pedestrian-friendly, easy PHILLY commute? (Camden, Atlantic City: rent, house, new construction)

[abejita]

My family and I (non-driving NYers) are planning to move from Charlotte, NC, where we've lived for 2 years. I started a similar thread for towns near NYC, but Philly is also an option for us. It's so much cheaper than NYC, yet still a "real" city. We're not averse to living in Philly proper, but we're also interested whether a suburb in NJ would work for us. We homeschool, and NJ homeschooling laws are so much easier than PA laws.

Which NJ towns are an easy train ride to Philly? Could a person live easily without a car in any of them? Could I find a 3BR house for under $300K?

TIA!

[abejita]

Anyone know how easy it would be to live in any of these towns without a car?
Haddonfield
Haddon Township
Collingswood
Voorhees
Lindenwold

[freemejersey]

I was raised right smack in the middle of the towns you mentioned. All those towns are in Camden County which has a pretty good public trans system that connects with almost all the main roads. Also the PATCO train line starts out of what is called Lindenwold but actually sits between Stratford, Lindenwold and Gibbsboro. This train line will take you to center city Phila in about 20 minutes in a morning commute. It is very convenient and very popular to ride. If looking for a location to live without having to drive, I would recommend finding a place along Route 30 (the White Horse Pike) which connects Camden to Atlantic City. From here you could get to any store, medical facility and other connecting bus routes. There are many nice towns along this route and decent schools too. You will pay higher rent closer to the train line because of the convenience. Also, Haddonfield, Haddon Heights, Cherry Hill and even Voorhees is considered more upscale living. More affordable rents can be found in Collingswood, Stratford, Lindenwold areas. Good Luck with your move!

[jules123]

Haddonfield: You'll be able to walk to the train, a grocery store, doctors, coffee, restaurants, etc.

[RNG]

I would stick to Collingswood, Haddonfield, or Westmont (aka Haddon Twp.). Lindenwold is a pretty lousy town these days. Any of the three towns I mentioned will have you in Philly easily and are affordable in relation to NYC. All three have walkable downtowns, the better ones in Collingswood and Haddonfield. Great restaurants, stores, parks, schools. Subway (aka the Speedline) in all three towns takes you to Philly in a jiffy.

If you have any other questions just let me know.

Good luck!!

[Calcbunny]

I agree Collingswood, Westmont and Haddonfield are your best bets. Haddonfield can be expensive but it is seen as an upscale location.

[Crocket]

In the next month or two I am going to be moving to Stratford and a house that I am having built. Can anyone tell me the average property taxes.

[freemejersey]

Originally Posted by Crocket

In the next month or two I am going to be moving to Stratford and a house that I am having built. Can anyone tell me the average property taxes.

I am guessing you are referring to the Stratford in Camden County? I was raised there. My parents live in a nice 3 bedroom rancher and have been there for 42 years. They are paying about $7000/year. My sister lives on the other side of town and pays $6500/year for a 4 bedroom colonial. that is over 30 years old. I'm curious, where did you find a spot in Stratford to put in new construction? The town is pretty much completely developed. It is a really nice town and has a very good school system. Good Luck to you!