Living in South Jersey: Cherry Hill vs Collingswood
Welcome to the search for the best places to live in South Jersey. When buyers start looking at Camden County, two towns almost always make the shortlist alongside neighboring communities like Haddonfield and Haddon Heights. Many people moving out of Philadelphia or relocating to the region find themselves comparing these exact two markets.
Even though they are just a few miles apart, Cherry Hill and Collingswood offer completely different day-to-day lifestyles. It really comes down to what kind of environment makes you feel at home. You might find yourself drawn to the quiet residential streets of a sprawling township, or you might prefer the energy of a dense, historic borough.
On one hand, you have sprawling suburban amenities and wide-open spaces. On the other, you have historic, walkable charm with a bustling main street. Let’s break down exactly what it means to buy a home in either of these fantastic communities so you can make the best choice for your next move.
Lifestyle and Vibe: Sprawling Suburb vs Walkable Downtown
Getting a feel for the local vibe is usually the first step when comparing these two areas. Cherry Hill is known for its expansive layout, featuring major shopping centers like the Cherry Hill Mall, wide streets, and abundant commercial development. Everything you could possibly need is located within the township borders.
If you love the convenience of big-box stores and having every amenity within a short drive, this sprawling suburb delivers. You will find large grocery stores, endless retail options, and massive entertainment complexes just minutes from most residential neighborhoods. For those who prioritize effortless parking and massive retail variety, Cherry Hill is tough to beat.
Collingswood, however, offers a much more dense, close-knit neighbourhood feel. The housing is tucked closely together, and the community is highly focused on pedestrian access. Life here is centered around a highly walkable downtown along Haddon Avenue.
This main street is famous for the Collingswood dining scene, which is packed with diverse BYOB restaurants, boutique shops, and independent coffee shops. You can easily spend a Saturday morning walking from your front porch to grab an espresso and browse local storefronts.
Despite their differences, both towns share excellent outdoor access. Whether you settle in a quiet Cherry Hill cul-de-sac or a historic Collingswood street, you are always just a short trip away from community events. Both towns also offer fantastic proximity to Cooper River Park, a regional hub for walking trails, picnicking, and rowing regattas on the Cooper River.
Housing Market and Real Estate Prices
Let’s look at the actual homes you will be touring when buying a home in this region. The Cherry Hill real estate market is dominated by larger single-family homes with spacious lots, set inside classic suburban subdivisions. You will frequently see mid-century split-levels, large colonials, and sprawling ranch homes with multi-car garages.
In contrast, the Collingswood real estate market is characterized by historic homes, classic architecture, townhomes, and much smaller lots. You are more likely to tour charming American Foursquares, Victorian-style properties, and cozy bungalows with inviting front porches.
Because the Collingswood housing stock is older, buying a home here often means budgeting for future updates or specific maintenance needs. Cherry Hill homes vary in age, but you can often find newer construction or properties that have already undergone modern renovations with less need for historic preservation.
For first-time buyers navigating the 2026 real estate market, both areas remain highly competitive. You will want to be pre-approved and ready to make strong offers, as well-priced inventory moves quickly in both municipalities.
Here is a quick look at approximate median home prices this year:
- Cherry Hill: $457,500 to $480,000
- Collingswood: $450,000 to $462,000
Commuting to Philadelphia
Transportation is a massive factor for anyone working across the river in Center City. Commute times and methods can drastically change your daily routine. Collingswood holds a major advantage for those who prefer to leave the car at home.
Living in Collingswood gives you direct access to the PATCO Speedline right in the center of town. This means you can enjoy a fast, reliable train ride straight into Philly without worrying about bridge traffic, tolls, or expensive city parking. For many, having a local PATCO station is the primary reason they choose to live in the borough.
Cherry Hill is much more reliant on driving. Commuters here typically utilize major routes like I-295 and Route 70 to navigate the region. Traffic along these corridors can be heavy during peak morning and evening hours, which is something to consider when planning your daily schedule.
