Cherry Hill vs. Voorhees: An Overview of South Jersey’s Top Suburbs

Grab a cup of coffee and let’s talk about Camden County, New Jersey. If you are buying a house in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, two towns almost always make the top of the shortlist – Cherry Hill and Voorhees Township. Both of these South Jersey suburbs offer excellent access to Philly, major highways, and plenty of local amenities.

When you are comparing Cherry Hill and Voorhees, the towns can look remarkably similar on paper. They both feature mature neighborhoods, extensive retail options, and strong community infrastructure. However, the day-to-day reality of living in each township is quite different. Let’s break down the housing costs, educational data, commute times, and lifestyle factors to help you decide which side of South Jersey is right for your next move.

Housing Market and Cost of Living Comparison

Let’s start with the numbers that usually matter most to buyers – housing costs and property taxes. It is no secret that New Jersey property taxes are a major factor in any homebuying budget, and there is a noticeable financial difference between these two neighboring towns.

In Cherry Hill township, median home prices currently hover around $450,000 to $480,000. You will find a massive variety of housing stock here, heavily featuring classic mid-century layouts, sprawling split-levels, and traditional colonials on mature, tree-lined lots. Because the township was largely developed in the 1950s and 1960s, many buyers find themselves budgeting for interior updates.

Voorhees median home prices tend to run a bit higher, typically landing between $500,000 and $526,000. When you are looking at homes for sale in Voorhees, you will often find slightly newer developments built in the 1980s and 1990s. The lot sizes can sometimes be slightly larger, and you are more likely to encounter neighborhoods with established homeowner associations.

The real differentiator, though, is the ongoing property tax bill. Cherry Hill historically maintains a lower effective property tax rate, usually sitting between 2.6 percent and 3.1 percent. This brings the average annual tax bill to about $9,874. Over in Voorhees, the effective property tax rate is generally higher, right around 3.6 percent, pushing the average yearly bill to roughly $11,313. That difference can easily add a few hundred dollars to your monthly mortgage payment, so it is a crucial factor when calculating your true purchasing power.

Evaluating School Districts in Cherry Hill and Voorhees

Beyond the mortgage, education is a top priority for many buyers moving to the Jersey suburbs. Both townships have a strong reputation for good schools, but their districts are structured differently.

Cherry Hill Public Schools is a massive, unified district that handles students from kindergarten all the way through graduation. Once students reach the upper grades, they are split between two main high schools – Cherry Hill High School East and Cherry Hill High School West. Cherry Hill East, in particular, frequently posts high marks in state ratings and advanced placement participation.

Voorhees operates with a split district model. The Voorhees Township Public Schools system handles the elementary and middle school levels, including Voorhees Middle School. For high school, students move on to Eastern Regional High School, which serves Voorhees as well as a few surrounding communities. Eastern Regional is highly regarded for its expansive campus and robust extracurricular programs.

Both districts maintain competitive student-teacher ratios and offer a wide array of specialized programs. Because school assignments can shift based on exact street addresses, I highly recommend looking up the most recent New Jersey state report cards to verify the data for the specific neighborhoods you are touring.

Crime Statistics and Community Data

Naturally, you want to review community data and local crime statistics before putting down roots in a new area. When comparing nj vs cherry hill or looking at Voorhees vs other local towns, the data shows that both townships generally report violent crime statistics that are significantly lower than national averages.

When looking at the numbers, the majority of reported incidents in both towns lean toward property crimes, such as retail theft or minor vandalism. This is especially true near the major commercial corridors and shopping centers. Cherry Hill, being a larger retail hub, tends to see a higher volume of these commercial-related property reports simply because of the massive daily influx of shoppers from out of town.

It is also important to remember that crime rates and demographics vary significantly depending on the specific neighborhood. A quiet residential street will look very different on a data map than a busy intersection near a highway. For the most accurate, hyper-local information, I always suggest reviewing the annual public reports published by the Cherry Hill and Voorhees police departments.

