Voorhees vs. Somerdale: Which South Jersey Town Fits Your Lifestyle?
If you are looking to buy a home in Camden County, you have likely noticed that two towns often pop up on the radar for very different reasons: Voorhees Township and Somerdale. Both offer easy access to Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore, but the price tags and the daily “vibe” are worlds apart.
Voorhees is generally defined by its sprawling, wooded neighborhoods and higher price point. It is the classic “move-up” suburb known for the Eastern Regional High School district and major medical hubs. Somerdale, on the other hand, is compact and budget-friendly. It is a community that offers incredible value for first-time buyers and pockets of walkability near the Cinematic complex.
So, which one is right for you? The choice usually comes down to a trade-off: choose Voorhees for the land and the schools, or choose Somerdale for affordability and low-maintenance living.
Real Estate Market Comparison
Let’s get right to the numbers. As of early 2026, there is a distinct gap between these two markets, which helps define who is buying where.
Voorhees is a market dominated by larger, detached Colonials. You are typically looking at four bedrooms, two-car garages, and lot sizes that often exceed 0.4 acres. Because of the size and inventory, the median list price here hovers between $460,000 and $520,000. It’s a significant investment, but you get a lot of square footage for the money.
Somerdale offers a completely different housing stock. Here, you will find bungalows, cape cods, and split-level homes on smaller lots, often under 0.2 acres. This keeps the entry price much lower, with median prices sitting roughly between $315,000 and $360,000. That is an approximate $150,000 difference in purchase price.
While both areas are currently favoring sellers, Somerdale tends to move faster. Because the entry price is accessible to first-time buyers, well-priced starter homes there can go under contract in days. Voorhees typically has more active inventory—around 70 active listings compared to Somerdale’s 30—giving buyers slightly more breathing room to make a decision.
- Voorhees Median Price: ~$460,000 – $520,000
- Somerdale Median Price: ~$315,000 – $360,000
- Inventory Levels: Higher in Voorhees; tighter in Somerdale
If you are ready to see what is available, looking at homes for sale in Voorhees will show you more sprawling estates, while browsing homes for sale in Somerdale will reveal efficient, manageable properties.
Cost of Living & Property Taxes
When calculating your monthly budget, you have to look beyond the mortgage principal and interest. Property taxes in New Jersey are a major factor, and this is where the two towns diverge significantly.
There is a common misconception about tax rates versus tax bills. Somerdale actually has a higher general tax rate (around 4.66). However, because the assessed home values are much lower, the actual check you write to the township is smaller. Voorhees has a lower rate, but because the homes are assessed at much higher values, the annual bill is larger.
Here is what the average annual tax bill looks like based on last year’s data:
- Voorhees Average Tax Bill: ~$11,312
- Somerdale Average Tax Bill: ~$7,555
That difference of roughly $3,700 a year—or about $300 a month—is a major consideration for monthly affordability.
However, Voorhees residents often feel the higher tax bill is justified by the amenities. Those taxes fund a larger school district, extensive municipal open space, and a larger police force. Somerdale offers a significant value proposition: a much lower monthly carrying cost, which is ideal if you are looking to keep your overhead low.
School Districts: Eastern vs. Sterling
For many households, the school district is the deciding factor. The high school experience is quite different between these two towns.
Voorhees is part of the Eastern Camden County Regional School District. Eastern High School is often a primary draw for buyers moving to the area. It is a large, highly-rated school (consistently rating around 4/5 on major platforms) known for rigorous academics and a very competitive sports program. It has the feel of a large campus with extensive resources.
Somerdale sends students to the Sterling High School District. Sterling is a solid school (rated roughly 3.6/5) with a smaller, more intimate feel. While it may statistically trail Eastern in some standardized test scores, many residents love the tight-knit community atmosphere of the Silver Knights.
At the elementary level, the structures differ as well. Voorhees has a large K-8 system with multiple elementary schools feeding into a middle school. Somerdale has a small K-8 district centered around Somerdale Park School, which offers a very localized, community-centric environment.
