10 Surprising Reasons Camden County, New Jersey Might Be Your Next Move
Discover the full guide to Camden County, NJ—housing, schools, jobs, transport, and what makes it a unique place to live in South Jersey. Is it right for you?
📍 What is Camden County, New Jersey?
Welcome to Camden County, New Jersey, a place where city energy meets suburban calm. Located just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Camden County is one of the most strategically positioned counties in the state.
It’s not just about Camden City—you’ll find bustling suburbs, top universities, growing neighborhoods, and a cultural scene that’s full of surprises.
Fast Facts:
- Location: Southwestern NJ
- County Seat: Camden
- Population: ~523,000
- Area: 227 square miles
- Founded: 1844
It’s gritty, growing, and surprisingly livable.
🌤️ Geography & Weather – Seasonal Life at Its Best
Camden County shares the same four-season rhythm as the rest of South Jersey—mild springs, hot summers, crisp falls, and snowy (but not brutal) winters.
🗺️ Geography Highlights:
- Delaware River waterfront
- Cooper River and multiple lakes
- Parks and suburban sprawl mixed with urban zones
🌦️ Average Climate:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Fresh & floral 🌸 |
| Summer | 75–90 | Sunny & lively ☀️ |
| Fall | 55–70 | Cozy & colorful 🍁 |
| Winter | 30–45 | Light snow & gray ❄️ |
🏘️ Cities, Towns & Where to Live
Let’s clear something up: Camden County isn’t just Camden City. It’s home to many highly-rated suburbs that are perfect for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
🏡 Top Towns Overview:
| Town | Lifestyle | Avg Home Price | Commute to Philly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Hill | Suburban & upscale | $420,000 | 20 min |
| Haddonfield | Historic & elite | $585,000 | 25 min |
| Collingswood | Artsy & walkable | $370,000 | 20 min |
| Voorhees | Modern & spacious | $440,000 | 25–30 min |
| Camden City | Urban & evolving | $165,000 | 5–10 min |
Cherry Hill is the “jewel” of South Jersey, while Collingswood is every hipster’s dream with art, food, and walkability.
💼 Economy & Jobs – Revitalization in Motion
Camden County’s economy is a mix of healthcare, education, public service, and retail. It also benefits from its tight connection to Philadelphia, making it a commuter-friendly spot.
🔝 Key Industries:
- Education (Rutgers–Camden, Camden County College)
- Healthcare (Cooper University Health Care, Virtua Health)
- Law and Government
- Retail and Food Services
- Logistics and Distribution
💰 Income Snapshot:
- Median Household Income: ~$75,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~5.2%
- Camden City undergoing major economic redevelopment
🚗 Commuting & Transportation – Everything Within Reach
Whether you drive, bike, or train, Camden County makes it easy to get around.
🛣️ Road Access:
- NJ Turnpike
- Route 295, Route 70, Route 38
- Ben Franklin & Walt Whitman Bridges (to Philly)
🚆 Public Transit:
- PATCO Speedline – high-speed train to Philadelphia
- NJ Transit Buses and River LINE light rail
- Bike paths and walking trails in many towns
✈️ Airports Nearby:
- Philadelphia International Airport (~20–25 min)
- Atlantic City International Airport (~45 min)
You can live in the suburbs and still reach downtown Philly in 20 minutes flat.
🏘️ Housing & Real Estate – What You Get for Your Money
Camden County offers some of the best value for real estate in South Jersey. From classic colonials to ultra-modern townhomes, it’s got it all.
🏠 Housing Comparison
| Area | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (2BR) | Property Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Hill | $420,000 | $2,300 | High |
| Collingswood | $370,000 | $2,100 | Medium |
| Camden City | $165,000 | $1,100 | Lower |
| Voorhees | $440,000 | $2,300 | High |
📊 Trends:
- Young professionals love Collingswood and Haddon Township
- Camden City offers affordable entry points for investors
- Strong rental demand in university areas
🎓 Schools & Education – A Mixed Bag of Excellence
Education is a big deal in Camden County, and while some districts struggle, others shine.
🏫 Top School Districts:
- Cherry Hill Public Schools – consistently top-rated
- Haddonfield School District – elite academics
- Voorhees Township Schools – great for families
- Collingswood School District – diverse & growing
🎓 Colleges & Universities:
- Rutgers University–Camden
- Camden County College
- Rowan University (nearby Glassboro)
If education is your top priority, Cherry Hill and Haddonfield are safe bets.
🏥 Healthcare – Access to World-Class Facilities
Camden County is home to some of the best hospitals in South Jersey.
Top Providers:
- Cooper University Hospital – trauma, specialty care, research
- Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
- Jefferson Health–Cherry Hill
- Multiple urgent care centers & clinics
🎉 Lifestyle, Food, and Community
Camden County is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and vibes.
🛍️ Shopping Hotspots:
- Cherry Hill Mall (flagship stores & brands)
- Downtown Collingswood (boutiques, books, artsy shops)
- Haddonfield’s King’s Highway (historic charm)
🍴 Foodie Must-Trys:
- Zeppoli (Collingswood) – rustic Italian
- The Pop Shop – retro diner fun
- Sabrina’s Café – brunch with flair
- Keg & Kitchen – upscale pub
🌿 Nature, Parks & Things to Do
Don’t let the “urban” part fool you—Camden County is green and gorgeous in many parts.
🏞️ Top Spots:
- Cooper River Park – rowing, trails, events
- Newton Lake Park – hidden local gem
- Challenge Grove Park – cherry blossoms in spring
- Camden Waterfront – concerts, aquarium, and skyline views
🕊️ Diversity, Culture & Community Life
Camden County is a true crossroad of culture and background, with deep roots and modern inclusion.
- Large Hispanic and African American populations
- Multilingual services in government and schools
- Diverse religious communities: churches, mosques, synagogues
- Year-round cultural festivals and parades
🛡️ Safety & Neighborhood Vibes
Safety varies widely depending on the town.
Safe & Family-Friendly:
- Cherry Hill
- Haddonfield
- Voorhees
- Collingswood
Revitalizing:
- Camden City – improving year-over-year with public/private investment
📊 Camden County Snapshot
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Population | ~523,000 |
| Median Income | ~$75,000 |
| Homeownership Rate | ~67% |
| Avg Commute to Philly | ~22 minutes |
| Avg Property Tax | ~2.4% |
✅ Should You Move to Camden County?
If you’re craving city access, diverse neighborhoods, great food, and real estate deals, Camden County might just be your next zip code.
Pros:
- Close to Philadelphia
- Top-tier suburbs (Cherry Hill, Haddonfield)
- Affordable urban properties
- Cultural diversity
- Solid school options
Cons:
- Property taxes can be high
- Urban areas still in transition
- Some public transit zones underdeveloped
🔗 External Resource
Want to explore more? Visit the Official Camden County Website
🧠 Final Thoughts
Camden County, New Jersey might not be the first name on your list—but it should be. With its rich history, evolving communities, suburban gems, and unbeatable location, it’s a smart choice for just about anyone.
Whether you’re buying your first home, launching a business, or looking for a lifestyle upgrade—Camden County delivers.