Moving To South Jersey In 2026 With A $350k Budget? Here's 9 Towns To Consider 

Let’s clear something up early: a $350,000 budget in South Jersey is not a lost cause. It just requires letting go of the idea that you’re buying in Collingswood or Haddon Township, or any of the other downtown-based neighborhoods along the PATCO Speedline.

Six years ago, those towns were realistic entry points. Rapid price appreciation changed that math, permanently. After 2022, buyers who were priced out of the 08108 area shifted to looking in neighboring towns like Audubon and Oaklyn. That worked for a while. Now it doesn’t. Those towns have followed the same upward trajectory, pushing them out of reach for many buyers at the $250,000-$350,000 price point.

If your priority is a single-family home within 20 minutes of Philadelphia on a budget, I've done some digging for you, looking into where similar buyers moved to in 2025.

The towns I've listed below are doing the quiet, unglamorous work of staying attainable. Based on November 2025 median sold prices, every town below lands at or under $350k, and offer some great opportunities for getting onto the property ladder for your first single-family home.

If we're looking at a budget of $350,000 Pennsauken sits right at the top, with a median sold price of $350k in November 2025, but it earns it with location alone. Here, you’re close to Philadelphia for city adventures or commuting. You're also conveniently close to Cherry Hill which has some of the best restaurants in South Jersey, plus all the shopping you need. Condition varies, but value is real.

Best for buyers who want proximity and understand that paint exists.

Deptford reliably delivers homes that make sense. Layouts are practical, inventory is consistent, and highway access is excellent. This is one of the strongest “I want my life to be easy” markets under $350k, and in November 2025 the median sold price of homes was $348,000, so you're (closely) right under that budget.

Best for buyers who prioritize function over flex.

Bellmawr proves that a shorter commute often beats extra square footage. Homes are modest, prices are manageable, and access to major routes is a big win. It’s not flashy, but it’s efficient. The median sold price for homes in Bellmawr NJ in November 2025 was a nice $320,000.

Best for buyers who hate traffic more than small kitchens.

Magnolia is the affordability outlier and that’s exactly why it matters. Homes are smaller and older, but the price point leaves room to renovate or simply breathe financially. For first-time buyers, this can be a powerful starting point, and our buyers who've purchased in Magnolia have not regretted moving to this charming town. The Nov 2025 median sold price of homes here was $231,000.

Best for buyers who want in now, not “someday.”

Mount Ephraim flies under the radar, which keeps prices grounded (November 2025's median sold price was $309,000). It’s compact, residential, and stable, with housing stock that appeals to buyers who want predictability and long-term value.

Best for buyers who want to be near all the action.

Maple Shade offers real value without pushing buyers too far from everything else. Homes are often well-kept, older builds with solid bones. It’s a strong option for buyers who want flexibility without stretching their budget thin, with a November 2025 median sold price of a comfy $275,000.

Best for buyers who want options, not pressure.

Palmyra sneaks in just under the line, with a $345,000 median sold price in November 2025, and benefits from river-town proximity and direct Philly access. Prices have been inching up, but it remains realistic for buyers who move decisively.

Best for buyers who want character and commute convenience.

Glendora is one of those towns people discover mid-search and immediately question why it wasn’t on their original list. Pricing stays approachable, with a median sold price of $285,000 in November 2025, neighborhoods feel established, and competition is often calmer.

Best for buyers who value peace over hype.

Gloucester City is the lowest entry point this close to Philadelphia, with a November 2025 median sold price of a wonderful $215,000. Pricing is aggressive, community ties are strong, and walkability is a real bonus. Buyers need to be mindful of condition and flood zones, but the value proposition is hard to ignore.

Best for buyers who want the lowest buy-in near the city.

A $350k budget in South Jersey still works, but only if you stop chasing the same towns everyone posts about online. And the upside is that South Jersey sees a comfortable home price appreciation of between 5% and 10% year-over-year, so buying in one of these 9 towns now can build meaningful equity and position you to move into your ideal town down the line.

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If you’re ready to get started in one of South Jersey’s more affordable markets, begin with the form below.