If you are researching South Jersey School District Ratings, you will usually find Eastern near the top of the list, which helps support the property values in Voorhees.
Commuting to Philadelphia
Both towns are roughly 12 to 15 miles from Center City Philadelphia, but the logistics of the commute vary depending on whether you drive or take the train.
If you rely on the train, Voorhees has the advantage. It hosts the Ashland Station on the PATCO Speedline. This is a 24/7 train service with a large parking lot, making it incredibly easy for Voorhees residents to commute without a car. Somerdale does not have its own train station; residents typically drive a short distance to either the Lindenwold or Ashland stations to catch the train.
However, if you drive to work, Somerdale might actually win. Somerdale is physically closer to the White Horse Pike (Route 30) and has quicker access to I-295. You can often hop on the highway minutes faster from Somerdale than from the back roads of Voorhees. Voorhees drivers often have to contend with heavy traffic on Route 73 and Evesham Road before they even reach the highway ramp.
Vibe Check: Lifestyle, Shopping & Dining
What is life like on the weekends?
Voorhees has an established suburban vibe. The area is currently watching the evolution of the Voorhees Town Center. While it was once a traditional mall, it is currently undergoing redevelopment into a mixed-use space, with new residential units approved late in 2025. Beyond that, Voorhees is a medical hub, anchored by the massive Virtua Health campus. Dining tends to lean toward upscale chains and spots like Iron Hill Brewery.
Somerdale has a scrappier, more commercial energy. For years, Flying Fish Brewing was a major anchor, but with the taproom closing, the social scene has shifted. The hub is now the Cinemark complex and the various strip malls along the White Horse Pike. Dining here is more about quick bites, casual pizza spots, and diner-style eateries.
For outdoor lovers, Voorhees boasts Connolly Park, a favorite for its dog park and summer concert series. Somerdale has neighborhood parks and nature trails, but they are smaller in scale compared to the acreage available in Voorhees.
Safety & Community Stats
When looking at community statistics, density plays a role.
Somerdale is a denser community with significant retail frontage along the White Horse Pike. Because of this commercial density, crime statistics regarding property issues (like shoplifting) can appear higher than in purely residential zones.
Voorhees is characterized by lower density and residential sprawl. The layout of the town—heavy on cul-de-sacs and set back from major highways—typically results in lower crime statistics, particularly regarding violent crime. It is a quieter environment simply by design. Both areas are widely considered standard suburban communities, but the statistics generally favor Voorhees due to its layout and price point.
The Verdict: Voorhees or Somerdale?
Ultimately, there is no “better” town, only the town that fits your budget and goals.
- Choose Voorhees if: You are looking for a “forever home” on a large lot, you prioritize top-tier school ratings, and your budget allows for a purchase price over $450,000 and taxes over $11,000/year.
- Choose Somerdale if: You are a first-time buyer or downsizing, you want a manageable mortgage payment, and you prefer a smaller property that doesn’t require spending your whole weekend doing yard work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Voorhees more expensive than Somerdale?
Yes, Voorhees is significantly more expensive. The median home price in Voorhees is typically $150,000 higher than in Somerdale, and the annual property tax bill is roughly $3,700 higher on average.
Which town has better schools, Voorhees or Somerdale?
Voorhees is generally considered to have the stronger school district. It is part of the Eastern Camden County Regional School District, which is known for high academic ratings and extensive extracurricular programs, whereas Somerdale is part of the Sterling High School District.
Does Somerdale have a PATCO station?
No, Somerdale does not have a PATCO station directly within its borders. Residents usually drive a few minutes to the Ashland station (in Voorhees) or the Lindenwold station to catch the train to Philadelphia.
How much are property taxes in Voorhees vs Somerdale?
Based on recent data, the average tax bill in Voorhees is approximately $11,312 per year. In Somerdale, the average bill is significantly lower, hovering around $7,555 per year, making it the more affordable monthly option.
If you are ready to tour homes in either of these towns, contact us for a showing today so we can help you find the right fit.
