"Is Mount Laurel, NJ a good place to live?" It's one of the questions Google gets asked most about this town, along with "Is it expensive to live in Mount Laurel?" and "What is Mount Laurel known for?" I'm Jerry Mac with Keller Williams Realty. I've been helping people buy and sell homes across South Jersey for 23 years, and Mount Laurel is one of the towns I work in most. Here's my local, honest guide.
Where Is Mount Laurel, NJ?
Mount Laurel is a township in Burlington County, New Jersey, with the zip code 08054. It sits right between Cherry Hill, Moorestown and Marlton, about 15 miles east of Center City Philadelphia. Around 44,000 people call it home.
What Is Mount Laurel Known For?
- Being a commuter's crossroads. Mount Laurel has I-295, Exit 4 of the New Jersey Turnpike, and Routes 38 and 73 all running through or right next to town. Few South Jersey towns make it this easy to get almost anywhere.
- The "Mount Laurel" court decisions. Mount Laurel gave its name to landmark New Jersey Supreme Court decisions in the 1970s and 1980s that shaped affordable housing rules across the entire state.
- Paulsdale. The birthplace and childhood home of women's rights leader Alice Paul is in Mount Laurel and is a National Historic Landmark.
- Business and entertainment. The Route 73 corridor is home to corporate offices, NFL Films, lots of hotels, and spots like Topgolf and the Funplex.
- Laurel Acres Park. The town's big park has athletic fields, a fishing lake, trails, playgrounds and a dog park, and hosts summer concerts and community events.
Getting Around: The Commute
Commuting is one of Mount Laurel's biggest selling points:
- To Philadelphia: Usually a 20 to 35 minute drive to Center City, depending on traffic. The Woodcrest PATCO station in neighboring Cherry Hill is a short drive for a train into the city.
- To New York City: The Turnpike puts you on the road north in minutes. Many residents drive or catch a train from Trenton or Hamilton.
- Around South Jersey: Cherry Hill, Moorestown and Marlton shopping and restaurants are all just a few minutes away.
Homes in Mount Laurel
Mount Laurel has one of the widest mixes of homes in South Jersey. Much of the town was built from the 1960s through the 1990s in planned neighborhoods like Ramblewood, Larchmont and Laurel Knoll, with colonials, bi-levels and split-levels on established streets. You'll also find:
- Lots of condos and townhomes, which make Mount Laurel popular with first-time buyers and people who want less upkeep. See my Mount Laurel condos and townhomes guide.
- 55+ communities such as Holiday Village for buyers who want single-floor living.
- Some newer construction, including newer townhome communities.
You can see every Mount Laurel home for sale on my website, updated from the MLS.
Is It Expensive to Live in Mount Laurel?
Compared to many of its neighbors, Mount Laurel is often seen as a good value, especially because of the range of home prices and styles.
Property taxes are a big part of the picture in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Division of Taxation, Mount Laurel's 2025 general tax rate was 3.129, and its effective tax rate (which compares towns at full market value) was about 2.02%. For comparison, Cherry Hill's effective rate was about 2.60% and Moorestown's was about 1.84% that year. Your actual bill depends on the home's assessed value, so always check the tax bill on any home you're considering.
For a monthly-cost comparison, read Renting vs. Buying in Mount Laurel.
Schools
Mount Laurel Schools serves students from pre-K through 8th grade, and high school students attend Lenape High School, part of the Lenape Regional High School District. I always encourage buyers to look at the New Jersey School Performance Reports and contact the districts directly to confirm which schools serve a specific address.
The Honest Trade-Offs
- Traffic on Route 73 and Route 38 can be heavy at rush hour and on weekends.
- HOA fees are common in condo and townhome communities, so factor them into your budget.
- No true downtown. Shopping and dining are spread across the main roads rather than a walkable main street.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Mount Laurel, NJ in?
Mount Laurel is in Burlington County, New Jersey.
What is the zip code for Mount Laurel, NJ?
Mount Laurel's zip code is 08054.
How far is Mount Laurel from Philadelphia?
About 15 miles, usually a 20 to 35 minute drive to Center City depending on traffic.
Is Mount Laurel a good place to buy a home?
For many buyers, yes, especially if you want an easy commute, a wide range of home styles and prices, and lower property taxes than some neighboring towns. The best way to decide is to tour a few neighborhoods and compare real numbers.
Thinking About Mount Laurel?
Whether you're buying your first place or moving up, I'd love to show you around. Already own in Mount Laurel? Get a free home value estimate or learn about selling your house in Mount Laurel.
Call or text Jerry Mac at 856-220-1874, email jerrymachomes@gmail.com, or visit www.southjerseyrealty.com.
Jerry Mac, Keller Williams Realty. Tax figures are from the NJ Division of Taxation's 2025 general tax rate table and change every year. School assignments should be confirmed with the district. Equal Housing Opportunity.