Relocating From Chicago To South Jersey And Need More Info!!! (Camden: middle-class, apartments)

[minani]

My Cousin And I Are Relocating To The Philly Area And I Am Looking For An Apartment In The South Jersey Suburbs, Not Camden Because I Heard That Is Horrible, I Was Looking At An Area Called West Deptford, Or East Greenwich. Im Not Really Sure Of The Area, And Activites That Are Available, I Want To Live In A Quiet Area That Is About 30 Minutes Away From Temple University Because Thats The School She Will Be Going To, And A Price Of No More Than 800 Per Month... Also What Are Some Fun Things To Do For People Ages 18-24 Who Like To Shop And Club(hip-hop), And Also Where Are Some Nice Quiet Hang Out Spots Like Poetry Readings, And Comedy Clubs... And Good Places To Meet People!

[JerzBoy]

West Deptford is OK - it's more of a working middle-class town. There isn't very much happening around there. How many br apartment are you looking for. $800 will be tough to find anything larger than a 1br. However, you can probably find some on Craigs List.

I'd recommend towns on the PATCO speedline which will get you into Philly quickly and easily. Definitely look into Collingswood - lots of people your age - lots of cafes and quiet places to hang out. Also check out Westmont which is one town over. There are some decent bars there and a train station as well.

If you want more help on other South Jersey towns - feel free to ask.

Good Luck.

[minani]

What about woodbury? Ive been seening some nice properties out there also, would you recommend it?

[MoorestownResident]

You don't want to be in Woodbury. Better locations within 20 miles of Philly include Mount Laurel, Lumberton, Medford, Marlton in Burlington County and Voorhees in Camden County. These areas have great access to Philly and local hangouts. All of them have apartments, condos and townhomes for rent. The towns in BC have a bit more of an agricultural feel with open space and development going on. These are good areas to rent, though the rents will be higher than areas you are looking at. The quality of life is high. As JB posted, consider Collingswood and Westmont too.

[JerzBoy]

Agreed with MtownResident. Woodbury isn't a very nice place to live and getting into Philly is a pain. I'd avoid most of Gloucester County just because the traffic getting into and out of philly can be brutal. Look into the towns mentioned above, and try to keep your search to Camden and southwestern Burlington counties.

If you guys will be commuting to Philly at off-peak hours then i would also look into the Washington Twp/Sewell/Turnersville area of Gloucester County.

[john_starks]

yeah, collingswood is good. too bad its so close to camden.

[paragon]

The short answer is NJ in general is fairly expensive. You're going to have to decide what's most important: price, convenience or quality of area.
The nicer areas you may be able to squeeze into for 800 a month, but it would be tight.
The cheapest way to get into Philly is the speed line, running from Lindenwold to Philly.
There are some rough areas in Lindenwold, but the surrounding towns, Stratford, Somerdale, Laurel Springs aren't bad and you'd be able to stay close to your budget.

[theangryblonde]

Wouldn't that be considered "west" and not "south?" To me, south, is in the direction of the compass, so Atlantic City, Cape may, Wildwood, etc., would be considered "South".

You might want to look in the Cherry Hill area, which is East of Phila. Stay away from Camden however

[minani]

I have family and friends in that area i.e 'locals' and they always refer to it as "south Jersey" also all of the online searches I have done since I found out about our move have referred to it as "south jersey" also... thanks guys for all of your help. If you have any useful information let us know I will start searching in those areas.

[momonthemove]

LOL I am from NJ and we are thinking of relocating to Chicago! We live in central nj, at the shore. We are one hour from Philadelphia, NYC and Atlantic City. I grew up in southern, NJ, Atlanic County. NO to Camden. (I would never want my children there.) Any of the Jersey towns that are right over the bridge from Philly like Pennsauken, etc aren't really full of things for someone of your age and really just eh...sort of old towns on the decline. Based on your age I would suggest looking to rent something in the Philly area, staying in PA. Auto insurance in high in NJ and you will spend alot of money crossing the bridge into Philly if you live in Jersey. My friend's daughter has a condo in "Old City" and loves it. Parking can be tough but she can walk to most places or takes public transportation. Philadelphia has tons of night life and culture...you will have plenty to do. Good luck!!