10 Great Reasons to Move to Gloucester County, New Jersey – 2025 Local’s Guide
Discover why Gloucester County, NJ is a top place to live. From housing and jobs to schools and nature, here’s everything you need to know before moving.
📍 What is Gloucester County, New Jersey?
Welcome to Gloucester County — a place where affordability meets accessibility, and the vibe is friendly, familiar, and just the right amount of fun.
Located in southern New Jersey, Gloucester is one of the state’s fastest-growing counties, thanks to its proximity to Philadelphia, strong public schools, and room to breathe.
Fast Facts:
- County Seat: Woodbury
- Population: ~295,000
- Top Towns: Washington Township, Deptford, Glassboro, Mullica Hill
- Known For: Rowan University, farm markets, wineries, and a suburban-meets-rural vibe
It’s where city access meets country peace.
🌦️ Geography & Climate – The Best of South Jersey
From open farmlands to historic riverfronts, Gloucester County has that wide-open-space feel, while still being well-connected.
🏞️ Landscape Highlights:
- Rolling fields, trails, and forests
- South Branch of the Raccoon Creek
- Proximity to Delaware River and shore points
- Wineries, orchards, and hiking trails
☀️ Seasonal Weather:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | Local Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Blooming & breezy 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–90 | Warm & sunny ☀️ |
| Fall | 55–70 | Crisp & colorful 🍁 |
| Winter | 25–45 | Cool with some snow ❄️ |
Yes, you get all four seasons—without the extremes.
🏘️ Best Places to Live in Gloucester County
Whether you’re looking for peaceful farmland, new construction homes, or walkable towns, Gloucester’s got a fit for you.
🏡 Top Towns Breakdown:
| Town | Vibe & Lifestyle | Avg Home Price | Commute to Philly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Twp | Family-friendly suburb | $375,000 | ~25 min |
| Mullica Hill | Rural elegance & charm | $490,000 | ~30 min |
| Glassboro | College town energy | $350,000 | ~25 min |
| Deptford | Shopping & access | $360,000 | ~20 min |
| Pitman | Quaint, artsy, walkable | $320,000 | ~25 min |
Mullica Hill is ideal for upscale quiet. Glassboro is perfect for students or investors. Deptford wins for access + convenience.
💼 Job Market & Economy – Opportunity Without the Overwhelm
Gloucester County’s economy is steady, diverse, and growing. It’s a great hub for those who want to live affordably and commute to Philly, or work locally in healthcare, education, and retail.
👨💼 Key Sectors:
- Healthcare (Inspira Health, Jefferson Health)
- Education (Rowan University)
- Manufacturing & Distribution
- Retail & Logistics
- Agriculture & local markets
💰 Income Stats:
- Median Household Income: ~$83,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~4.5%
- Rapidly expanding remote work options
This county is one of the most balanced economic zones in South Jersey.
🏠 Real Estate – Affordable & Spacious
Compared to neighboring counties and Philly suburbs, Gloucester County real estate is a steal. You get bigger homes, larger lots, and new builds at better prices.
🏘️ Real Estate Comparison:
| Town | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (2BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Twp | $375,000 | $1,950 | ~2.2% |
| Mullica Hill | $490,000 | $2,200 | ~2.3% |
| Glassboro | $350,000 | $1,850 | ~2.1% |
| Deptford | $360,000 | $1,900 | ~2.4% |
🔑 Trends:
- High demand for 4-bedroom homes
- New developments popping up near Rowan & Route 55
- Strong rental ROI near colleges and hospitals
🚗 Transportation – Easy Access to Everywhere
Living in Gloucester County means you can get to Philadelphia, the shore, or Delaware in under an hour.
