Voorhees vs. Marlton (Evesham): A South Jersey Living Comparison

If you are looking to buy a home in South Jersey, you have almost certainly narrowed your search down to the “corridor” of top-tier suburbs. Two of the biggest contenders are always Voorhees and Marlton.

They share a border, they share similar home styles, and to an outsider, they might look exactly the same. But if you sit down with a local over coffee, they will tell you these two towns cater to very different lifestyles.

First, let’s clear up the geography because it confuses everyone. Voorhees is a township in Camden County. Marlton is technically a community located within Evesham Township in Burlington County. While the official municipality is Evesham, almost everyone calls the area Marlton.

Both put you roughly 15 to 20 miles from Philadelphia, but how you get there—and what you pay to live there—varies significantly. Let’s break down the rivalry.

Commuting to Philadelphia: The PATCO Factor

If your job requires you to be in Center City Philadelphia five days a week, this section might make the decision for you. The biggest logistical difference between these towns is the train.

The Voorhees Advantage

Voorhees is “PATCO country.” The township is served by the Ashland Station (and partially the Voorhees Town Center station). For a daily commuter, this is a game-changer. You can park your car, hop on the high-speed line, and be at 8th & Market in Philadelphia in about 26 minutes. It runs 24/7 and avoids the bridge traffic entirely.

The Marlton Reality

Marlton does not have a train station. If you buy here, your commute likely involves driving down Route 70 or Route 73 to the Ben Franklin Bridge. While the drive is manageable (30 to 50 minutes depending on the time of day), you are at the mercy of rush hour congestion.

Many Marlton residents opt for NJ Transit buses, like the 406, which pick up along the highway. It’s a reliable option, but it doesn’t offer the speed or predictability of the rail line.

Commuter Snapshot:

• Voorhees: Train access is seamless. Ideal for 9-to-5 Philly workers.
• Marlton: Car-dependent or bus access. Better if you work locally in South Jersey or have flexible hours to avoid bridge traffic.

School Districts: Eastern Regional vs. Cherokee

For many buyers, the school district is the anchor of their home search. Because these towns are in different counties, they feed into completely different regional high school systems.

Voorhees: Eastern Regional

Residents in Voorhees send their teens to Eastern Regional High School. Historically, Eastern is renowned for its academic rigor and a very strong arts program. It has a slightly smaller enrollment than its neighbor but offers a massive variety of AP courses and extracurriculars. The K-8 district (Voorhees Township Schools) is also highly rated and feeds directly into Eastern.

Marlton: Cherokee High School

Marlton is part of the Lenape Regional High School District, and students attend Cherokee High School. If you drive through town on a Friday night, you’ll see orange and brown everywhere—the “Chiefs” culture is huge here. Cherokee is a powerhouse for athletics and school spirit, with an enrollment often exceeding 2,000 students. Like Voorhees, the local K-8 district (Evesham Township Schools) is excellent and prepares students well for the high school transition.

The Bottom Line: Both districts are highly desirable. Eastern often attracts those focused heavily on arts and academics, while Cherokee offers a quintessential “big high school” sports and spirit experience.

Cost of Living & Property Taxes

When moving to New Jersey, the property tax bill is always a hot topic. This is where the county line—Camden vs. Burlington—makes a tangible difference to your monthly mortgage payment.

Generally speaking, Evesham (Marlton) benefits from a lower effective tax rate than Voorhees. While tax rates fluctuate year to year, Burlington County municipalities often have a slight edge over their Camden County neighbors regarding the tax-per-dollar ratio.

However, the real estate market balances this out. You might find that a home listed for $500,000 in Marlton moves much faster than a similar home in Voorhees because buyers are chasing that lower tax bill. Conversely, you might get “more house” for your money in Voorhees (square footage or lot size) because the higher taxes suppress the listing price slightly.

If you are budget-conscious, ask your agent to run the full monthly numbers—principal, interest, and taxes—for homes in both towns. The list price rarely tells the whole story.

Shopping, Dining & Vibe: The Promenade vs. Town Center

What do you want to do on a Saturday afternoon? The commercial vibes of these two towns are distinct.

Marlton: The Bustling Hub

Marlton is busy. It is the retail heart of the area, anchored by The Promenade at Sagemore. This is an upscale, open-air lifestyle center featuring high-end brands like Apple, Anthropologie, and Lululemon.

Beyond The Promenade, the Route 70 and Route 73 corridors are packed with every big-box store and chain restaurant imaginable. If you love having everything within a five-minute drive and don’t mind navigating heavy traffic, Marlton is the place to be.

Voorhees: Residential & Redeveloping

Voorhees feels a bit more spread out and residential. Its commercial hub, the Voorhees Town Center (formerly the Echelon Mall), is currently in a major transition phase. As of late 2026, mixed-use redevelopment plans are moving forward to turn the area into a blend of housing, dining, and retail, but it is currently much quieter than Marlton’s aggressive retail scene.

Dining in Voorhees is excellent but less “chain-heavy.” You have great local spots and are also just a quick drive from Haddonfield’s famous downtown dining scene.

Healthcare Hubs: Virtua & Cooper

We can’t talk about this area without mentioning healthcare. If you are a medical professional, both towns are prime locations for employment and proximity to work.

• Voorhees is home to the massive Virtua Voorhees Hospital campus on Route 73. It is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a regional medical hub.
• Marlton hosts Virtua Marlton Hospital and is densely packed with urgent cares, specialist offices, and outpatient centers along the highway.

Regardless of where you live, you are never more than 10 minutes from top-tier medical care.

FAQ: Common Questions from Homebuyers

Is Marlton the same as Evesham Township?

Yes and no. Evesham Township is the official name of the municipality for government and tax purposes. “Marlton” is the Census-Designated Place (CDP) and the name you will see on mailing addresses. Locals almost exclusively use the name Marlton.

Which town has lower property taxes, Voorhees or Marlton?

Typically, Marlton (Evesham) has a lower effective property tax rate than Voorhees. However, exact taxes depend on the specific assessment of the home you buy. Always check the specific tax history of a property before making an offer.

Does the PATCO train go to Marlton?

No. The PATCO Speedline runs through Camden County. The closest stations to Marlton are Ashland or Lindenwold, but they require a drive into the neighboring townships. Marlton commuters rely on driving or NJ Transit buses.

Are the schools better in Voorhees or Evesham?

Both towns have highly rated school districts that attract buyers specifically for education. Voorhees (Eastern Regional) and Marlton (Cherokee) both offer extensive AP curriculums, special education services, and extracurriculars. The “better” choice usually comes down to whether your student prefers a spirited, large sports environment (Cherokee) or a slightly smaller, arts-and-academic focused environment (Eastern).

Final Verdict: Which Town Fits Your Life?

Both towns offer safe streets, beautiful parks, and great housing stock. Choosing between them usually comes down to your commute and your lifestyle preference.

Choose Voorhees if:

• You work in Center City Philadelphia and want a stress-free train commute via PATCO.
• You prefer a slightly quieter, more residential atmosphere over a bustling retail scene.
• You work at the new Virtua Voorhees campus.

Choose Marlton if:

• You want to maximize your monthly budget with a generally lower tax rate.
• You love being minutes away from premier shopping at The Promenade and don’t mind traffic.
• You commute by car to various points in South Jersey rather than just downtown Philly.