From culture to architecture to schools and shopping, Moorestown and Haddonfield are two of the most sought after neighborhoods in South Jersey. Both centrally located near Philadelphia, New York City, and the Jersey Shore, these towns have a lot to offer professionals, families and everyone in between. In this article, we’ll delve into some key differences between the two towns, and hope to give the reader a clear picture of what it’s like to live in Moorestown and Haddonfield.
Historical Gems
Haddonfield and Moorestown are steeped in rich history. Both settled in the late 1600s by Quakers, these towns have a sense of community and charm that is hard to beat. Both towns have active Historical Societies and are proud of their historically preserved homes and buildings.
Superior Schools
Moorestown and Haddonfield schools serve kids from Pre-K through 12th grade. Haddonfield is a smaller town, so naturally the school district is smaller, with a student body of about 2,600 students. Haddonfield is ranked as one of the top 20 public high schools in New Jersey by US News & World Report. Moorestown has a slightly larger school district with just under 4,000 students, and is ranked in the top 50 public schools in New Jersey by US News & World Report. Both Moorestown High School and Haddonfield Memorial High School have well regarded and competitive sports programs.
Aside from the public schools, Haddonfield boasts several private schools, including Christ the King, Haddonfield Friends, and Kingsway Learning Center. Private schools in Moorestown include Moorestown Friends School, Our Lady of Good Counsel, and Kingsway Learning Center.
Both Moorestown and Haddonfield are close to outstanding universities such as Rowan University, The College of New Jersey, University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and Temple University.
Source 1: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/new-jersey/districts/moorestown-township-public-school-district/moorestown-high-school-12655
Source 2: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/new-jersey/districts/haddonfield-board-of-education/haddonfield-memorial-high-school-12568, https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3410710&DistrictID=3410710
Source 3: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&details=1&ID2=3406390&DistrictID=3406390
Downtown
One of the most appealing aspects of both Moorestown and Haddonfield is their thriving tree-lined downtown streets. With restaurants, shops, and businesses all within one walkable street, Moorestown and Haddonfield are two South Jersey towns with a small community feel in the town center.
Also known as Kings Highway, Haddonfield’s downtown is host to many events and festivals, including First Night Haddonfield, a substance-free New Year’s Eve celebration that is going into its 17th year. Named “Best of Philly” Main Street Shopping by Philadelphia Magazine, it’s no wonder Haddonfield’s downtown attracts visitors from all over the area.
Main Street in Moorestown is home to scores of restaurants, shops, places of worship, historic houses, banks, and the Moorestown Community House. Moorestown Main Street is also host to many parades and festivals, including the 4th of July parade and the Autumn in Moorestown festival.
Food & Drink
Haddonfield is a dry town, meaning there are some BYOB restaurants but no places in the immediate town limits with liquor licenses or stores that sell liquor. There are plenty of options right outside of town if you are looking for a watering hole – like P.J. Whelihan’s and The Pour House.
Moorestown has plenty of options for libations, including many at the Moorestown Mall and surrounding areas. However, restaurants on Main Street Moorestown are mostly BYOB, making them affordable options for a night out on the town.
To learn more, check out our Moorestown and Haddonfield dining guides.
Shopping
Haddonfield and Moorestown both enjoy thriving main streets with easily walkable restaurants and shopping destinations. Haddonfield has more retail shops in their downtown. However, Moorestown is close to more upscale and big box shopping choices, with Centerton Square, The Promenade, and Moorestown and Cherry Hill Malls nearby.
Proximity and Transportation
Moorestown is close to Highway 295, Route 38, Route 73, and the NJ Turnpike. With central bus stations in nearby Mt. Laurel, Moorestown is a hub for commuters. There’s also a direct bus route with wifi to NYC off Fellowship Road which is a popular route. Just a 20 minute drive to Philadelphia, Moorestown residents can easily commute into the city. Moorestown borders Cinnaminson, Willingboro, Mt. Laurel, and Maple Shade.
Haddonfield is a perfect commuter town for city workers. With a Patco station right off Kings Highway, it’s an easy commute for anyone trying to get into downtown Philadelphia with only a 15 minute train ride. Proximate to Highway 295 and the NJ Turnpike. Haddonfield shares borders with Haddon Township, Haddon Heights, Barrington and Tavistock, and is a short drive to Cherry Hill.
