Is Cherry Hill a Good Place to Live in 2026? Honest Pros and Cons

Cherry Hill, New Jersey is one of those places that comes up again and again when people research where to live in South Jersey. With a population of roughly 71,000, it is the largest township in Camden County and one of the most well-known communities in the Philadelphia suburbs. But is Cherry Hill actually a good place to live? The short answer is yes for many people, but the longer answer depends on what you are looking for. This guide covers everything you need to know to make that call for yourself.

Why People Are Moving to Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill has seen steady interest from homebuyers and renters over the last several years, and that momentum shows no signs of slowing down in 2026. Several factors drive this demand, starting with location. Cherry Hill sits just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, making it one of the most accessible suburbs for city commuters. The township is also known for its diversity, strong school system, and a surprising variety of housing options that range from mid-century split-levels to modern luxury townhomes.

Community life here is a real draw. Cherry Hill is not a bedroom community where everyone disappears into the city on weekends. There is an active local scene with neighborhood events, farmers markets, youth sports, and community organizations that give the township a genuine sense of place. Whether you are a young professional starting a family, an established homeowning family, or someone looking for a welcoming and diverse community, Cherry Hill has something to offer.

For a broader overview of everything the township offers, see our Living in Cherry Hill guide.

Cost of Living in Cherry Hill

The cost of living in Cherry Hill is higher than the national average but competitive compared to other desirable New Jersey suburbs. The biggest factor by far is housing.

Housing Prices by ZIP Code

Home prices vary considerably by neighborhood within Cherry Hill. Here is a rough breakdown by the three main ZIP codes:

• 08002 (central Cherry Hill, including the mall area and Garden State Park): Median home price around $454,000. This area offers a mix of older colonials, ranches, and newer townhome developments.
• 08003 (southeast Cherry Hill, including Woodcrest, Barclay, and Kingston Estates): Median home price around $610,000. This is the priciest area, known for larger lots, top-performing schools, and desirable neighborhoods.
• 08034 (western Cherry Hill, near the Haddonfield border and Cooper River): Median home price around $488,000. This area includes some of the oldest and most established neighborhoods with easy access to PATCO.

Property Taxes

Property taxes are the tradeoff for New Jersey living. Cherry Hill homeowners typically pay between $9,000 and $12,000 per year in property taxes depending on home value and location. These taxes fund the highly rated public schools, extensive park system, police and fire services, and municipal operations.

Utilities and Daily Expenses

Monthly utility costs for a typical single-family home range from $150 to $250 depending on season and home size. PSE&G handles electricity, South Jersey Gas provides natural gas, and New Jersey American Water supplies water. Grocery costs at stores like ShopRite, Wegmans, Whole Foods, and Aldi are roughly in line with New Jersey averages. For a detailed breakdown, see our Cost of Living in Cherry Hill article.

Schools in Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill Public Schools is one of the most frequently cited reasons families choose this township. The district serves more than 10,600 students across 19 schools, including 12 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 3 high schools. The district graduation rate is approximately 92%, well above the national average.

Cherry Hill High School East and Cherry Hill High School West both regularly receive high marks from parents and ranking organizations. Among the elementary schools, Sharp Elementary stands out with a 9 out of 10 rating on GreatSchools. Parents consistently praise the district for its strong academics, robust arts and music programs, and wide range of extracurricular activities.

Cherry Hill also offers private and parochial school options, including Our Lady of Grace Catholic School and multiple preschool programs. For a complete overview, visit our Cherry Hill Public Schools Guide.

Safety

Safety is a top concern for anyone choosing a place to live, and Cherry Hill performs well in this area. The township's crime rate is approximately 16.95 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national average for communities of similar size. Violent crime is rare, and most reported incidents involve property crime.

The Cherry Hill Police Department is active in community policing and maintains a visible presence throughout the township. Neighborhoods like Barclay, Woodcrest, and Kingston Estates are known for being particularly safe and family-friendly. As with any suburban community, crime varies by neighborhood, so it is always wise to visit different areas and talk to current residents before making a decision.

