10 Real Reasons to Move to Cumberland County, New Jersey – 2024 Relocation Guide
Thinking of relocating to Cumberland County, NJ? Explore this full guide on housing, jobs, schools, nature, and the peaceful lifestyle waiting for you.
📍 What is Cumberland County, New Jersey?
Imagine waking up to open skies, driving past cornfields, and ending the day with a sunset over the river. That’s Cumberland County, New Jersey in a nutshell.
Located in the southern part of the state, Cumberland is one of the most affordable and scenic counties in New Jersey. Known for its agriculture, wildlife preserves, and small-town feel, this is a place where life slows down—just the way you want it to.
Fast Facts:
- County Seat: Bridgeton
- Population: ~150,000
- Top Cities: Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton
- Nickname: “The Garden Spot of the Garden State” 🌽
If you’re tired of traffic, noise, and sky-high prices—welcome home.
🌦️ Geography, Weather & Natural Beauty
Cumberland County is a land of open farmland, protected forests, and rivers, with the Delaware Bay to the south.
🏞️ What You’ll See:
- Maurice River and Cohansey River
- Wildlife refuges (great for birdwatching!)
- Nature preserves and hiking trails
- Coastal marshes and estuaries
☀️ Seasonal Weather:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Calm & colorful 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–90 | Warm & breezy ☀️ |
| Fall | 55–70 | Harvest season 🍂 |
| Winter | 25–45 | Mild to cold ❄️ |
This is real country-living weather—layers in winter, tank tops in summer.
🏘️ Best Towns & Cities in Cumberland County
Looking for space, quiet, and a sense of community? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re drawn to farmland or a small-town vibe, Cumberland’s got something.
🏡 Town Snapshot:
| Town | Lifestyle | Avg Home Price | Commute to Philly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vineland | Suburban/rural mix | $240,000 | ~45 min |
| Millville | Artistic & historic | $215,000 | ~50 min |
| Bridgeton | Affordable & diverse | $190,000 | ~55 min |
| Hopewell Twp | Quiet & community-based | $270,000 | ~60 min |
Vineland is the largest city, but Bridgeton has the historical roots and culture.
💼 The Economy – Growth in the Garden
Cumberland may not have skyscrapers, but it has real economic potential, especially for those in agriculture, logistics, healthcare, and light manufacturing.
📦 Top Industries:
- Agriculture (greenhouses, farms, vineyards)
- Food processing and canning
- Warehousing and logistics
- Healthcare
- Retail and education
💰 Income Overview:
- Median Household Income: ~$56,000
- Cost of Living Index: 83 (National Average = 100)
- Unemployment Rate: ~6.8% (declining with new projects)
Remote work? Farming startup? Family business? This is your blank canvas.
🏠 Real Estate – New Jersey’s Best Deals?
Let’s cut to the chase—Cumberland County is the most affordable housing market in NJ. It’s ideal for first-time buyers, retirees, and real estate investors.
🏠 Home & Rent Comparison
| Area | Avg. Home Price | Avg. Rent (2BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vineland | $240,000 | $1,350 | 2.3% |
| Millville | $215,000 | $1,250 | 2.1% |
| Bridgeton | $190,000 | $1,200 | 2.0% |
🔑 Investment Tips:
- Farmland available for agriculture or recreational use
- High demand for affordable rentals
- Great opportunity for renovation projects
It’s one of the last places in NJ where your dollar actually goes far.
🚗 Transportation – Simple and Straightforward
No, there’s no subway—but that’s kind of the point. This county is drivable, peaceful, and well-connected to key highways.
Key Routes:
- Route 55 (main artery to Philly and beyond)
- Route 49 (cross-county access)
- Garden State Parkway (30–40 min drive to access)
🚌 Transit Options:
- NJ Transit buses to Atlantic City, Camden, Philadelphia
- Local shuttles and ride-shares
- Closest airports: Atlantic City Int’l (~40 min), Philly Int’l (~55 min)
🎓 Schools & Education – Small Districts, Big Heart
Cumberland County’s schools are community-driven, with strong programs in agriculture, STEM, and trades.
🏫 Top Districts:
- Vineland Public Schools
- Cumberland Regional High School
- Millville Public Schools
- Upper Deerfield School District
Colleges & Vocational Training:
- Rowan College of South Jersey (Cumberland Campus)
- Cumberland County Technical Education Center (CCTEC)
It’s a great place for hands-on learners and future tradespeople.
🏥 Healthcare Access – Growing & Reliable
For a rural area, Cumberland County punches above its weight when it comes to quality care and medical services.
Healthcare Providers:
- Inspira Medical Center (Vineland) – full-service hospital
- South Jersey Health Care offices & urgent care centers
- Mental health and family clinics in all major towns
🌿 Nature, Outdoor Life & Parks
Love nature? You’ll be in heaven here. Hunting, fishing, boating, and hiking are part of everyday life in Cumberland.
🌲 Outdoor Gems:
- Maurice River Bluffs Preserve – hiking, birdwatching
- Parvin State Park – lakes, cabins, and trails
- Cumberland County Lakes – boating and kayaking
- East Point Lighthouse – stunning sunsets on the bay
You won’t find big roller coasters—but you’ll find real adventure.
🛍️ Shopping, Dining & Local Flavor
Shopping here is local, cozy, and charming. You’ll trade big malls for farm stands, diners, and historic downtowns.
🛍️ Where to Go:
- Cumberland Mall (Vineland)
- Downtown Millville – arts, antiques, & local coffee
- Bridgeton’s West Park Street shops
- Farmer’s markets with produce and baked goods
🍴 Food Scene:
- Maurice River Diner – local classic
- Jim’s Lunch – Vineland’s burger icon
- Winfield’s (Millville) – upscale seafood
- El Manjar (Bridgeton) – fantastic Dominican cuisine
🕊️ Community, Culture & Diversity
Cumberland is a true melting pot—with rich cultures, historic towns, and welcoming small-town energy.
- Strong Latino and Black communities
- Churches, mosques, and temples across the county
- Local festivals: Bridgeton Crabfest, Millville Art Walk, NJ Peach Festival
- Public libraries, rec centers, and community gardens
🛡️ Safety & Living Standards
While urban centers like Bridgeton and Millville have had challenges, crime has been steadily declining thanks to community engagement and policing reforms.
| Town | Crime Level (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vineland | 4/10 | Safer in suburbs |
| Millville | 5/10 | Varies by neighborhood |
| Bridgeton | 6/10 | Improving steadily |
It’s a safe place overall—just do your research before settling on a block.
📊 Cumberland County Snapshot
| Metric | Stat |
|---|---|
| Population | ~150,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$230,000 |
| Median Household Income | ~$56,000 |
| Homeownership Rate | 65% |
| Property Tax Rate (avg) | 2.1–2.3% |
| Commute to Philly | ~50 minutes |
✅ Should You Move to Cumberland County?
👍 Pros:
- Most affordable homes in NJ
- Scenic rural beauty
- Space to grow (literally and financially)
- Great for remote workers and tradespeople
- Nature all around you
👎 Cons:
- Limited nightlife
- Slower internet in some areas
- Public transport is minimal
- Some towns still transitioning economically
🔗 External Resource
Want more data and government updates? Visit the Cumberland County Official Website
🧠 Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to ditch the rush, breathe fresh air, own land, or start a new chapter at your pace—Cumberland County, New Jersey is more than a place. It’s a mindset.
The peace is real, the prices are right, and the possibilities? Endless.