6 Underrated South Jersey Towns Buyers Overlook (But Shouldn’t)

When most people think about moving to the South Jersey suburbs of Philadelphia, they think of the “usual suspects”: Collingswood, Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Marlton. And while those towns are great, they’re also competitive, pricey, and sometimes overwhelming for first-time buyers.

But what about the under-the-radar towns? The ones that don’t always make the “Top 10 Best Places to Live” lists but quietly offer charm, convenience, and in many cases—better deals? Here are six South Jersey towns our clients don’t always consider at first, but often end up pleasantly surprised by:

Small but mighty, Magnolia is tucked between Haddon Heights and Somerdale. Many clients stumble onto it when looking for “something affordable but still near a PATCO station.”

Magnolia’s housing stock includes cozy bungalows, Cape Cods, and mid-century homes that are often more budget-friendly than its neighbors. It has its own schools, a few local restaurants and shops, and it’s just minutes from the Ashland and Haddonfield PATCO stations. Not only that, Lawnside's parade of big box stores (Home Depot, Petsmart, Lowe's, ShopRite) is just a couple minutes away, making shopping a breeze, and one of South Jersey's best coffee shops, Trouble Brewing, in downtown Haddon Heights is a 5 minute drive.

For buyers who want a convenient location without paying “Haddon prices,” Magnolia is a smart find.

Pitman feels like stepping into a small-town movie set. With its charming downtown, old theater, and artsy vibe, this Gloucester County town is one of South Jersey’s best-kept secrets.

Originally a Methodist camp meeting ground in the late 1800s, Pitman still retains its historic character. Downtown is packed with cafes, breweries, and shops—plus there’s always something happening, from craft fairs to concerts. Housing here is generally more affordable than the “big name” towns closer to Philly, but you still get commuter convenience with access to Routes 55 and 322.

Nestled next to Collingswood and Audubon, Oaklyn sometimes gets overshadowed—but buyers who take a closer look often find it a hidden gem.

The town has a growing food and drink scene (Tonewood Brewing is a local favorite), plus walkable streets and classic 1920s–1940s homes. It’s just a quick hop to Collingswood’s PATCO station, giving you easy train access into Philly. And because Oaklyn hasn’t yet exploded in popularity like its neighbors, you can often find more approachable price points for similar styles of homes.

Palmyra doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it should. Sitting along the Delaware River, this town has quick access into Philadelphia via the Tacony–Palmyra Bridge and the River LINE light rail.

Buyers who choose Palmyra often love the blend of historic homes (think charming Victorians and early 20th-century builds), leafy neighborhoods, and affordability compared to nearby Riverton or Cinnaminson. Its location also makes it easy to pop into both Philly and other parts of Burlington County.

As the county seat of Gloucester County, Woodbury has history, architecture, and convenience all rolled into one. The town features beautiful old Victorians and colonials, often at price points far below comparable homes in neighboring Camden County.

Woodbury also has a revitalizing, walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and cultural events. Its location—right off Route 295 and just 15 minutes from the Walt Whitman Bridge—makes it a smart choice for commuters. Clients who have chosen Woodbury often tell us they were surprised at how much house they could get for their money compared to other nearby towns.

Often overshadowed by its neighbors, Barrington is one of those towns that buyers sometimes overlook—until they realize how convenient it is. Located right off I-295 and the White Horse Pike, Barrington makes commuting into Philadelphia a breeze. You’re also just minutes from downtown Haddonfield, which means you can easily enjoy the restaurants and shops without paying the same premium for housing.

The homes here are primarily Cape Cods, split-levels, and post-war single-family houses, many of which come in at approachable price points compared to nearby “big name” towns. Clients who have chosen Barrington often tell us they were surprised at how much further their budget stretched here—while still keeping them within a quick drive of the PATCO stations and major highways.

Barrington also has a cozy main street along Clements Bridge Road, with local favorites like the Old Rail Tavern and smaller shops that add to the community feel. For buyers looking for convenience and value, Barrington is a smart under-the-radar choice.

South Jersey has more to offer than just the well-known hotspots. Magnolia, Palmyra, Pitman, Oaklyn, Woodbury, and Barrington might not always get the same attention as Collingswood or Cherry Hill, but that’s part of their charm.

For many of our clients, these underrated towns have turned out to be the perfect balance of value, convenience, and character. If you’re open to looking beyond the obvious choices, you might just find your hidden gem on this list.

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