Commute

Cherry Hill's location is one of its strongest selling points. Center City Philadelphia is roughly 20 minutes away by car, depending on traffic and your exact starting point. The commute is straightforward via Route 70, Route 38, or the New Jersey Turnpike.

For those who prefer public transit, the PATCO Speedline provides rail service from the Woodcrest and Haddonfield stations to Philadelphia. The ride to 8th and Market Streets takes about 20 minutes, making it practical for daily commuters. PATCO runs 24 hours a day on weekends and late into the night on weekdays.

If you work in other parts of South Jersey or Philadelphia's suburbs, major highways including Route 295, I-76, and the NJ Turnpike are all easily accessible. Traffic on Route 38 and Route 70 can be heavy during peak hours, especially near the Cherry Hill Mall corridor. For more details, read our Cherry Hill Commuter Guide.

Things to Do

Cherry Hill punches above its weight when it comes to things to do. The Cherry Hill Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the region and anchors a busy commercial corridor along Route 38. But the real appeal of Cherry Hill is its diversity of dining, outdoor spaces, and community events.

Dining in Cherry Hill is a highlight. The Route 38 corridor is packed with everything from Korean BBQ and sushi to classic New Jersey diners, Italian trattorias, and Indian restaurants. The diversity of the community is reflected in the food scene, and there is something for every taste and budget.

For outdoor recreation, Croft Farm is a local favorite with walking trails, sports fields, a historic farmhouse, and community programming throughout the year. Barclay Farmstead offers a glimpse into Cherry Hill's agricultural past with walking paths and seasonal events. Other notable parks include Challenge Grove Park, Woodcrest Lake Park, and the Cooper River Park system just across the border in Pennsauken.

Cherry Hill also has strong community traditions. The annual Fourth of July celebration, National Night Out, farmers markets, and township recreation programs keep the community calendar full year-round.

Housing Market

Cherry Hill's housing market offers more variety than many people realize. The housing stock is dominated by single-family homes, many built between the 1950s and 1980s. Colonial and split-level styles are the most common, but you will also find ranches, townhouses, condos, and a growing number of new construction luxury homes.

Price ranges vary widely by neighborhood:

• Starter homes and fixer-uppers can be found in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, particularly in the 08002 ZIP code.
• Mid-range family homes in desirable areas like Kingston Estates and Erlton typically run from $450,000 to $600,000.
• Premium homes in Woodcrest, Barclay, and neighborhoods near the Country Club of Woodcrest often exceed $700,000 and can go well over $1 million.
• Newer townhome communities near the mall and along Route 38 offer a lower-maintenance alternative starting around $350,000.

For current market data and neighborhood-level breakdowns, visit our Cherry Hill Real Estate Market page.

Pros and Cons of Living in Cherry Hill

No community is perfect. Here is an honest look at what works and what does not.

Pros

• Excellent schools. Cherry Hill Public Schools is one of the strongest districts in South Jersey, with high graduation rates and strong academic programs.
• Convenient location. Philadelphia is 20 minutes away by car or PATCO rail. Major highways connect you to the entire region.
• Diverse community. Cherry Hill is known for its racial, cultural, and religious diversity, which enriches everything from dining to community events.
• Strong housing market. Home values have appreciated steadily over time, making Cherry Hill a solid long-term investment.
• Abundant amenities. Shopping, dining, parks, recreation, and community programming are all within easy reach.
• Family-friendly. Safe neighborhoods, youth sports, recreation programs, and a strong sense of community make it ideal for raising children.

Cons

• High property taxes. New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the country, and Cherry Hill is no exception. Expect to pay $9,000 to $12,000 annually.
• Traffic congestion. Route 38 and Route 70 can get heavy, especially during rush hour and weekends near the mall.
• Car-dependent layout. Most errands require a vehicle. Walkable neighborhoods exist (especially near PATCO stations) but they are the exception.
• Aging housing stock. Many homes were built 40 to 70 years ago. While many have been well maintained or renovated, some need significant updates.
• Cost of living. Overall expenses here are higher than the national average, which can be a stretch for some households.

