For many of our Philadelphia-based clients, moving to South Jersey isn’t just about having a driveway or an extra bedroom; it’s about getting outdoors. After years of squeezing into city parks or fighting for a patch of grass, having space to breathe (and walk the dog, and kick a soccer ball, and maybe finally buy that hammock) becomes a huge priority.
Here are 5 South Jersey towns our clients love for their outdoor spaces, trails, rivers, and parks—all while keeping a manageable commute into Philly!
1. Haddonfield
It may be known for its historic homes and charming downtown, but Haddonfield also has some fantastic green space. Crows Woods offers sports fields, playgrounds, and multiple trails, while Pennypacker Park runs along Cooper River, linking into the larger Cooper River Park trail system. Whether it’s biking along the water or exploring the trails, Haddonfield gives you plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
2. Collingswood
Collingswood gets a lot of buzz 🐝 for its restaurant scene, but ask a local where they spend their weekends, and chances are they’ll say Knight Park or Cooper River Park. The Cooper River is a hub for rowing, jogging, and waterfront picnics, and you’ll often find festivals and races happening along its banks. Combine that with easy access to PATCO, and it’s no surprise Collingswood tops many buyers’ lists.
3. Cherry Hill
As one of South Jersey’s largest suburbs, Cherry Hill has no shortage of outdoor spaces. Barclay Farmstead gives residents 32 acres of trails and history, while Croft Farm hosts concerts and events on its sprawling grounds. The town also stretches close to the Cooper River, giving residents access to water views, boating, and miles of riverside trails. Families who prioritize outdoor living often gravitate here for the mix of neighborhood parks and riverside recreation.
Neighboring Pennsauken also borders Cooper River Park, and many find that offers more affordability when buying a home.
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4. Merchantville
A small town with surprising charm, Merchantville has made outdoor living a core part of its community. The Merchantville Bike Path winds through town along the old railway, shaded by tree-lined streets and leading toward the riverfront in neighboring Pennsauken. Locals also take pride in the town’s many green initiatives and community gardens—giving Merchantville a reputation as one of South Jersey’s “greener” hidden gems.
5. Medford Lakes
If you dream of a home that feels like a getaway, Medford Lakes might be the perfect fit. This community is famous for its 22 lakes and its rustic log-cabin style homes, giving it an almost vacation-town vibe right in Burlington County.
Outdoor living is the centerpiece here—residents kayak, paddleboard, and fish on the lakes in summer, then ice skate in winter. Trails weave through the Pinelands, making it easy to hike or bike right out your front door.
Commuting into Philadelphia takes a bit longer (about ~45 minutes by car), but many of our clients who’ve looked in Medford Lakes were drawn less by the city commute and more by the chance to live in a unique, outdoors-first community. Neighboring towns of Medford, Shamong, and Tabernacle also are great outdoorsy choices.
Wrapping It Up
From riverfront trails in Collingswood and Cherry Hill, to the shaded bike paths in Merchantville, to the log cabins and lakes of Medford Lakes, South Jersey has no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
For many of our clients, making the move across the bridge isn’t just about finding more square footage—it’s about finding more sky, water, and green space. If your dream home includes a kayak, a hammock, or simply a bigger backyard, these towns show that you don’t have to leave convenience behind to get it.
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