If you work in Philadelphia but want more room, a yard, a walkable downtown, or just a little more breathing space, South Jersey is probably already on your radar. I'm Jerry Mac with Keller Williams Realty, and after 23 years of helping people buy and sell homes in Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties, "How's the commute to Philly?" is one of the questions I hear the most.

Here is my honest take on commuting from South Jersey, including the towns that put you right on the PATCO Speedline and the ones where you will want a different plan.

Ride along: a 30-second trip on the PATCO Speedline from Cherry Hill, Haddonfield and Collingswood, over the Ben Franklin Bridge and into Center City, through all four seasons.

Why So Many Philly Commuters Choose PATCO

Driving across the Ben Franklin or Walt Whitman Bridge at rush hour can turn into a stop-and-go slog. Add the bridge toll (currently $6 for a passenger car heading into Pennsylvania) and Center City parking, and the daily cost adds up fast. If you have a New Jersey E-ZPass and cross 18 or more times a month, there is a Frequent Bridge Traveler credit that helps, but a lot of my buyers still prefer to leave the car behind.

That is where the PATCO Speedline comes in. PATCO is a rapid transit line that runs 14.2 miles between Lindenwold in Camden County and Center City Philadelphia. It has nine stations in New Jersey, it crosses the Ben Franklin Bridge, and it runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A few stations close overnight, so always check the schedule at ridepatco.org. PATCO also offers park-and-ride lots at seven New Jersey stations with room for well over 12,000 cars, so you can drive a few minutes to the station and skip the bridge entirely.

The Towns Right on the PATCO Line

Collingswood

Collingswood has one of the most popular downtowns in South Jersey, with restaurants, shops and a farmers market, and the PATCO station is right in town. Plenty of homes are within walking distance of the train. The station lots can fill up on busy mornings, so if you plan to drive to the station, ask about parking before you buy.

Haddonfield

Haddonfield is a classic walkable downtown with a historic feel, and the station sits right in the center of it. If you want to walk to the train, the shops and dinner, this is a great fit. Station parking is limited, so many Haddonfield buyers choose a home close enough to walk.

Westmont (Haddon Township)

Westmont is a smaller station with a free lot, and it is a good option if you want to be near the train without paying downtown prices.

Cherry Hill (Woodcrest Station)

Woodcrest Station is right off I-295 and has one of the biggest parking lots on the line, which is why so many Cherry Hill, Voorhees and Mount Laurel commuters use it. It is an easy park-and-ride, and it is one of the stations that serves express trains.

Voorhees (Ashland Station)

Ashland Station sits in Voorhees Township, and it was originally planned as the end of the line. The lot is on the smaller side, but it gives Voorhees residents a quick trip to the train.

Lindenwold

Lindenwold is the end of the line and has a large lot. It is a handy choice for people in Marlton, Berlin and the surrounding area who want to drive a short distance and hop on the train.

Towns Where You Have a Few Different Options

Some of the towns I work in the most, including Moorestown, Cinnaminson, Maple Shade and Mount Laurel, do not have a PATCO station in town. That does not mean the commute is hard. It just means you pick the option that fits your schedule.

  • Cinnaminson: The NJ Transit River LINE has a station in Cinnaminson and runs south to the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, where you can transfer to PATCO for Center City.
  • Moorestown and Maple Shade: Many commuters drive to a PATCO station such as Collingswood, Ferry Avenue or Woodcrest, or use the River LINE's park-and-ride at Route 73 in Pennsauken. NJ Transit buses also serve the area. Check njtransit.com for current routes.
  • Mount Laurel and Marlton: Many people drive to Woodcrest, Ashland or Lindenwold and take PATCO from there. Others drive across the bridge, depending on where in Philadelphia they work.

Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Town

  1. How will you get to the station? Walking, biking or driving all work, but lot capacity varies by station.
  2. Where in Philadelphia do you work? PATCO stops in Center City, so if your office is out of the way, a different route may make more sense.
  3. How many days a week will you commute? Hybrid schedules change the math on bridge tolls versus train fares.
  4. What else matters to you? Home style, lot size, budget and the feel of the town all count just as much as the commute.

Please check ridepatco.org and njtransit.com for current fares, schedules and parking details before you plan your commute, since they change from time to time.

Let's Find Your Home

I serve buyers and sellers all over Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties, and I am happy to drive wherever you need me to go. If you are thinking about a move from Philadelphia or anywhere else, call or text me at 856-220-1874 and we can talk about which towns fit the way you want to live and commute. You can also browse homes and more local guides at www.southjerseyrealty.com.

- Jerry Mac
Keller Williams Realty
856-220-1874