is about more than bedrooms, bathrooms and price. They also want to know what the surrounding community feels like.

Can they grab coffee nearby on Saturday morning?

Are there locally owned restaurants and shops?

Are there farmers markets, festivals and community events?

Is public transportation nearby?

Is there a traditional Main Street or downtown district?

After 31 years helping buyers and sellers throughout South Jersey, I have seen how much the surrounding lifestyle can influence where someone ultimately decides to buy.

Here are several South Jersey towns worth considering if being close to a lively downtown is high on your wish list.

Collingswood, NJ

Collingswood is often one of the first towns that comes to mind when buyers tell me they want restaurants, shopping and community activity close to home.

Haddon Avenue is the heart of downtown Collingswood and is filled with restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, boutiques and locally owned businesses.

The town is also known for its farmers market, community events and active downtown atmosphere.

Another big advantage is the Collingswood PATCO station, which provides convenient transportation into Philadelphia.

For buyers relocating from Philadelphia who still want easy access to the city, Collingswood can offer an appealing combination of suburban living and downtown convenience.

Collingswood may appeal to buyers looking for:

Restaurants and coffee shops nearby

Local boutiques and businesses

Community events

PATCO access to Philadelphia

Older homes and established neighborhoods

A lively downtown atmosphere

Haddonfield, NJ

Haddonfield has one of the most recognizable downtown districts in South Jersey.

Kings Highway and the surrounding streets are home to restaurants, cafes, boutiques, specialty stores, galleries and local businesses.

The downtown also has historic architecture and a traditional Main Street atmosphere that attracts residents and visitors throughout the year.

Haddonfield has its own PATCO station, making transportation into Philadelphia especially convenient.

Many of the residential streets surrounding the downtown are located close to shops, restaurants and community activities.

Haddonfield may appeal to buyers looking for:

A traditional downtown setting

Historic homes and architecture

Boutiques and restaurants

Community events

PATCO access

Established residential neighborhoods

Haddon Township and Westmont, NJ

Haddon Township offers another popular option along the Haddon Avenue corridor.

Restaurants, breweries, coffee shops and local businesses have helped create a lively downtown atmosphere in the Westmont area.

The Westmont PATCO station also provides convenient access to Philadelphia.

Haddon Township hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, adding to the neighborhood feel.

For buyers who like the Haddon Avenue lifestyle, I often suggest looking at Collingswood, Haddon Township and Haddonfield because each community has its own personality.

Haddon Township may appeal to buyers looking for:

Restaurants and local businesses nearby

PATCO transportation

Community activities and events

Established neighborhoods

Convenient access to Philadelphia

Merchantville, NJ

Merchantville is one of those South Jersey towns I think more buyers should know about.

It is a small borough located near Cherry Hill and Pennsauken with a compact downtown centered around Centre Street.

Merchantville has local restaurants, small businesses, community events and charming residential streets.

The town also hosts seasonal markets and gatherings that contribute to its hometown atmosphere.

Because Merchantville is smaller than many surrounding municipalities, buyers may appreciate its sense of community while still being close to major shopping areas, Philadelphia bridges and neighboring towns.

Merchantville may appeal to buyers looking for:

A small town atmosphere

Local businesses and restaurants

Community events

Older homes with character

Convenient access to Cherry Hill, Pennsauken and Philadelphia

Moorestown, NJ

Moorestown offers a beautiful traditional Main Street setting.

Downtown Moorestown includes restaurants, shops, businesses, historic buildings and community destinations.

The neighborhoods surrounding Main Street include a variety of architectural styles and established residential streets.

For buyers who like the idea of living near a traditional downtown while still having easy access to major roads, shopping and employment centers, Moorestown is worth exploring.

Moorestown may appeal to buyers looking for:

A classic Main Street atmosphere

Local shops and restaurants

Historic character

Established neighborhoods

Convenient access to major highways and shopping

Medford, NJ

Many people think of Medford for its wooded neighborhoods, lakes and larger properties.

