Moving to Voorhees, NJ: The Heart of South Jersey’s ‘Medical Mile’

If you are looking for a spot that balances a relaxed suburban pace with serious urban access, Voorhees Township is likely already on your radar. For years, this town has been the quiet, steady neighbor to bustling Cherry Hill, but things are shifting. With the massive Voorhees Town Center redevelopment plan approved in late 2025, the area is transforming from a traditional bedroom community into a modern, mixed-use hub.

Located in Camden County just about 16 miles from Philadelphia, Voorhees has earned the nickname “Medical Mile” thanks to the massive Virtua Health campus that anchors the local economy. It attracts a specific crowd: medical professionals who want a five-minute commute, city workers who rely on the PATCO train, and homebuyers looking for strong school districts without the congestion of larger neighboring towns.

Living in Voorhees NJ: Pros and Cons

Every town has its trade-offs, and as a local expert, I believe in being transparent about them before you start packing boxes. Relocating here is about weighing the convenience of the commute against the cost of carrying a home.

The Pros

• Healthcare Access: You are right next door to Virtua Voorhees Hospital, one of the region’s premier medical facilities.
• Commuter Ease: The PATCO Speedline offers a direct shot to Center City Philadelphia, bypassing bridge traffic entirely.
• Housing Variety: The inventory is diverse, ranging from low-maintenance condos near the Town Center to sprawling estates in wooded cul-de-sacs.

The Cons

• Property Taxes: Like much of Camden County, the property tax bills here are significant.
• Traffic: While local roads are generally fine, Route 73 can get heavy during rush hour, especially near the hospital and shopping corridors.

The Neutral

• Liquor Laws: Voorhees is technically a “dry town” regarding retail sales. You cannot buy a bottle of wine at a grocery store or liquor store within township limits. However, restaurants can serve alcohol, so you can still enjoy a drink with dinner.

Voorhees Real Estate Market Trends (2026)

If you are looking to buy right now, you are entering a seller’s market where home values are appreciating steadily. A major driver of this recent growth is the “investment angle” provided by the Voorhees Town Center. The late 2025 approval of the redevelopment project by the Hoboken Brownstone Company has signaled to investors and homeowners that the area is poised for revitalization.

Here is what the numbers look like on the ground:

• Median Home Price: Expect to see prices hovering between $460,000 and $525,000.
• Average Rent: A typical two-bedroom unit averages around $1,900 per month.
• Property Taxes: This is the most common objection I hear. The effective tax rate usually lands between 3.6% and 4.3%.

While the taxes are high, the trade-off is often a lower purchase price compared to similar homes in Pennsylvania suburbs or towns further north. You generally get “more house” for your purchase dollar here, even if the monthly tax bill is higher.

Best Neighborhoods in Voorhees Township

One of the best things about Voorhees is that it doesn’t look the same everywhere. The township is a collection of distinct developments, each with a different physical character.

• Sturbridge Lakes: This is one of the most unique neighborhoods in South Jersey. Built around man-made lakes, the homes here are set among heavy tree cover. It feels like a vacation community with private beaches, tennis courts, and a very secluded atmosphere.
• Alluvium: If you are looking for custom architecture and larger lots, this is a great place to look. The area is known for its density of trees and winding streets that offer plenty of privacy.
• Echelon / Town Center Area: For those who want walkability, this area offers a high density of condos and apartments. It is incredibly convenient, putting you within walking distance of the library, the Voorhees Town Center, and the Ashland Station.
• Main Street Estates / Rainwood: These are your classic residential neighborhoods featuring sidewalks, cul-de-sacs, and traditional colonial-style homes.

Cost of Living: Voorhees vs. Cherry Hill vs. Marlton

Buyers often find themselves tossing a coin between Voorhees and its neighbors. Let’s break down the financial and lifestyle differences to help you decide.