Commuting to Philadelphia: Transportation and Location

From there, it is smart to look at how you will get to work or into the city for a night out. Commuting to Philadelphia is a breeze from either location, but your daily drive will look a little different depending on your zip code.

If you prefer to drive, Cherry Hill generally offers a slightly faster trip to Center City, Philadelphia. You have direct access to Route 70 and Route 38, which funnel right onto the Ben Franklin Bridge. However, those major roads are notorious for heavy traffic congestion during peak morning and evening rush hours.

Voorhees is tucked a bit further south and east. You will likely use Route 73 or I-295 to get around, which usually adds about ten to fifteen minutes to a Philly commute. Many residents find that the trade-off is worth it for the slightly quieter local roads.

The real game-changer for both towns is the PATCO Speedline. This high-speed train is a massive perk of living in South Jersey. Voorhees residents have easy access to the Ashland station, while Cherry Hill residents often utilize the Woodcrest or Haddonfield stations. Taking the train lets you skip the bridge traffic entirely, getting you into the city in under thirty minutes.

Lifestyle, Amenities, and Things to Do

Of course, living in a town is about much more than just the commute and the taxes. Both areas are considered among the best places to live in the region because they offer incredible dining, parks, and shopping, but they have distinctly different vibes.

Cherry Hill is the undisputed retail king of South Jersey. The Cherry Hill Mall is a major regional destination, surrounded by endless shopping plazas, big-box stores, and diverse restaurant options. If you want every conceivable store or a high-end steakhouse within a five-minute drive, Cherry Hill is incredibly convenient.

Voorhees feels slightly more relaxed and residential. While neither town has a historic, walkable downtown in the traditional sense, the Voorhees Town Center serves as a great modern alternative. It functions as a community hub, offering a mix of residential spaces, local eateries, and outdoor events. Plus, living in Voorhees puts you right next door to Marlton, New Jersey, which opens up even more shopping and dining options along Route 73.

Both towns boast excellent local parks with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities. And no matter which town you choose, you will never be too far from premium groceries – both areas have easy access to local favorites like Wegmans, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s.

Pros and Cons of Living in Cherry Hill, NJ

• Pros: Slightly lower property tax rates compared to neighboring towns, extensive retail options, and closer geographic proximity to Philadelphia for a shorter driving commute.
• Cons: Heavier daily traffic on major commercial corridors like Route 70, and an older housing stock on average that may require more renovations.

Pros and Cons of Living in Voorhees, NJ

• Pros: Less congested commercial corridors for a quieter daily driving experience, slightly newer housing developments, and strong educational data from schools like Eastern Regional High School.
• Cons: Higher median home prices, higher effective property tax rates, and a slightly longer driving commute into the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buyers often ask me the same few questions when weighing cherry hill and voorhees. Here are the quick answers based on the latest market data.

Is Cherry Hill or Voorhees more expensive?

Voorhees is generally the more expensive option of the two. Median home prices in Voorhees typically range from $500,000 to $526,000, while Cherry Hill averages around $450,000 to $480,000. Additionally, Voorhees has a higher effective property tax rate, which increases your overall monthly carrying costs.

How long is the commute to Philadelphia from Cherry Hill vs. Voorhees?

Driving from Cherry Hill to Center City usually takes about 15 to 25 minutes, depending heavily on bridge traffic. Voorhees is located a bit further out, so you should plan for a 30 to 40-minute drive. Both towns offer quick access to the PATCO train, which can reliably get you into the city in under 30 minutes from the station platform.

What is the crime rate in Voorhees, NJ compared to Cherry Hill?

Both townships report violent crime rates that are lower than the national average. Property crime rates, such as retail theft, tend to be slightly higher in Cherry Hill simply because it hosts a massive volume of daily shoppers at its regional shopping center. For the most accurate neighborhood-level data, it is best to review the current reports directly from the local police departments.