Source 1: http://www.moorestown.nj.us/190/About-Moorestown
Source 2: http://www.haddonfieldnj.org/information/about_our_town/index.php
Home Comparisons
Both Moorestown and Haddonfield have a ton of historical character. In general, Haddonfield has smaller lot sizes and slightly higher taxes, while Moorestown has newer developments and larger land plots.
Haddonfield homes tend to be older, single-family homes, while Moorestown has a mix of older homes in its historical district and newer homes and developments spread out around along the northeast side of town.
Home prices range in both Haddonfield and Moorestown. Single-family homes for sale start as low as $100,000 and go up to $5M and beyond. There is a wide range of housing pricing options in both towns, with something for almost every home buyer.
Walkability
Moorestown is approximately 15 square miles. If you’re living close to Main Street, you can walk all around the historical district of Moorestown, however, parts of Moorestown are more spread out and are not easily walkable. Haddonfield is not as spread out, and is extremely walkable at just under 3 square miles.
Source: http://www.moorestown.nj.us/190/About-Moorestown
Neighborhoods
While we mentioned that Haddonfield is a walkable town, Moorestown has some distinct neighborhoods for people looking to build community within walking distance. Developments like Moorestown Hunt and Laurel Creek provide residents a sense of community that they might not get in other South Jersey towns. Both built by Toll Brothers in the late nineties and early 2000s, Moorestown Hunt has over 250 single-family homes, while Laurel Creek has over 450 homes that sit on or around the Laurel Creek golf course.
By The Numbers…
Population
Moorestown – around 20,726 residents as of the 2010 census.
Haddonfield – around 11,593 residents as of the 2010 census.
Housing Units
Moorestown – 7,862 as of the 2010 census.
Haddonfield – 4,634 as of the 2010 census.
Source: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045216/3400547880,3428770,00
Home Listings and Sales for Moorestown and Haddonfield
The average listed home price for Moorestown was $600,793, compared to $577,912 for Haddonfield. The Sold Average for Moorestown was $539,942 compared to $533,225 for Haddonfield.
| Town | Date | Units Listed | Listed Volume | Listed Average | Pended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moorestown | 2016 | 509 | $305,803,561 | $600,793 | 322 |
| Haddonfield | 2016 | 360 | $208,048,386 | $577,912 | 224 |
| Town | Date | Units Sold | Sold Volume | Sold Average | Average DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moorestown | 2016 | 318 | $171,701,578 | $539,942 | 87 |
| Haddonfield | 2016 | 227 | $121,042,098 | $533,225 | 82 |
Taxes
Haddonfield is located in Camden County, while Moorestown is part of Burlington County. Generally speaking, Haddonfield residents pay more in taxes than Moorestown residents, as the tax rate for Haddonfield is higher.
Moorestown total property tax rate is 2.497 for 2016, with an average total property tax of $11,693. Haddonfield total property tax rate is 2.922 for 2016, with an average total property tax of $14,275.
| Haddonfield | Moorestown | |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Rates | ||
| County Property Tax Rate | 0.839 | 0.447 |
| School Property Tax Rate | 1.584 | 1.630 |
| Municipal Property Tax Rate | 0.499 | 0.420 |
| Total Property Tax Rate | 2.922 | 2.497 |
| Average Residential Property Taxes | ||
| Avg. Residential Property Value | $488,481 | $468,181 |
| Avg. County Property Taxes | $4,099 | $2,095 |
| Avg. School Property Taxes | $7,737 | $7,630 |
| Avg. Municipal Property Taxes | $2,439 | $1,968 |
| Avg. Total Property Taxes | $14,275 | $11,693 |
Source: 2016 http://nj.gov/dca/divisions/dlgs/resources/property_tax.html
Recently sold properties for Moorestown in the tax records can vary from 60% to 160% of the assessed value depending on when they were assessed. Recently sold properties for Haddonfield in the tax records can vary from 68% to 114% of the assessed value depending on when they were assessed. This comparison is based on a sample of recent homes sold considering averages (trimmed mean of 90%). This consideration is worthwhile because the bigger effect on your taxes comes from how often and at what level that tax level of the property is assessed. Haddonfield seems to have more accurate assessments than Moorestown from the 2015 and 2016 sample we took.
Source: http://nj.gov/dca/divisions/dlgs/resources/property_tax.html
Conclusion
If you are looking for a great place to raise a family or reside in South Jersey, you can’t go wrong with either Moorestown or Haddonfield. With great schools, active communities, vibrant downtowns, and great public facilities, both towns are worth considering in your home search. Need more help making your decision? Contact us today and we’ll talk it through with you.