Vs. Cherry Hill: Cherry Hill is the heavy hitter of South Jersey with massive shopping malls and high traffic volume. Voorhees is generally quieter and less congested. If you want the amenities but don’t want to live next to a mega-mall, Voorhees is the calmer alternative.

Vs. Marlton (Evesham Township): This is the most common comparison. Marlton typically offers a lower tax rate (roughly 3.07% compared to Voorhees’ 3.6%+). However, Marlton does not have a train station. If you live in Marlton, you still have to drive to the Ashland Station in Voorhees or the Lindenwold station to catch the train.

The Verdict: Voorhees offers the best middle ground for daily commuters. You pay a bit more in taxes than in Marlton, but you gain the direct access of the PATCO line, saving you time and parking hassle every single morning.

Schools and Education

When looking at long-term value, the school district is always a key factor. The township operates on a split system.

For the younger years (K-8), students attend Voorhees Township Public Schools. There are multiple elementary schools feeding into a central middle school, creating a unified path as students age.

For grades 9-12, students move on to Eastern Camden County Regional High School. Shared with the neighboring boroughs of Gibbsboro and Berlin, “Eastern” is well-regarded for its strong academic offerings, including extensive AP courses, and a highly competitive athletics program.

For those pursuing higher education or medical training, the town is strategically located near the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and campuses for Camden County College.

Commuting from Voorhees to Philadelphia

For many residents, the commute is the primary selling point. The logistics here are smoother than in many other suburbs.

The PATCO Speedline: The Ashland Station is the local hub. From here, it is approximately a 25-minute ride into Center City Philadelphia. The trains run 24/7, and unlike the regional rail in PA, the schedule is frequent. A monthly pass is significantly cheaper than the combined cost of gas, bridge tolls ($5.00 round trip), and city parking (often $300+ per month).

Driving: If you prefer to drive, you have easy access to Route 73, which feeds directly onto I-295 or toward the bridges. Without traffic, you can be in the city in 30 minutes. However, during peak rush hour, you should plan for 45 to 50 minutes.

Lifestyle: Shopping, Dining, and Virtua Health

Life in Voorhees revolves around a few key hubs. The presence of Virtua Health cannot be overstated; it acts as an economic anchor, drawing wellness businesses, specialty clinics, and lunch spots to the “Medical Mile” along Route 73.

For dining and leisure, the Voorhees Town Center is in the midst of a rebirth. The new mixed-use vision will blend residential living with retail, aiming to revitalize the former mall space into a walkable downtown environment. “Restaurant Row” along the boulevard remains a popular destination for dinner and drinks.

If you prefer outdoor recreation, Stafford Woods is a local gem. It features a highly rated disc golf course and unpaved hiking trails. For a bigger day trip, the town’s location puts you just 45 to 60 minutes away from the Jersey Shore points like Ocean City and Atlantic City.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Voorhees

Is Voorhees NJ a good place to live?

Yes, it is widely considered a top choice in South Jersey for those seeking a balance of suburban space and urban access. It offers highly rated public schools, a direct train commute to Philadelphia via PATCO, and excellent healthcare access through the Virtua system.

How much are property taxes in Voorhees NJ?

Property taxes are on the higher side, which is typical for Camden County. The effective tax rate generally falls between 3.6% and 4.3%. Residents pay these rates to fund the local K-8 schools, the regional high school, and municipal services like the police and fire departments.

How far is Voorhees NJ from Philadelphia?

Voorhees is approximately 16 miles from Philadelphia. If you are driving, it takes about 30 to 50 minutes depending on bridge traffic. If you take the PATCO train from Ashland Station, you can reach Center City in about 25 minutes.

Does Voorhees NJ have a downtown?

Voorhees does not have a traditional historic “Main Street” like Haddonfield. However, the Voorhees Town Center (formerly the Echelon Mall) serves as the town’s commercial hub and is currently undergoing a massive redevelopment to create a mixed-use, walkable downtown environment with housing and retail.