When heading into Philly, Cherry Hill residents have easy bridge access via the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges. It is worth noting that while Cherry Hill does have a New Jersey Transit station on the Atlantic City line, it is not the standard choice for most. Many daily commuters living in Cherry Hill actually prefer to drive over to a nearby PATCO station – like Woodcrest or Haddonfield – for the convenience of the train.
Cost of Living and Property Taxes
Beyond the purchase price, it is smart to look at the full monthly picture. We all know that New Jersey property taxes are a significant factor in the overall cost of living. Buyers must look closely at the local tax rates to truly understand their monthly housing budget.
When evaluating these Camden County municipalities, you have to factor in how the local assessments are currently structured. Collingswood recently underwent a property revaluation for 2025 and 2026. This process updated assessed values to match current market conditions, which shifts how tax burdens are distributed among homeowners.
You also need to consider your daily living expenses and structural costs. For example, if you are looking at townhomes or condo communities in Cherry Hill, you must factor monthly HOA fees into your budget alongside your taxes.
To give you an idea of the current property tax landscape, here are the approximate effective rates and average bills:
- Cherry Hill: An effective rate around 3.17%, with an average annual bill of roughly $9,874.
- Collingswood: An effective rate around 2.98%, with an average annual bill of roughly $8,735.
Schools and Local Amenities
When exploring homes for sale in Cherry Hill or Collingswood, local amenities and school districts are often top of mind. The Cherry Hill Public School district is large and expansive. It features numerous elementary, middle, and high schools distributed across the massive township.
Because of its sheer size, Cherry Hill can offer a wide variety of specific program offerings, advanced placement courses, and extensive athletic facilities. It operates on a scale that smaller boroughs simply cannot match, providing a vast array of extracurricular options.
Collingswood operates a smaller, more centralized school district. This naturally results in different student-teacher dynamics and a more consolidated campus feel. Many students in Collingswood walk or bike to their neighborhood schools, adding to the pedestrian-focused atmosphere of the town.
On the recreation side, both towns shine in different ways. Cherry Hill maintains an impressive network of 49 municipal parks spread throughout its neighborhoods, offering everything from quiet nature trails to large sports complexes. Collingswood offers a more centralized outdoor experience anchored by the historic Knight Park. This massive green space sits right in the middle of town and provides beautiful walking paths, mature trees, and athletic fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Collingswood still a dry town?
Yes, Collingswood remains a dry town, meaning no alcohol is sold within its municipal borders. However, this unique local law has fostered a vibrant and famous BYOB restaurant culture along Haddon Avenue, where diners simply bring their own wine or beer to enjoy with their meals.
Which town offers a faster commute to Philadelphia?
Collingswood generally offers the faster, more predictable commute into Center City thanks to the PATCO Speedline. The train ride takes about 15 minutes station-to-station, completely bypassing rush hour traffic. Cherry Hill commutes rely more heavily on Route 70 and bridge crossings, which can easily stretch past 30 minutes depending on the time of day.
Are property taxes higher in Cherry Hill or Collingswood?
On average, property tax bills are higher in Cherry Hill than in Collingswood. The current effective rate in Cherry Hill is roughly 3.17% with an average bill near $9,874. In comparison, Collingswood has an effective rate of about 2.98% and an average annual bill of $8,735.
Conclusion: Which Town is Better for You?
Deciding between these two incredible South Jersey towns comes down to your daily priorities and housing preferences. Choose Cherry Hill if you prioritize large single-family homes, expansive yards, and the convenience of shopping and dining right around the corner. It is a fantastic option for those who want a classic, spacious suburban environment with easy access to major highways.
On the flip side, choose Collingswood if you prefer a walkable town, historic homes, a vibrant local dining scene, and a seamless train commute to Philly. It is ideal for buyers who want to park their car on Friday and walk everywhere all weekend. Both municipalities offer a fantastic quality of life with easy access to the city.
The best way to know for sure is to hit the pavement and see the neighborhoods for yourself. Reach out to a local real estate agent to start viewing properties in both towns, explore the streets, and find the perfect fit for your next move.
