Living in Cherry Hill, NJ

Schools and Education

Cherry Hill Public Schools serve approximately 10,600 students across 19 schools, making the district one of the most significant institutions in the township. The district employs over 1,600 people and is a major draw for families considering a move to Cherry Hill.

The district operates two high schools (Cherry Hill High School East and West), three middle schools, and 14 elementary schools. Cherry Hill High School East is consistently ranked among the top high schools in the region, with a reading proficiency rate of 64%, well above the statewide average of 47%.

For higher education, Camden County College has a presence in the area, and the township's proximity to Philadelphia provides easy access to dozens of colleges and universities.

For more detailed information on Cherry Hill schools, explore our complete guides:

• Cherry Hill Public Schools Complete Guide — District overview, enrollment, and school-by-school details
• Private Schools Near Cherry Hill — Catholic, Christian, Friends, and Jewish day school options
• Preschool and Daycare Guide — Early childhood education, Montessori, and daycare centers
• School Ratings and Test Scores — GreatSchools ratings, NJSLA scores, and academic performance data
• Youth Sports Programs — Leagues, clubs, and athletic activities for Cherry Hill kids

Parks and Recreation

Cherry Hill maintains more than 50 parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities, making it one of the best-equipped townships in South Jersey for outdoor activities. Highlights include:

• Croft Farm Arts Center — A historic farmstead turned community arts center offering classes, events, and gallery exhibitions.
• Challenge Grove Park — A fully accessible playground and recreation area designed for children of all abilities.
• Barclay Farmstead — A preserved 18th-century farmstead with walking trails and educational programs.
• Cooper River Park — A Camden County park along the Cooper River, popular for walking, running, fishing, and seasonal events.
• Cherry Hill Public Library — A well-funded, active library offering programs for all ages, reading groups, and community events.

The township also offers golf courses, tennis courts, sports fields, and organized youth and adult sports leagues through the Cherry Hill Recreation Department.

Dining and Food Scene

Cherry Hill's dining scene is one of the most diverse in South Jersey, reflecting the township's multicultural population. From casual pizza joints and family diners to upscale restaurants and international cuisine, there is something for every palate.

The Route 38 and Route 70 corridors are packed with dining options, while the areas near the Cherry Hill Mall and along Haddonfield Road offer a mix of chains and local favorites. Nearby Collingswood, just minutes away, has earned recognition as a dining destination with its BYOB restaurant row along Haddon Avenue.

Commute and Transportation

Cherry Hill's location makes it one of the most commuter-friendly townships in South Jersey. Philadelphia is just 20 minutes away via Route 70 or the New Jersey Turnpike. The Woodcrest and Haddonfield PATCO stations provide direct rail access to Center City Philadelphia, making the commute seamless for those who prefer public transit.

Major roadways include Route 70, Route 38, Route 73, and Interstate 295, providing easy access throughout the region. The township is also conveniently located near the Delaware River bridges for travel into Pennsylvania and the broader Delaware Valley.

Cost of Living

Cherry Hill offers a competitive cost of living compared to nearby Philadelphia and many northern New Jersey communities. The median household income is approximately $93,000, significantly above the national average. Housing is the primary expense, with median home values ranging from the mid-$300,000s to high $400,000s depending on neighborhood and property type.

New Jersey property taxes are among the highest in the nation, and Cherry Hill is no exception. The average property tax bill is approximately $10,000 to $11,000 per year, which funds the township's highly rated school district and municipal services. For a detailed breakdown, see our property tax guide.

Safety and Crime

Cherry Hill is widely regarded as one of the safer communities in Camden County. The Cherry Hill Police Department maintains an active presence with community policing initiatives, neighborhood watch programs, and proactive public safety measures. The township invests consistently in its police force, emergency services, and infrastructure that supports safety.

As with any community of 71,000 residents, crime rates vary by area, but Cherry Hill consistently reports property crime rates below national averages for similar-sized townships. The township's safe reputation is one of the key reasons families choose to settle here.

Community Character

Cherry Hill's character is defined by its remarkable diversity and suburban comfort. The township is home to residents from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, and this diversity is celebrated through community events, religious institutions, and the incredible variety of restaurants and shops.

The community is family-oriented, with strong civic engagement. Township recreation programs are well-attended, the library is a hub of activity, and volunteer organizations thrive. Yet Cherry Hill also respects privacy. You can be as involved or as low-key as you like.

The commercial corridors along Route 38, Route 70, and Haddonfield Road give Cherry Hill a dynamic energy, while the residential neighborhoods remain quiet, tree-lined, and peaceful. This balance between convenience and tranquility is what residents love most.

Who Is Cherry Hill Best For?

Cherry Hill has a broad appeal, but certain groups find it especially well-suited to their needs:

• Families with school-age children — The Cherry Hill Public Schools district is the primary draw for most families moving to the area. With 19 schools, strong academics, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, the district serves families well from kindergarten through high school.
• Philadelphia commuters — At just 20 minutes from Center City by car and with direct PATCO rail access from the Woodcrest and Haddonfield stations, Cherry Hill is one of the most convenient suburbs for professionals working in Philadelphia.
• Young professionals — The rental market offers options near the mall and commercial corridors, and the commute to Philadelphia and other job centers makes Cherry Hill attractive for those building their careers.
• Empty nesters and retirees — Low-maintenance condos, townhomes, and active adult communities provide downsizing options for those who want to stay in the community they love. Healthcare access is excellent, with Virtua and Cooper hospitals nearby.
• Diverse home seekers — Cherry Hill's housing stock spans condos, townhomes, split-levels, colonials, and luxury estates. Whatever your budget or preference, there is likely a Cherry Hill neighborhood that fits.

Cherry Hill vs Nearby Towns

How does Cherry Hill stack up against neighboring communities? Here is a quick comparison:

• Cherry Hill vs Haddonfield — Haddonfield offers a walkable downtown and historic character but at significantly higher home prices and with less housing diversity. Cherry Hill provides more options across price ranges and a larger, more diverse community.
• Cherry Hill vs Moorestown — Moorestown is known for its top-tier schools and historic district but has a smaller inventory of homes for sale and higher price points. Cherry Hill offers similar school quality with more housing options and lower entry prices.
• Cherry Hill vs Voorhees — Voorhees is a neighboring community with good schools and newer housing developments. Cherry Hill has more dining, shopping, and entertainment options, plus a larger sense of community.
• Cherry Hill vs Marlton — Marlton (in Evesham Township) offers suburban living with good schools but fewer dining and entertainment options. Cherry Hill's larger population means more amenities and a more vibrant community life.
• Cherry Hill vs Philadelphia suburbs in PA — New Jersey's property taxes are higher than Pennsylvania's, but New Jersey offers lower income tax rates for many households and no inheritance tax on transfers between spouses. Cherry Hill's schools are also generally rated higher than many comparable Philadelphia suburbs on the Pennsylvania side.

Pros and Cons of Living in Cherry Hill

Pros

• Excellent public school system with top-rated high schools
• Just 20 minutes from Center City Philadelphia
• Diverse, welcoming community with rich cultural offerings
• Extensive parks and recreation (50+ parks, trails, sports facilities)
• Wide variety of housing options across price points
• Outstanding dining scene with international cuisine options
• Strong sense of community and civic engagement
• Well-maintained infrastructure and municipal services

Cons

• High property taxes (typical for New Jersey, funding excellent schools)
• Car-dependent layout with limited walkability in most areas
• Traffic congestion on Route 38 and Route 70 during peak hours
• Competitive housing market with limited inventory in popular neighborhoods
• Aging housing stock means some homes need updates and maintenance