Who Is Cherry Hill Best For?

Based on everything above, Cherry Hill works best for certain types of households:

• Families. If you have school-age children or plan to start a family, Cherry Hill's schools, parks, and community programs are hard to beat.
• Philadelphia commuters. The 20-minute commute via car or PATCO makes Cherry Hill one of the most practical suburbs for downtown workers.
• Professionals. Whether you work in Philadelphia, Mount Laurel, Camden, or somewhere else in South Jersey, Cherry Hill's location at the center of regional highways is a clear advantage.
• People who value diversity. Cherry Hill is one of the most culturally diverse communities in South Jersey, and that is something residents take pride in.
• Anyone looking for a strong community. From neighborhood associations to township events, Cherry Hill has a community spirit that is not always easy to find in the suburbs.

To explore specific neighborhoods, check out our Best Neighborhoods in Cherry Hill guide. And if you are planning a move, our Moving to Cherry Hill resource covers everything from utility setup to township services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cherry Hill a safe place to live?

Yes. Cherry Hill has a crime rate below the national average for communities of its size. Violent crime is uncommon, and many neighborhoods are considered very safe. As with any community, crime rates vary by area, so it is worth researching specific neighborhoods.

How are the schools in Cherry Hill?

Cherry Hill Public Schools are highly rated, with a district graduation rate of about 92% and strong academic programs. The district has 19 schools serving over 10,600 students. Sharp Elementary, Cherry Hill High School East, and Cherry Hill High School West are particularly well regarded.

How far is Cherry Hill from Philadelphia?

Cherry Hill is approximately 8 miles from Center City Philadelphia, about a 20-minute drive via Route 70 or the NJ Turnpike. The PATCO Speedline provides rail service from Woodcrest and Haddonfield stations, also about 20 minutes to 8th and Market Streets.

What is the cost of living in Cherry Hill?

The cost of living in Cherry Hill is above the national average, primarily driven by housing costs and property taxes. Median home prices range from about $454,000 in the 08002 ZIP code to over $610,000 in the 08003 ZIP code. Property taxes typically run $9,000 to $12,000 per year.

What is there to do in Cherry Hill?

Cherry Hill has a vibrant dining scene, the Cherry Hill Mall, numerous parks including Croft Farm and Barclay Farmstead, community events throughout the year, and easy access to Philadelphia's cultural attractions. Sports fans can also reach Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers games in about 20 minutes.

What are the best neighborhoods in Cherry Hill?

Some of the most sought-after neighborhoods include Barclay, Kingston Estates, Woodcrest, Downs Farm, Fox Hollow, and sections of Erlton. Each has its own character, price range, and school assignments. See our neighborhoods guide for detailed profiles.

Is Cherry Hill diverse?

Yes. Cherry Hill is one of the most diverse communities in Camden County and all of South Jersey, with significant Asian American, Black, Hispanic, and Jewish populations. This diversity is a point of pride for the community and is reflected in its restaurants, cultural events, and community life.

What is the commute like from Cherry Hill?

For most residents, commuting is straightforward. Philadelphia is 20 minutes away by car or PATCO rail. Major employers in Mount Laurel, Camden, Princeton, and other parts of South Jersey are also within easy driving distance via Route 295, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 38.

Final Verdict

So, is Cherry Hill a good place to live in 2026? If you value excellent schools, convenient access to Philadelphia, a diverse and welcoming community, and a strong housing market, the answer is a clear yes. The tradeoffs are real: property taxes are high, traffic can be frustrating, and the cost of living is above the national average. But for the majority of residents, the quality of life here outweighs those costs.

The best way to decide if Cherry Hill is right for you is to visit. Walk around a neighborhood you are considering. Grab lunch at a local restaurant. Talk to people who live here. Cherry Hill is not the cheapest place to live, and it is not for everyone. But for the people who choose it, it is home.

Have questions about Cherry Hill? Contact Bob Millaway at 856.426.1522.