But Historic Medford Village offers something different.

Main Street includes restaurants, cafes, boutiques, shops and local businesses surrounded by historic buildings and homes.

Medford also hosts seasonal events, festivals and community activities throughout the year.

It can be a great choice for buyers who want access to a traditional downtown while still enjoying the more rural and wooded character found throughout much of Medford.

Medford may appeal to buyers looking for:

Historic Main Street charm

Restaurants and boutiques

Community events

Nearby outdoor recreation

Wooded residential neighborhoods

Bordentown City, NJ

Bordentown City is another South Jersey community buyers sometimes overlook.

Historic Farnsworth Avenue is lined with restaurants, cafes, independent shops, galleries and small businesses.

Bordentown also has River LINE light rail service, providing another transportation option for residents.

The compact downtown has plenty of character, along with historic homes and community events.

Bordentown City may appeal to buyers looking for:

Historic charm

Independent shops and restaurants

Transportation options

Community events

Older homes and established neighborhoods

Pitman, NJ

If you are searching in Gloucester County, Pitman deserves a look.

Uptown Pitman has developed into a vibrant downtown area with restaurants, shops, arts, music and community events.

The town has a distinctive small town atmosphere and a strong sense of community.

Pitman can be especially appealing for buyers who want a recognizable town center without moving into Camden or Burlington County.

Pitman may appeal to buyers looking for:

A traditional downtown

Restaurants and local businesses

Arts and entertainment

Community events

A small town atmosphere

Which South Jersey Town Has the Best Downtown?

There is no single answer because every buyer is looking for something different.

If you want restaurants, shops and PATCO access, you may want to explore Collingswood, Haddonfield or Haddon Township.

If you prefer a smaller hometown atmosphere, Merchantville or Pitman may be worth considering.

If a traditional Main Street setting is important to you, take a look at Moorestown, Medford or Bordentown City.

The key is not simply choosing a town.

It is choosing the right neighborhood within that town.

A home located close to a downtown district can offer a very different lifestyle than another home located several miles away, even though both properties share the same town and zip code.

What Should Buyers Look for When Choosing a South Jersey Town?

When I help buyers compare South Jersey communities, I encourage them to think beyond the house itself.

Consider questions such as:

How close are restaurants and coffee shops?

Are there local stores and businesses?

What community events are offered?

Are parks and recreation nearby?

Is there convenient access to Philadelphia?

Is PATCO, River LINE or another transportation option nearby?

How far is the neighborhood from major highways?

What type of downtown atmosphere do you prefer?

These questions can help narrow down which South Jersey towns may be the best match for your lifestyle.

Thinking About Buying a Home in South Jersey?

One of the biggest advantages of working with an experienced local Realtor is having someone who understands the differences between South Jersey communities.

You may start your search thinking you want a specific town and discover that another community actually offers the lifestyle you have been looking for.

If you tell me:

“Michaela, I want restaurants nearby, a charming downtown, community events and convenient access to Philadelphia,”

I can help narrow your search to towns and neighborhoods that fit those priorities.

After 31 years helping buyers and sellers throughout Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties, I know that finding the right location is just as important as finding the right house.

If you are considering buying a home in Collingswood, Haddonfield, Haddon Township, Merchantville, Moorestown, Medford, Bordentown, Pitman or another South Jersey community, contact me. I would be happy to help you compare towns, neighborhoods, home prices and current available properties.

Thinking About Selling a Home in South Jersey?

Location and lifestyle can also be important selling points.

Buyers are not simply purchasing your house. They are also considering the neighborhood, nearby amenities, transportation, restaurants, recreation and everything that comes with living there.

If you own a home in South Jersey and are wondering what your home could sell for in today's market, contact me for a current market analysis.

I can show you what homes are actually selling for in your neighborhood and help you determine the best strategy for getting your home sold.

Michaela L. Hartery
South Jersey Realtor
Serving Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties
31 Years of South Jersey Real Estate Experience