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We're getting ready to relocate to Burlington County for my husbands job. I'm only halfway familiar with the Cherry Hill area relating to shopping - outside of that, I'm clueless.
We have a young son who will be entering the school system at the kindergarten level.
So far in my research, it seems the Mount Laurel is our best bet for a nice family orientated neighborhood with good schools - but I'm also seeing some lovely homes in the $350k range in Westampton, Cinnaminson, Burlington and Hainsport...
Can anyone tell me anything about those neighborhoods (good & bad) and the school systems they attend? Are there "good' & 'bad' sections of those towns? Hainesport I heard can be iffy overall - is that still true? I've not heard anything at all about Westhapton - so I'm very interested in getting any info on it! Any info would be so appreciated!
What neighborhoods near that area am I missing that would be a good fit for us? Thanks so much in advance!
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Originally Posted by Aancs
We're getting ready to relocate to Burlington County for my husbands job. I'm only halfway familiar with the Cherry Hill area relating to shopping - outside of that, I'm clueless.
We have a young son who will be entering the school system at the kindergarten level.
So far in my research, it seems the Mount Laurel is our best bet for a nice family orientated neighborhood with good schools - but I'm also seeing some lovely homes in the $350k range in Westampton, Cinnaminson, Burlington and Hainsport...
Can anyone tell me anything about those neighborhoods (good & bad) and the school systems they attend? Are there "good' & 'bad' sections of those towns? Hainesport I heard can be iffy overall - is that still true? I've not heard anything at all about Westhapton - so I'm very interested in getting any info on it! Any info would be so appreciated!
What neighborhoods near that area am I missing that would be a good fit for us? Thanks so much in advance!
Just so that we're on the same page, you are mentioning Burlington County & Cherry Hill. Cherry Hill is in Camden County.
Of the towns that you mentioned, go with Cinnaminson.
Of all the towns you listed I'd go with Mt. Laurel or Cinnaminson. Schools are good. I would also consider Westampton but the kids attend the Rancocas Valley HS which has a reputation for being "rough." So if you're thinking long term you might want to consider that. With that said...if it weren't for the HS - I wouldn't hesitate to go with Westampton either. Good luck
Oh!! yikes - rough High School reputation is not good. Though my son is of kindergarten age currently and anything can happen in that period of time, still we kind of had plans to settle in long term. Thanks for the info - good to be informed!
I'd agree with Mount Laurel and Cinnaminson as your best choices in that price range. You may also want to check out Marlton/Evesham Twp. There are homes within your price range and excellent schools as well.
The only highschools in Burlington county that aren't rough are probably Mt Laural, Medford, Marlton, Cinniminson, Bordentown, Evesham, Northern Burlington HS near Columbus (its actually shared with elementary school), and Moorestown. There's two vocational HS's one in medford one in westampton, they're not great neither. Burlington Township could is ok its a bigger district and nice new homes, not the part next to willingboro though.
Oh!! yikes - rough High School reputation is not good. Though my son is of kindergarten age currently and anything can happen in that period of time, still we kind of had plans to settle in long term. Thanks for the info - good to be informed!
I would look just at elementary school at this point, since as you said "anything can happen". We just bought in Mt. Laurel, but we also loved Marlton/Evesham and Voorhees. All have very high-rated schools, but I also read that there were some tough budget cuts in 2010, so who knows how that will affect the schools' ratings?
Are you buying a house or renting? What price range are you looking at? Where are you moving from? Where will you/your spouse be working?
The irony when it comes to schools is that while NJ residents have distinct opinions on good, bad and average, most people moving from outside the state will find that even average NJ schools are better or at least as good as the "good" schools in their home states. For instance, folks from the area look down on RV, but in most places RV would be considered a "good" school and rather typical.
Rating sites don't help the impression, because they are based on comparing schools within the state among themselves, not to schools on a national level. For instance, people coming from Iowa, Florida, Nebraska, Utah and even Texas will find that even "average" NJ schools are still really good.
Obviously I think people should go with the best they can find/afford when it comes to choosing a town in regards to schools, but I also wouldn't be breaking the bank just to live in a town that GreatSchools says is an 8 while ignoring a town ranked 6 or 7 that may be more affordable.
NGoat has a point, you can't compare school districts straight across because even with standardized testing, the base may be different. But being a parent, I know the desire to get the best rated school for your child you can afford. You could look at parent comments on different school rating websites. I find, however, that on websites online sometimes the parent comments seem completely out of line with the standardized scoring results, but I think that is because it is only the frustrated, disgruntled parents that take the time to post their comments...those that are happy with the school just don't bother.
There is also New Jersey Department of Education | Report Card that you can have a look at.
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