Cherry Hill vs Marlton: A South Jersey Real Estate Comparison
Welcome to the South Jersey real estate market. If you are weighing your options among the Philadelphia suburbs, Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Marlton, New Jersey almost always make the short list.
Cherry Hill sits in Camden County just about 8 miles from the city, making it a highly sought-after location for commuters. Marlton – officially the primary community within Evesham Township – is a bit further out in Burlington County at roughly 14 miles away. In this guide, we are going to look closely at the housing markets, property taxes, school districts, and daily commute realities to help you make an informed decision about living in South Jersey.
Housing Markets and Property Values: What to Expect
Let’s start with housing costs and what you actually get for your money in these two townships. Median home values in both areas generally range from $350,000 to over $800,000, depending heavily on the specific neighborhood and the type of property.
Cherry Hill is known for its older, established neighborhoods with slightly larger lots. When looking at homes for sale in Cherry Hill, you will often hear locals compare the distinct architectural styles and property values of Cherry Hill East versus the West side.
Over in Marlton, the real estate landscape leans a bit newer. You will find more recent planned communities, a strong inventory of townhomes, and terraced houses that appeal to buyers wanting a lower-maintenance lifestyle.
If you are exploring various neighborhoods, it is also worth keeping neighboring alternatives like Voorhees, Mount Laurel, and Haddonfield on your radar. Comparing these nearby towns helps you see how different price points and housing styles stack up across the region.
Cost of Living and Property Taxes: Camden vs Burlington County
From there, it is smart to look at the overall cost of living, especially New Jersey property taxes. Property taxes here are calculated using municipal, county, and school levies, and the county line you choose makes a very real difference to your bottom line.
Cherry Hill is located in Camden County, which typically carries a higher effective property tax rate. You can expect the average property tax bill for a single-family home in Cherry Hill to be approximately $10,000 or more, with an effective rate hovering near 2.6% to 3.1%.
Marlton, being in Burlington County, offers slightly lower effective tax rates on average. The typical tax bill in Evesham Township runs around $8,000 to $9,400, reflecting an effective rate of roughly 2.3% to 3.0%.
That difference directly impacts your monthly mortgage payment. It is a crucial detail to run by your lender when you are calculating exactly how much house you can afford in either county.
Cherry Hill vs Evesham Township School Districts
Educational infrastructure is another major driver for real estate demand in both of these townships. Buyers consistently prioritize school district data when choosing where to put down roots.
In Cherry Hill nj, you have the Cherry Hill Public School District handling grades K-12. The district is consistently ranked among the top 100 in Jersey, offering robust resources and facilities. The high schools, particularly Cherry Hill East, are frequently recognized for their strong academic and extracurricular programs.
Marlton operates a little differently, with the Evesham Township School District covering kindergarten through eighth grade. After that, students transition into the highly regarded Lenape Regional High School District.
Both the Evesham and Lenape systems hold objective ‘A’ ratings on platforms like Niche. They boast solid student-to-teacher ratios and extensive facilities that serve the community well.
Commuting to Philadelphia: Routes and Public Transit
Next up is evaluating the ease of commuting into Philadelphia and other regional employment hubs. Time spent in the car or on the train is a huge factor for suburban buyers.
Cherry Hill holds a distinct advantage for public transit users because it offers direct access to the PATCO speedline. Hopping on the train at the Woodcrest or Ashland stations gets you into the city in about 15 to 20 minutes. If you prefer to drive, Cherry Hill is a quick 15 to 25 minutes without traffic via Route 70 or Route 38, though rush hour can easily push that to 45 minutes or more.
Marlton is situated further east and relies heavily on Route 70, Route 73, and nearby access to I-295 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Since there is no direct train station within the town limits, a driving commute from Marlton typically takes 30 to 50 minutes during peak hours. Your exact time will depend heavily on traffic density and whether you take the Ben Franklin or Walt Whitman bridge.
Lifestyle, Shopping Centers, and Amenities
Finally, let’s talk about the commercial and recreational offerings that define the local lifestyle. Both townships offer excellent retail options, but they deliver slightly different experiences.
Cherry Hill has a massive retail presence, anchored by the famous Cherry Hill Mall and countless shopping centers lining the major highways. It is highly convenient for everyday errands, though the dense commercial zones do bring heavier daily traffic.
Marlton offers fantastic shopping hubs as well, most notably The Promenade at Sagemore and a popular Whole Foods Market. Evesham Township has also put effort into developing an upscale main street feel along Main Street, giving the town center a slightly different, more localized character.
If you love a truly historic, walkable downtown, both townships are just a short drive from Haddonfield. It is incredibly easy to pop over on a Saturday to enjoy boutique shopping, local dining, and community parks.
Pros and Cons of Living in Cherry Hill vs Marlton
Sometimes it helps to look at a quick summary of the strengths and weaknesses of each location before you start touring houses. Here is a brief breakdown of the pros and cons of living in either township.
- Cherry Hill Pros: Closer proximity to Philadelphia, easy PATCO train access, larger lots with older homes, and a highly rated K-12 school district.
- Cherry Hill Cons: Higher property taxes due to Camden County rates, heavier daily traffic density, and an older housing inventory that may require updating.
- Marlton Pros: Lower property taxes in Burlington County, plenty of newer housing developments, and excellent upscale shopping at the Promenade.
- Marlton Cons: A longer commute to Philadelphia, and no direct train station within the township borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marlton the same as Evesham?
Yes, they are essentially the same area. Marlton is a census-designated place and serves as the primary community located within Evesham Township. You will often hear locals and real estate listings use the two names interchangeably.
Is Cherry Hill a wealthy area?
Cherry Hill features a wide variety of property values and neighborhoods. While there are certainly upscale luxury neighborhoods – particularly in the Cherry Hill East section – the township also offers different price points and more accessible housing options for buyers.
What are the affordable housing options like in Evesham?
Evesham Township offers several entry-level planned communities that are great for budget-conscious buyers. You can find a strong inventory of townhomes and terraced houses that provide a lower price point compared to large single-family detached homes.
If you are ready to explore homes in either of these great communities, having accurate market data is key. Feel free to reach out directly to discuss your specific goals, or join our email list to get the latest South Jersey real estate updates sent straight to your inbox.