🛣️ Major Roads:
- Route 55
- Route 42
- NJ Turnpike
- Route 322 (great for Mullica Hill to Glassboro)
🚆 Transit:
- NJ Transit buses to Philly & Camden
- PATCO access via nearby Camden County
- 20–30 min drive to Philly International Airport
Quick tip: avoid rush hour on Route 42 if you can 😅
🎓 Education & Schools – Smart Choice for Families
Gloucester County schools are consistently strong, with top-rated districts, tech education, and a vibrant college scene at Rowan University.
🏫 Top School Districts:
- Washington Township Public Schools
- Kingsway Regional School District
- Clearview Regional (Mullica Hill)
- Pitman Public Schools
- Glassboro Public Schools
🎓 Higher Education:
- Rowan University – a rising star in NJ public education
- Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ)
Bonus: students in the county get affordable pathways to Rowan’s bachelor’s programs.
🏥 Healthcare – Quality, Close to Home
Residents benefit from modern hospitals, urgent care, and senior care right within the county.
🏥 Key Providers:
- Inspira Medical Center (Mullica Hill) – state-of-the-art
- Jefferson Health – Washington Twp
- Multiple family care and urgent care centers
- Growing support for telehealth and home care
🌳 Parks, Nature & Outdoor Life
Need some space to hike, kayak, or just breathe? Gloucester County offers plenty of green escapes without the long drives.
🌿 Top Outdoor Spots:
- Scotland Run Park – kayaking, beach, nature trails
- Red Bank Battlefield Park – river views + history
- Ceres Park – mountain biking & hiking
- Gloucester County Dream Park – equestrian events
You can go from Target to trailhead in 10 minutes here.
🛍️ Shopping, Dining & Downtown Vibes
You don’t need to head to Philly to find good food and shopping—Gloucester has its own flavor.
🛍️ Where to Shop:
- Deptford Mall – major retail brands
- Mullica Hill boutiques – antiques, handmade goods
- Glassboro Rowan Boulevard – new shops & eateries
🍴 Where to Eat:
- Carolina Blue (Pitman) – BBQ & brews
- Italian Affair (Glassboro) – pizza perfection
- Harrison House Diner – the ultimate local staple
- The Red Hen (Swedesboro) – cozy farm-to-table vibes
🕊️ Community & Culture – Small Town, Big Heart
Gloucester County thrives on community pride, family events, and a genuine hometown feel.
- Active local libraries
- Town parades, farmer’s markets, holiday festivals
- Faith communities across all denominations
- Volunteer groups, civic organizations, rec leagues
It’s the kind of place where neighbors still say “hi.”
🛡️ Safety & Living Standards
Gloucester County is known for being safe, clean, and community-oriented, especially in the suburbs and smaller towns.
| Area | Safety Rating (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mullica Hill | 2/10 | Quiet & upscale |
| Washington Twp | 3/10 | Well-patrolled & safe |
| Deptford | 4/10 | Retail areas = busier |
| Glassboro | 5/10 | College areas = active |
Crime is relatively low, and police departments are community-focused.
📊 Gloucester County Snapshot
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | ~295,000 |
| Median Income | $83,000 |
| Median Home Price | $375,000 |
| Homeownership Rate | 75% |
| Avg Property Tax Rate | 2.2% |
| Top School Ranking | 8.5/10 avg |
✅ Should You Move to Gloucester County?
If you’re looking for:
- Affordable homes
- Safe, family-oriented communities
- Access to Philly without city prices
- Good schools and green space
…then Gloucester County, NJ might be perfect for you.
👍 Pros:
- Budget-friendly real estate
- Strong school districts
- Close to Philly, AC, and the Shore
- Community-first culture
- Growing job and housing market
👎 Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Can feel “quiet” if you’re used to city life
- Some rural areas have less nightlife/entertainment
🔗 External Resource
Want more info? Check out the Official Gloucester County Website
🧠 Final Thoughts
Gloucester County, New Jersey is that under-the-radar sweet spot — a little bit rural, a little bit suburban, and a whole lot of heart.
Whether you’re buying your first home, raising a family, or just craving more space, this might be the move that changes everything.
So what do you think—are you packing yet?